Stradic FL 2500 vs 3000

[Tail Slap]

Does anyone see a reason/benefit to choosing the Stradic FL 2500 over the 3000?  They are the exact same reel body and drag with only the spool having more line capacity.  They are even within a 0.1 oz in weight.  I find the current Stradic FL to be one if not the best spinner under $300.  8ncurrent have a 3k and need another similar sized reel and was trying to consider any possible benefit to the 2500 rather than getting a exact duplicate 3k.  I will use the reel for river trout (browns rainbow brook) and also small & large mouth.  Priority waters: Delaware, Shenandoah,  Potamac, Susquehanna and their tribs.  Secondary: lakes, ponds, + light backbay.

 

All I can think of is having a smaller cap spool saving the small amount of weight in line & spool when it's on a trout rod such as a St Croix 6'4" L F 2pc trout series rod @ 2.8oz.  But it's such a tiny amount I can not see the point.  I could go to the 1k but I loose cross over ability.  For bass it will be on a ALX Enox Wizard 7'2" MF.

[inferiorfisherman]

Get the 3000.  I have both.  The carbon drag on the 3000 is better and worth the $10 extra.  I ended up getting 3000 spools for the 2500 just so I could get the carbon drag.  I tried the aftermarket carbon washers made for the FL and they were too thick for the 2500 spool to operate properly and the drag would not go all the way out.  The only reason I could see for anyone wanting the 2500 over the 3000 would be if they really did not want to waste any line and didn't need the capacity of the 3000.  If you go straight braid like I do and like the expensive stuff you will end up spooling about $40 of braid or so onto it.  

[Reel]

You save more weight than that because you have to take into account the fact that there is a lot less line on the spool.  Line is weight.  Also, for a 3000, the spool is deeper so the line ( braid) has a tendency to bunch up a little because it lays on a thicker bed of line.  For a 2500, there is less line over the metal spool making for a more even surface and longer casts.  Also, the handle on a 3000 is different from the one on a 2500.  Depends on what type you like.

[inferiorfisherman]

36 minutes ago, Reel said:

You save more weight than that because you have to take into account the fact that there is a lot less line on the spool.  Line is weight.  Also, for a 3000, the spool is deeper so the line ( braid) has a tendency to bunch up a little because it lays on a thicker bed of line.  For a 2500, there is less line over the metal spool making for a more even surface and longer casts.  Also, the handle on a 3000 is different from the one on a 2500.  Depends on what type you like.

Good points on the handle and weight of extra line.  I have not seen any line lay differences in the 2.  I think Shimano's slow oscillation design helps with that.  Both of them lay line smoother than any spinning reel I have ever used.  

[ironbjorn]

You don't need that much line for bass.

[bulldog1935]

I like the shallower spools on spinning reels, especially for braid - it's how you get perfect flat line lay and perfect casts.  

Very few people will ever need more than a few pounds of drag - 2-1/2 lbs is all you need for 10-lb test.  

I would also consider the 3000 to be more of an inshore size.  

 

Speaking of inshore, shallow spools, handles and knobs, my 4000

on my kayak, I carry the original loaded spool for a back-up, along with a back-up baitcaster

The Pelican case is actually both small and light

[Chris at Tech]

I usually buy the 3k size for two reasons.

 

1. I prefer the T-handle over the knob
2. My Stradics take on double duty targeting inshore saltwater fish as well so find comfort in having a little extra line capacity just in case

[li_bass_hunter]

I like shimano’s 2500 reels. I don’t like the “t-handle”

[LCG]

I have the 2500 FL spooled with about 140yds of straight 20lb suffix 832 braid and a 6lb mono leader. More line than I have ever needed so far and the felt drag is super smooth. Plus the felt is a $0.99 replacement if it goes bad eventually. The FL is a solid reel with power to spare. Fantastic reel. 

[Tail Slap]

The handle I did not realize.   I knew about the drag but forgot about that..

 

I did consider the line weight but it's possibly more weight than I realized on the spool..

 

I wonder what the total weight difference would be fully loaded with same line..

 

I do know the drag on the 3k is very good certainly up to inshore sw fishing.

 

Outside weight I do not have an issue with more line than needed IF it does not create a line lay issue.  My 3k has very good line lay.  Maybe it varies reel to reel.

 

At this point I do not have a significant preference on these reels.  Happy so far

 

But thank you guys  I missed way  more differences then I realized.   I am glad I asked.  

 

My two favorite mid priced spinners are the Stradic FL and the Certate LT.  I added the xtra bearings used in the Stella to Stradic swapping out the bushings.  Only a few had a noticeable  effect on use.  When you look at the tech the Stradic has I was surprised how much of it is also in  the Stella.

