Reel replacement idea for Shimano ci4 2500F for bass fishing?

[aimcat]

My husband has a ci4 2500F Shimano reel and it has recently compeltely messed up and cannot get parts for it any longer. What would be a comparable reel in price and quality for this I can get as a gift? We just bass fish so just same size as this one. Shimano, Abu, Daiwa brands? 

[Rockhopper]

vanford fa

also parts https://fishshop.shimano.com/collections/stci4c3000hgfb

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, aimcat said:

My husband has a ci4 2500F Shimano reel and it has recently compeltely messed up and cannot get parts for it any longer. What would be a comparable reel in price and quality for this I can get as a gift? We just bass fish so just same size as this one. Shimano, Abu, Daiwa brands? 

Stradic ci4?  I'd just get another stradic 2500.  The spools will work on the new one.

 

I'm also surprised that you can't get parts for it.  The stradic series has tons of common parts across different reels in the lineup over the years.  Have you checked with @Delaware Valley Tackle, site sponsor and all around good guy?

[J._Bricker]

Hello @aimcat, and welcome to Bass Resource. I’m guessing you’re asking for advice to replace the Stradic Ci4 with an improved model of similar size and capability without breaking the bank. I’d also recommend the Shimano Vanford 3000XGF and currently many retailers are offering holiday discounts. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

What does “completely messed up “ mean exactly? I’d be somewhat surprised if a reel that age is not salvageable. If you just want to give him a nice gift, yes the Vanford replaced the ci4. Don’t let him throw away the Stradic. It’s at least worth a little as a parts reel. 

[aimcat]

He is selling the ci4 to a friend that fixes up reels. He has the Vanford on a few other rods. What is something else I could get to change it up? 

[bulldog1935]

The tough upgrade from Stradic and Vanford is Twin Power.  

(Vanford is simply the new name for Stradic CI4+).  

The finesse upgrade is Japan-Market-only Vanquish.  

Stella is top-line with magnesium body and rotor, stainless gears.  

 

My assessment is Shimano worm-drive (Stradic-up) since 2018 is the best spinning design ever for hard use and long life.  

When you get to low-end spinning reels, Daiwa builds tougher reels.  

But he already has and appreciates the best - sounds like you should be looking at upgrading his selection, which is Twin Power and Stella.  

[Gera]

7 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

The finesse upgrade is Japan-Market-only Vanquish. 

Isn't the upgrade the Sustain?? 

[aimcat]

I need to find something in the 250 range though....maybe up to 300

[WRB]

Twin Power from Japan Lure Shop approx $295 USD, would a stronger upgrade reel.

Tom

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard! Good suggestions above for replacements.

I'm a huge fan of the CI4+, mine is a 1000 size and is my fav

reel at the moment. Vanford is the replacement, as mentioned.

I'd stick with Shimano, probably a Vanford, or as @WRB 

suggested, the Twin Power. Have a look at some of the Japanese

sites for some JDM reels. They're not commonly sold here in

the states.

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I have the same reel.  I retired mine for the same reason, little to no spare parts available for a 15 year old reel.  

I would replace it with a Vanford 2500, but if you want to change it up, you could go with a Daiwa Tatula MQ or Kage LT.  The Daiwas use a main gear that about the size 4000 shimano, which makes them powerful little reels.  If you want to stick with Shimano you go for Stradic FM or go to a JDM site and get a Twin Power for a good price.  The only bad part about buying JDM is that you dont get the warranty that you would get had you bought it here in the states.  Quality control is very good, especially with higher end reels like twin power, so odds of an issue are very very low.