Shimano Ci4+ vs Daiwa LT spinning reel

[clemsondds]

Looking to get a second spinning reel to go on a my dropshot setup. Can anyone share any insight into these two great reels? Which would you go with? Looking for 2500 size. Thanks!! 

[Tim Kelly]

I dislike the skinny bail wire on Shimanos, but other than personal likes or dislikes, there's not much to choose between similarly priced LT series and Ci4 reels.

[LCG]

While I don't have experience with either of those reels, I would recommend checking out the Stradic FL. Obviously a bit heavier than the two you listed but very smooth and well built. I also find the ultralight weight of some reels tend to throw the balance of the rod off, which for finesse applications can be important some people prefer lightweight setups while others prefer a bit more balance. 

[clemsondds]

2 hours ago, LCG said:

While I don't have experience with either of those reels, I would recommend checking out the Stradic FL. Obviously a bit heavier than the two you listed but very smooth and well built. I also find the ultralight weight of some reels tend to throw the balance of the rod off, which for finesse applications can be important some people prefer lightweight setups while others prefer a bit more balance. 

That’s interesting. Yes I have heard good things about the fl. Has anyone compared these three? I have the CI4+ and really like it. But haven’t really thought about balance. Thanks 

[flyfisher]

I don't have experience with the Daiwa but all my spinning reels are Stradic either the Ci4+ or the standard version.  While I don't have the current models, the ones i have that are a few years old give me no reason to replace them any time soon.  They perform well with minimal maintenance and have yet to give me any issues with heavy use.

[fvogel67]

I use a Tatula 2500 on a 7’ St Croix LE and it couldn’t be more balanced,A real pleasure to fish with.

I also regularly use a Stradic FJ which is an absolute tank and I consider it pretty much bulletproof.

I used to be 100% Shimano,But the last three spinning reels I’ve bought have been Diawa.  BG 2000  SS1300  

Tatula 2500

 

[walleyecrazy]

You honestly can't go wrong with either one. I have a few of the Tatulas and have been nothing but impressed with them. I especially like the fact that Daiwa offers the Tatula in a shallow spool version if you go to the 3000 size. 

[mrpao]

Honestly you cant go wrong with daiwa or shimano. They are both good.

It's all about personal preference.

I have reels from both and can say they both equally as smooth and nice.

One thing to think about is that the Daiwa Lt frames that are made of the carbon light material is kind of flimsy. They reduced the material to save on weight. For normal bass fishing, it shouldn't be much of an issue.

The revros LT does have a thicker frame but not as light as the other LT reels. It is more solid feeling though.

The daiwa Zaion body reels are pretty solid and super light.

[JustJames]

They both pretty good and light weight. Now depends on which LT.
Daiwa seem a lot smoother and a lot less effort to reel. The Tatula LT is also quite a bit cheaper than ci4+.
I have Ci4 2500 and Regalis 1000 LT for crappie. I wanted another reel and decided on Tatula LT. 

[Hammer 4]

In my experience, dollar for dollar, the Diawa spinning reels are much smoother. Also, they didn't abandon the reverse switch on their lower line reels like Shimano did. And I use to be a big fan of Shimano.

[Randy Price]

I've owned both but didn't like the Ballistic or Tatula.  Their frames  both felt cheap/flimsy compared to my Stradic's.  Now before the haters come out I love my  Revros and BG.  Most of my spinning reels are Stradic's or Stradic Ci4+.  I've never used the reverse switch so that wasn't an issue to me.  Maybe it's mental but my Stradic's just seem so much smoother than my Daiwa's. 

[Darren.]

My experience is with Stradics, and I absolutely love my 

CI4+ 1000 (I use 1000 size for bass). If money were no 

object today, without a doubt I'd pick up an LT reel.

 

I like the feel of LT models (hands-on in-store), have always

liked Daiwa's bail wire better. I enjoyed my Lexa before I

gave it to one of my boys.

 

So bottom line, IMO, take your pick.

[Bass Rutten]

Both are very good reels, can't go wrong with either, I've owned both and now own only the tatula. It's just preference, I happened to like the feel of the daiwa better and it's cheaper too, Ive seen them on amazon as low as $130, the 3000 is on there right right now for $144

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

As is so often the case, brands and models all some points in their favor. The self contained Shimano AR, worm gear oscillator, with Daiwa air bail would be sweet. 

[Columbia Craw]

Both reels will do you well. I own both Shimano and Diawa spinning reels and like them both.  I just prefer 3000 series reels and T grips. There is no bad choice here. Lucky boy.