[Hulkster]

I always prefer the 3000 size shimanos because I love the T shaped handle found on them. the 2500 has the little handle knob found on the small reels like the 1000 sizes. 

[Tail Slap]

I found a great compromise to give me extra function.

 

After some more checking I went with another Stradic FL C3k as I do use these for inshore back bay and tidal rivers as well.  So I looked into what spools were available in 2500 size   I saw they offer the 2500S a JDM  shallow spool. Thinking of grabbing 2 of these xtra spools for both 3k reels.  I can load one up with 10lb J Braid Grand  and use 8lb fluoro leader.  Will mount it on  a MB F3.5 6'6" X4 House of Finesse I just picked up. 

 

The other spool with 6lb J braid grand and 2-4lb fluoro to use on some of the trout creeks.     I will need to pu a trout rod. I think something short around 5½' for easy of use in these heavily tree"d small creeks and ideally 2 piece to make it easier to hike in with.   Might try going down to 2lb leader and let that drag work the brookies and wild rainbows.  Never run a real UL setup I have seen others use on trout creeks around here.  Gonna be interesting tying knots on that small diameter line.  I typically use FG for braid to fluoro/mono and Palmar/Rapala to metal.

 

 

 

[UNC1078]

On 4/25/2021 at 9:52 PM, Tail Slap said:

The handle I did not realize.   I knew about the drag but forgot about that..

 

I did consider the line weight but it's possibly more weight than I realized on the spool..

 

I wonder what the total weight difference would be fully loaded with same line..

 

I do know the drag on the 3k is very good certainly up to inshore sw fishing.

 

Outside weight I do not have an issue with more line than needed IF it does not create a line lay issue.  My 3k has very good line lay.  Maybe it varies reel to reel.

 

At this point I do not have a significant preference on these reels.  Happy so far

 

But thank you guys  I missed way  more differences then I realized.   I am glad I asked.  

 

My two favorite mid priced spinners are the Stradic FL and the Certate LT.  I added the xtra bearings used in the Stella to Stradic swapping out the bushings.  Only a few had a noticeable  effect on use.  When you look at the tech the Stradic has I was surprised how much of it is also in  the Stella.

Haha, I wouldn't call the certate Lt "midprice."

[bulldog1935]

21 hours ago, Tail Slap said:

...

After some more checking I went with another Stradic FL C3k as I do use these for inshore back bay and tidal rivers as well.  So I looked into what spools were available in 2500 size   I saw they offer the 2500S a JDM  shallow spool. Thinking of grabbing 2 of these xtra spools for both 3k reels. ...

 

Need to make sure you're matching the correct reel body for spool stroke.  

JDM has the C2500SHG that's based on the small frame and uses the wrong (for you) S-27 spool (very likely a deep spool)-

- you need S-20 spool on your mid-size reel body.  

And you're correct with JDM 2500S and 2500SHG spools.  

 

[Tail Slap]

Keeper,

 

thank you very much for the spool info.  So for my C3000 the 2500S is the S-20 length and will work for me.

 

Knowing me I would have seen the C2500 got confused associating with my C3k and order the wrong one.

 

 

Minnow,

 

No doubt the Certate  LT  is not cheap and that again for the larger SW series.  I would not even call the Stradic FL a cheap or budget friendly reel.  Now for what you get in value I think the Stradic FL is great but $200 up is not what many call lower cost lol.

 

The Certate was just a real surprise to me when I got to handle one.   For awhile now I have been sold on Shimano for egg beaters.  

But the way Daiwa actually did something really innovative with the frame and gear mount got my attention.  While Shimano has tweaked this, added a gasket here, a bearing there, in terms of real innovation, they have been somewhat stagnet for yrs now.  Then I got a Certate 5000D in hand and was really impressed.   It was the smoothest spinning reel I think I have ever felt.  It's fit and finish was great as well.  To me it's worth $350ish.  The LT and SW are well sealed have good bearing support and that huge main digi-gear.

 

I SW fish so I plan to pu not only a Certate LT 5kD but a SW 10k as well.

 

Here's my spinning reel  list:

 

Stradic FL 1k + xtra 1000S spool

2x Stradic FL C3k + 2 xtra 2500S spool  

Certate LT 5000D 

Certate SW 10k

Gosa SWA 20k 

 

Still have a few to acquire to check them all off.  They will cover everything for me from Brook Trout and Gills thru BFT for spinning reels.  Thought  about a Exist 1k for a trout setup but the cost for only 1 oz weight saving at an  extra cost of $600!?! over the Stradic on such a setup I do not see the worth.  If I own a Stella or Saltiga or Exist it will be used  as I can  not see myself spending  $800-$1200 on a reel.

