Spinning reel equivalent to the Curado

[WRB]

I picked a Shimano Aero Stradic 1000  with wood T handle in the late 90’s at a Local Boys & Girls club auction before the reels had alpha letters. My son used this reel for over 20 years catching hundreds of big bass and I still have it. What is amazing everything is original and still going strong, 

Tom 

[redmeansdistortion]

Another worthy mention, although it's a love it or hate it reel, the Daiwa SS Tournament.  I still use the same one I bought 25 years ago, the drag is excellent.  I have the SS 1300 and it has been my go to spinning reel for years.  It's tough as nails, easy to self service, and has probably the smoothest drag I've ever used in a spinner.  Even compared with modern models, that drag is still the sweetest of them all.  Also, unlike most reels that use an oscillating gear, it uses a worm drive like a baitcast reel.  This lets it lay the line in a manner that makes it exceptionally good at long casts. 

 

Now, on to the shortcomings.  It screams 1980s.  The design of the reel hasn't changed since release.  Still the same reel I purchased long ago.  Second, the rotor is unbalanced so it can be a little wobbly on the retrieve.  While it does put off some, it can also be beneficial in giving your bait a little more action.  Third, it has no instant anti-reverse, but uses an older ratchet style system.  The wee bit of back play in the handle is a put off for many, but I have no complaints personally.  Lastly, it isn't as smooth or refined feeling as most modern reels.

 

I really love the reel and still choose it over every other spinner on my shelf.  It works day in and day out.  It has taken dunks, gotten sandy on a river bank, and Lord knows all the spawn goo that has been all over that thing.  It still works great and will probably last me a good amount longer.  Daiwa sells it for only $5 more than I paid in 1995, $104.99.

[Msl819]

What does Daiwa offer in their lineup that is comparable to or competitive with the Stradic?

[roadwarrior]

WOW!

You are a loyal customer.

 

Now, on to the shortcomings.  It screams 1980s.  The design of the reel hasn't changed since release.  Still the same reel I purchased long ago.  Second, the rotor is unbalanced so it can be a little wobbly on the retrieve.  While it does put off some, it can also be beneficial in giving your bait a little more action.  Third, it has no instant anti-reverse, but uses an older ratchet style system.  The wee bit of back play in the handle is a put off for many, but I have no complaints personally.  Lastly, it isn't as smooth or refined feeling as most modern reels.

 

[redmeansdistortion]

20 minutes ago, Msl819 said:

What does Daiwa offer in their lineup that is comparable to or competitive with the Stradic?

Tatula LT

[jimmyjoe]

41 minutes ago, Msl819 said:

What does Daiwa offer in their lineup that is comparable to or competitive with the Stradic?

 

   BG series. They're metal, so they're a little heavier than the plastic reels Daiwa makes, but they're solid as stone. If you want to do your own maintenance, they're also easier for that.

 

  

  

   There aren't many reels as smooth and powerful as the BG series at this price point ...... if any.           jj

 

   p.s. - I place a very high priority on ruggedness and longevity. Some other people don't feel the same way.

  

[FishTank]

I have tried several reels from multiple brands, even some other higher end Shimano's, and the Stradic line sort of stands out on it's own as the best bang for the buck (long term) reel.  It's just a workhorse.  

[NYBasser]

All my spinning reels are currently Stradics and they have been awesome, haven't really had a reason to try anything else.

[sideways2]

Daiwa... gave up Shimano back then for Daiwa... you can't convince to ever switch back LOL!!

[MickD]

13 hours ago, Msl819 said:

What is biggest advantage of anti-reverse to you?

Anti reverse allows one to give line to a fish without back-reeling, which can with the right fish be a problem since it's hard to keep up with a really fast fish.  Also, line can be given without getting knuckles busted by spinning handles.  I almost always fish with it engaged, but it's nice to have the switch so it can be turned off to give a little line when I've reeled up too far between casts.  Or turned off if I want to back-reel on occasion.  I've never had a problem with "water getting in."  Never had any problem with any one-way clutch on a reel.  As long as I can find a good reel with the switch, I won't buy one without the switch.  

[bulldog1935]

Stradic was my first experience with spinning reels w/o selective anti-reverse - I got used to them fast enough on baitcasters, especially not having to replace anti-reverse pawls every few years.  

If you need to feed line, it's easy-enough to halfway open the bail and if you're fishing braid, you should be manual bail, anyway.  

But to me, the advantage of IAR full-time anti-reverse is the simpler mechanism.  

It won't be too long, auto-bail-closure will disappear from all spinning reels, as well.  

[TBAG]

Hands down Stradic, I mean just look at all the other replies in this thread............

 

Don't waste your time or money on anything else.

[Msl819]

Thanks y’all, this is helpful.