Do I Really Want To Spend The Extra Money For A Stradic Ci4+ Over Say The Symetre Fl? 2024
Roadblock reply :
Just like the topic asks... I was thinking about getting the Stradic CI4+ but do I really need it? Does it offer anything really above and beyond say the Symetre or maybe even the Saros?
I have a 1985 Shimano TX-110Q for a spinning reel so most anything would be an upgrade! 
fishballer06 reply :
Coming from a guy who owns the Sahara, Symetre, and the Saros, I will say that the Saros is definitely a decent step above the two lower models. I've messed with the Stradic ci4+ in the store and while it is pretty and super light, I don't see where it really outperforms the Saros in anything except for weight. To me, that extra ounce or so it shaves off isn't worth the extra $80-100 over the Saros. If you're using a 30 year old reel, I'm sure the Symetre or Saros will make you very happy.
roadwarrior reply :
The Symetre is a fine reel, but I suspect after awhile you will be thinking, "I should have bought the Stradic".
J Francho reply :
The main thing with the CI4+ is lower mass, and an exotic frame material. Sometimes, this lower mass translates to the user as "less smooth" than similarly built reels (Saros, Stradic, etc.) that use heavier materials. If you can, try before you buy. I have three of the original C!4 reels, and couldn't be happier with my purchases.
Alonerankin2 reply :
I can't say if you Really need it, but it's a awesome reel. That said, the Saros in 1000 or 2500 is quite good, I didn't like one thing about the 4000 Saros & that was just the reel stem flex.. It was just annoying to me, I don't recall ever hearing of one cracking or breaking.. But it's was always in my mind...that was the 4000 only...
Ci4+ is soo sweet, that's my choice
tomustang reply :
You buy any stradic CI4 and that symetre/saros will feel like a brick afterwards. Put it on a rod before you buy and see what difference is compared to a symetre
DaveT63 reply :
In my mind, it depends on what you want to use it for. I have one of the original CI4 reels that I have been using for spinnerbaits. If I throw one bigger than 3/8 oz, it feels to me like it is working too hard. But with soft plastics and such, it is awesome. I am switching my spinnerbaits over to my Stadic FJ, and I'm sure that reel will be fine with the bigger spinners. Unless you just want the weight savings of the CI4+, I would look at the Stradic FJ as well.
Dave
ec1 reply :
Love how smooth my ci4+ is. Does it really catch you more fish? Definitely not. Does it offer a lot of joy when fishing? Hell yes.
Roadblock reply :
I'm just looking for a daily use spinning reel. A spare reel and rod if you will. I'd be using it for panfish, pike, bass, anything that bites really.
My main go to rod and reel right now is a Shimano Curado 200I on a St. Croix Avid X Medium-Fast rod.
Sometimes I just want to fish though and I don't want to have to deal with using a baitcaster or worrying about the reel going down due backlash etc. I don't want to deal with fixing it on the spot so a decent daily usage setup would be nice.
Side note, I'll mostlikely be putting whatever new spinning reel I get on either a St. Croix Avid X or a St. Croix Eyecon Medium-Fast or Medium-Moderate.
J Francho reply :
That's what I have my deeper (than a 2500) spool 3000 for. Nice little reel. Really can't go wrong with anything from a Symmtre on up.
Cgrinder reply :
The red and black Stradic will clash with the Eyecon's olive green.
tomustang reply :
On 10/21/2014 at 7:11 AM, Cgrinder said:The red and black Stradic will clash with the Eyecon's olive green.
merry xmas 
Preytorien reply :
I was undecided on the Ci4+ versus the FJ.....but I ended up going with the FJ since I like a little more stiffness to the frame of the reel with a little weight penalty.
I'm not fishing 200 days a year for 10hrs a day, weight is not as big of a factor to me as it is to others. I can certainly see the merit, but I posed the question a few days ago of how truly important is that few grams is to a fisherman? To some it's a huge deal, to others it appears a marketing hype. It's just up to you.
That said, my FJ is now my hands-down favorite reel in my arsenal.
bass1980 reply :
I have the previous Symetre and the Ci4+. The weight difference alone makes me glad I bought the ci4+. It's smoother but not by a lot. I actually find it kind of hard to tell a difference with spinning reels.
Roadblock reply :
Well my current baitcaster is a 2014 Shimano Curado 200I on a 2015 St. Croix Avid X and it's the lightest rod and reel combo I've ever held. I definately like the super lightweight feel.
Looks like I might just spend the extra coin on the Stradic CI4+
Now the question is, do I want the 1000 or the 2500? My curent Shimano is a 1985 TX-110Q and the size is good enough for what I use it for. I think it would be roughly the same as the 1000? BUT since I have the TX-110Q and it runs, I'm wondering if I should get the 2500? My wife has a Quantum Smoke SL40PTI so if I NEED a bigger spinning reel, we have one.
A-Jay reply :
Is this a trick question ?
A-Jay
Roadblock reply :
Which part! 