 

Thank you all for the help.

 

 

 

 

[Tail Slap]

Sorry UNC and Bulldog, I was not with it and filled in status ranking instead of usernames.  Wow have not done something like that before.

 

 

[bulldog1935]

On 5/7/2021 at 7:51 AM, Tail Slap said:

thank you very much for the spool info.  So for my C3000 the 2500S is the S-20 length and will work for me.

 

Knowing me I would have seen the C2500 got confused associating with my C3k and order the wrong one.

 

All correct, C3000 and 2500 are same S-20 stroke

C2500 is smaller stroke S-27 spool for small frame reel -

- could be an expensive mistake shipping from Japan.  

 

Throwing up this nice Shimano Yumeya custom offered in 2500 and 4000 sizes, lists spool number, diameter and stroke

Plat has this shallow Yumeya for $101, forged alloy, fancy anodize, plus spool bearing -

- and of course you can order the stock Stradic spool from their Repair Parts for $52.  

Regards

[Tail Slap]

Oh why did you have to show me stuff like that. ? That looks sweet.  Would certainly give it a unique look.   Thx

[bulldog1935]

I was looking for the diameter and stroke reference, but I've bought 3 Yumeya spools to share between my five Stradics and Vanquish.  

 

The most worthwhile upgrade to any Shimano for salt service is the MTCW titanium line roller

(same part also sells under Jackson brand)

The reason the Shimano stock line roller needs all those silly seals jam-packed with lithium grease is that it's chromed brass.  

 

rubber seals = saltwater in, humidity only out, salt left behind

Daiwa's line roller is better, same that Tica uses, TiN plasma-coated inside and out.  

[Tail Slap]

Bulldog, 

 

Thanks for the line roller info.  Definitely doing that as all my spinners see salt use.

 

That yumeya topped reel looks sick.  Love that and the handle bring it all together.

 

Was just looking at some of those Yumeya spools.  Little confused on this one. Still learning on the sinner spools as never upgraded or swapped those before.

 

Below, shows it's a C3000S but then lists it as a S-23 size spool?  The spool capacity is the same PE 0.8-150m as the oem 2500S S-20 spool.  I thought Stella stradic fl etc all used compatible spools.  Is this for a different reel model?  The drag is sure low compared to oem.

 

[bulldog1935]

See the 14.5 mm stroke - that's a '15/'16 Stradic FK stroke not the '18/'19 FL

 

 

You have to be careful watching the date changes on Shimano spools.  

Here's that full catalog page if you want to download it. 

 

[Tail Slap]

Also if the yumeya is 2500 is shallow like oem 2500s I guess they errored on the line capacity as it shows the same for its 4k model and way more than the oem 2500S.  I sure like the look for those spools.

1 minute ago, bulldog1935 said:

See the 14.5 mm stroke - that's a '15/'16 Stradic FK stroke not the '18/'19 FL

Thanks my mistake.  Appreciate it.

I have some ordering to do today.  3-4 line rollers and a few spools.

[bulldog1935]

I honestly don't know if you'll ever need a spool BB - the only time it's loaded is paying drag - but if you want a reason to justify it...?

...hey, that's it - mackerel - I've had kings peel off 100 yds

[Tail Slap]

I cast my 3k out at assateague island va/md near ocean city.  Only into first trough thinking small blue whiting etc.  Hooked into a 38" striper.  15lb main 30lb mono leader out going tide.  Let's just say I was sweating as I started to see bare spool as the fish was still tearing down the shore line as I started really turning the drag up.  I found out those small stradics are pretty tough and has good drags as was my mh inshore vpr star rod.  

 

I will happily swap out that bushing for a top grade bearing lol.

 

 

Hey what's your thought on double handle on some of the spinner models like the jdm Stella certate lt and saltiga?  I was thinking the smooth balance might be nice on the smaller reels for lure retrieve work?  I like the feel but the look is so odd as I am so use to singles.!?!  Maybe the counter weight single you have is the better compromise?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bulldog1935]

@Tail Slap

I'm a huge fan of double and counter-balanced handles on spinning reels.  It keeps the rotor from loading and spinning by itself under gravity.  

Especially useful on finesse - light strikes like schoolie specs in the dock lights at night.  

We have standing winter trips to the nite lites on Arroyo Colorado barge canal - all tiny glass minnows and big sipping trout (throw in a few snook).  

My most productive reel there is this C1000S with cobbled double handle.  

(Livre base, Gomexus carbon, Avail knobs)

 

 

I've also caught kings sipping tiny pilcher (flies and jigs) 6' below the boat.  They just drift there and don't move until you strike them - then all heck breaks loose.