Shimano Stradic vs Okuma VSystem

[centxfisherman]

I'm looking to upgrade to a better quality spinning reel.  I fish primarily for blacks but do make a couple of trips a year to the Texas coast for some inshore Red and Trout fishing.  I like the fact the the VS is all metal and it appears it will fend off corrosion better.  But given that 85% to 90% of my fishing is freshwater for blacks, is that the VS is all metal not that important?  Is there another spinning reel I should be looking at as well?  BTW, I typically fish with 8-10 lb test.

Thanks,

[RobDar]

doesn't the Okuma have a lifetime warranty?

Okuma is all my wife fishes with for just that reason.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

The Shimano Stradic is an outstanding reel. Although it is not recommended for saltwater applications, if you only use it occasionally in those environments and rinse it thoroughly, I think you'll be fine.

[garland]

I recently bought a Daiwa Tierra to compare to my Stradic and have been favorably impressed. Best casting reel -awesome line handling! The Tierra is supposed to handle salt water well. The Stradic is still a great performer but the Daiwa seems to be better. No long term results however.

G.

[timistall]

Welcome aboard!

The Shimano Stradic is an outstanding reel. Although it is not recommended for saltwater applications, if you only use it occasionally in those environments and rinse it thoroughly, I think you'll be fine.

Not True....Stradic 2500s are the number one reel used here on the east coast of FL. We use 10-20lb. braid and light to med. 7' rods for trout, snook, reds, and tarpon. (some weighing over 40lb.)

[RoLo]

Having no experience with Okuma, I have no opinion.

Three brands that I would recommend for saltwater exposure are Shimano, Daiwa and Penn.

Most any model within these three brands is corrosion-resistant at the least, and some are corrosion-proof.

If you want a reel you can "dunk" in saltwater, then you want a "Stradic MgFA".

I own a Stradic MgFa but not because it's corrosion-proof, but because of its lighter weight.

According to Shimano (vendor weights are inaccurate), the standard 2500 Stradic weighs 9.7 oz

while the Stradic MgFA weighs 8.4 oz. That's a lot of money to knock-off just 1.3 oz,

but it's coupled with an expensive high-modulus rod.

Roger

[roadwarrior]

Well, that's good to know. I spent a litltle time on the Shimano website where they segregate reels by category. The Strradic was not listed with their saltwater reels.

http://fish.shimano.com/catalog/fish/products/category.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302036590&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181270&bmUID=1183055751196

[scbassin]

I think the Okuma VS series has a 5 year warranty. I also think they are the better of the two that you mentioned. The warranty is better 5 vs 1.  By the way I have both reels so from using them both I would go with the VS series.

[George Welcome]

I use Stradics on my customer rods for the salt. They require, just as any reel does, post-fishing maintenance. Salt will corrode any reel.

[centxfisherman]

Thanks to all that took the time to respond to my question.  I really appreciate all the excellent inputs.  I think it's safe to say that both reels have many merits and one would not go wrong with either selection.  Having said that, I just purchased the Stradic 2500FH last nite at Cabela's.  It was on sale for $99.99 and that seemed too good a deal to pass up.  In fact, they were already out of stock and will ship my new reel to my home address at no extra charge...a nice touch.  

In comparing the two reels, I mentioned to the Cabela's associate that I wish the Stradic had the same 5 year warranty as the Okuma did.  He said that since I purchased it from Cabela's I could bring the reel in for repair as often as I like and Cabela's would repair or replace.  He seem to imply they would do this as long as I owned the reel.  This seems to good to be true, anyone have experience with this?

I'll give an update once I have a chance to fish with my new Stradic.  I have no doubt I will be very pleased.  

Many thanks again for all the help!

[RoLo]

I just purchased the Stradic 2500FH last nite at Cabela's.

I know you'll be VERY happy with your choice 8-)

I'd like to add just one thing with regard to maintanence.

After every saltwater exposure be sure to flush your rod and reel with fresh water, as soon as possible.

There's normally a spigot near most saltwater ramps, but their hoses are generally badly beaten or missing.

For this reason, I always carry my own short garden hose. The only drawback to being self-sufficient,

is that the guy next to you is sure to ask to borrow your hose, and then you'll have to wait until he's finished

I've never found it necessary to dismantle my reels after every saltwater exposure, however, when I flush the rod and reel

I use gentle to moderate water pressure. Cranking down on the nozzle for maximum water pressure can blow saltwater

deep into the reel housing where it becomes trapped (In that fashion, it might be necessary to dismantle the reel after each use)

Roger

[centxfisherman]

Thanks Roger!  Great advice and I'll certainly put it to practice.  I have no doubt I will be happy with my purchase.  Now, I just have to be patient and wait for delivery...ugh!