A-Jay reply :
On 10/22/2014 at 12:18 AM, Roadblock said:Which part!
The part where you ask a whole bunch of tackle junkies if it's OK to buy more gear . . . .
A-Jay
Alonerankin2 reply :
There is .8 difference in weight between a 1000 and a 2500 .. 6 oz vs 6.8 oz, or.. A 3000 is 7oz
What rod/ presentation? I would probably opt for a 2500 but I like all three with the 3000 my favorite..
fishballer06 reply :
2500 is my favorite spinning reel size.
adam32 reply :
I have 2 stradic fj's, and 2 ci4+'s. While they are reliable compared to older shimano spinners they are anything but smooth. It's not in the main gears it's the worm gear for the spool oscillation that makes them feel rough. I will say that they have the best drag and line management of any spinning reel I've used. I just can't stand the way they feel on the retrieve.
Roadblock reply :
Stopped at one of my local shops to handle both reels tonight side by side. I played with both the Stradic Ci4+ 2500 and Saros 2500.
I can't feel the 2.4oz weight difference between the two but I know there is a difference.
I definitely prefer the color scheme of the Saros over the Stradic Ci4+ but I do like the crank on the Stradic much more than the Saros.
Cranking them over without line or a lure dragging, I feel no difference in the cranking action, bearings etc.
I guess I'm still not sure.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Hey, there's nothing wrong with a Saros.
J Francho reply :
Those handles might be interchangeable. You'd have to check in the store, then call Shimano to order one.
bass1980 reply :
On 10/22/2014 at 6:55 AM, Roadblock said:Stopped at one of my local shops to handle both reels tonight side by side. I played with both the Stradic Ci4+ 2500 and Saros 2500.
I can't feel the 2.4oz weight difference between the two but I know there is a difference.
I definitely prefer the color scheme of the Saros over the Stradic Ci4+ but I do like the crank on the Stradic much more than the Saros.
Cranking them over without line or a lure dragging, I feel no difference in the cranking action, bearings etc.
I guess I'm still not sure.
9.3oz vs 6.8oz will feel like a difference mounted on a rod. Casting and jigging you will really notice it. Some people don't really mind heavier setups though so it doesn't bother them as much. With my spinning setup which I use one for drop shot and one for river smallies I like them as light as possible.
ColdSVT reply :
Im having this debate right now as well
I own a stradic FI 4000 that i put a lot of work on in the Gulf of Mexico chasing snook, reds and trout and it has always bee a flawless performer.
I now use it for dropshots as it is my only spinning reel on a 7 ML croix
So im torn between a ci4 or a stradic fj 2500 as well lol
im leanin toward to fj just to save a few bucks
tomustang reply :
On 10/22/2014 at 6:55 AM, Roadblock said:Stopped at one of my local shops to handle both reels tonight side by side. I played with both the Stradic Ci4+ 2500 and Saros 2500.
I can't feel the 2.4oz weight difference between the two but I know there is a difference.
Somethings wrong with your hands then, the 2500CI4+ will weigh closer to any other 1000, where a 4000 CI4 will be closer to any other 2500.
SirSnookalot reply :
It's the balance not the weight, too light a reel is going to make the combo tip heavy, more so when put a lure on.
DTack reply :
Well here's my opinion. I don't own a model reel higher than a Symetre from Shimano (or any spinning reel brand for that matter). I fish for bass. Spots up to 6.8 lbs and largemouth up to 15 on spinning rods. Yes, they do fight, yes it's in open water so you can just let the drag do the work for you and take your time on the big ones. I use a 3000 size as I like as much line and largest spool possible for the longest cast possible. This is just my personal preference I don't see the benefit in my fishing with the higher priced reels. I could understand with other types of fish but with bass the symetre's drag has never made me want more. I will not argue with anyone who simply enjoys fishing nice gear as I see no problems with that nor do I disagree with it! As far as reel weight goes, I don't even know what my 3000s weigh but I throw them ona well balanced rod and there are plenty of days where it is just about the only rod in my hand and I could fish 3 weeks straight with it. Hope this helps and enjoy your new reel to the fullest!!! With how much I love my symetres I can only imagine how nice a Stradic must be to fish with!
ColdSVT reply :
Well i put a 2500 ci4 and a 2500 fj on my dropshot rod today...im goin with the ci4.
I balanced and felt very nice...cmon christmas gidt cards lol
To be honest both felt fantastic and weight difference was negligable in my hand. The handle on the ci4 talked me into it lol
fisherrw reply :
i have a saros sedona and sahara.... all great reels but my favorite is the saros.. if i could only have one reel it would be the stradic fj
tomustang reply :
On 10/24/2014 at 6:02 AM, ColdSVT said:Well i put a 2500 ci4 and a 2500 fj on my dropshot rod today...im goin with the ci4.
I balanced and felt very nice...cmon christmas gidt cards lol
To be honest both felt fantastic and weight difference was negligable in my hand. The handle on the ci4 talked me into it lol
Pm sent before you tried them both
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