Stradic CI4+ vs FK smoothness

[raptorwin]

Hello!

 

I am looking to purchase a new reel and I really like the design/ weight of the stradic CI4+.

However, after trying the 3000 size FK and CI4+, it feels that the FK is smoother, with less of a "grind". 

For instance, when I spin the reels, it looks as though the FK spins for longer than the CI4+/. 

Looking around the internet, some people attribute this to the composition of the ci4 body. 

I'm not sure if it's because I tried a lemon, or if there really is a difference. 

I was wondering how people on this forum who own both reels feel about the smoothness of the reels in question. 

 

Appreciate the insight and happy Friday folks!

[NHBull]

I have a couple ci4's and don't have ANY grind!

[Joshua van Wyk]

From what I've felt the Ci4 is considerably smoother than the FK.

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

I've got both in 1000 size and prefer the Ci4+; however, no complaints

about the FK, just that the CI4+ *feels* more refined, smoother to me.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

For starters spinning a handle or a spool gives no indication as to the quality of a reel. It’s paramount to kicking the tires on a car. Doesn’t mean a thing yet we all do it. As for “smoothness “ it’s largely a function of mass. None of the super light reels will feel like a counterpart with some heft all else being equal. I like the Ci4+ but ymmv

[jimmyjoe]

   I had a ci4+ 2500FA. Smooth under all loads. When the 2500FK came out, I was right on it and got 2. Luckily, I tried them out as soon as I got home. One was smooth, no problem. The other one had a "glitch" (for lack of a better term) as the handle went around. It did NOT have this with no load! I returned it the next day, and traded it for another CI4+2500FA. I still have both FA models, and have no troubles. Not one.

   When the new CI4+ FB series came out, I got the CI4+4000FB, because it was so light for the line capacity. I remembered what had happened with the 2500FK, and got line put on at the retailer, and immediately went out and casted a lure.

   Guess what? Noisy. Grindy. And it was bad, but only under load. I took it right back to the retailer and got another one. I took the new one out and casted with it.  The new one was fine, and I still have it. Have had no problems with it.

   For lack of any better explanation, I would say that the consistency of Shimano quality control has fallen off in the last few years. Maybe it's because they have factories outside Japan. Maybe the demands of cost control are creeping up on them, like it is on sooooo many businesses nowadays. I don't know.

   If all other things were equal, I would say that the CI4+ series would be smoother than the FK series. But not all other things are equal. Beware; watch yourself. And watch the product. The assumptions we could have about consistent quality even just 10 years ago aren't valid anymore. Pay attention to the particular product you have in your hand, and not something else. Good luck!      jj

[Scuba Steve]

CI4. Quiet, smooth, and effortless to use. 

[FishTank]

I have the 2500 FK and it's smooth but the Ci4's I have picked up feel smoother and have less wobble (a minimal amount though) on the retrieve.

[onenutinthewater]

I have several of both and really dont notice any difference although I prefer the more solid feeling of the FK.