Brand new Stradic FL 2500HG

[VGT]

Hey guys just bought the newly released Stradic FL, now just sold as the “Stradic” since the Vanford took the CI4’s Spot. Replacing an old Sahara 1500FB that was damaged. Went to the Local tackle shop that has a huge inventory, was gonna go to bass pro but they were sold out in store of many models, and compared the Stradic and Vanford. Pretty much identical reels design wise just different materials and the Vanford has got a  bit more aggressive look to it. Both extremely light compared to my 10oz (I think) Sahara. The Vanford although only slightly lighter than the FL felt a bit lighter but not as solid as the FL both equally smooth. Took the FL home unboxed it and really compared it too my Sahara. Took the spool off and the drag/ spool nut felt rather cheap and flimsy compared to my Sahara but no biggie. Both have very similar “starting inertia” when giving the handle a turn with the FL just a bit smoother. Although noted my Sahara will rotate it self when I drop the handle the FL does it when the spool is bottomed out in its cycle, I assume it may just need some good use to get the grease where it wants to rest. The single piece bail wire is also very nice hope I don’t bend it. Overall thought it would be a little nicer piece of hardware for $200 compared to what I got for $80 10+ years ago but happy none the less, one thing that does annoy is the spool has vertical play of about 1/16” seems to return the low side most of the time, my Sahara spool has only got 1/32” of vertical play and always returns to the low side after a couple spins. Hope I can get the line lay nice, had to play with the spool washers out of the box. 

[LCG]

My stradic FL is all I could ever ask for in a reel. Lays line absolutely perfect, solid build, butter smooth drag and retrieve under load is powerful. Should last a very long time. Fished mine all spring, summer, and fall. No issues at all. Perfect out of the box. 

[VGT]

1 hour ago, LCG said:

My stradic FL is all I could ever ask for in a reel. Lays line absolutely perfect, solid build, butter smooth drag and retrieve under load is powerful. Should last a very long time. Fished mine all spring, summer, and fall. No issues at all. Perfect out of the box. 

I’m hoping It will! Supposed to go fishing tomorrow pretty excited to see how it goes.

[DomQ]

I agree. The stradic is a tank. If the stradic was a transformer it would be Ironhide. Pew pew 

[LCG]

The Stradic FL was my first Shimano reel. I was so impressed, I sold off my other reels and replaced them with a Curado K and a SLX MGL. Been an expensive year, but worth every penny. 

 

A good friend recommended me to buy Shimano reels way back when. Always thought they were too expensive, so bought Abu Garcia, Pflueger, and Daiwa reels prior. They are gone now, not bad reels, but not near the quality of the reels I have now. You will be happy. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

You wont be disappointed with the FL.  You should notice a big difference between the 2 when once there is some resistance.  Hex pins aren't bad, but handles that thread it have a better connection which gives you a better overall feel.  It can vary from reel to reel, but the FL should stack line a little better then the Sahara.  

[VGT]

Went fishing at my local pond, and man does this thing cast nicely, definitely smoother than the Sahara than I thought, the bail action is also incredibly smooth and light, much happier with it once I got I out out on the water, didn't catch any bass but caught two small rainbows. The Quality between old shimano and new just wasn't as huge as moving from my diawa CC80 to my curado 200K but very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend.