Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Or Stradic Fj For $90 Less? 2024

GoCougs14 reply :

Was planning on getting the CI4+ but I found a good deal on the FJ for $130. I guess I wouldn't mind waiting for the ci4+ to go on sale but if this is a good deal I don't wanna pass it up.

Thoughts?

kickerfish1 reply :

Both are great reels. The simplest difference is in weight that stems from the materials used. If weight is an issue and money is also of concern consider getting a Stradic 1000FJ. I bought mine NIB for about $115 shipped.

bholtzinger14 reply :

I just ordered the FK yesterday.

GoCougs14 reply :

Thanks for the reply. Do you think there would be any difference in durability?

kickerfish1 reply :

On 10/22/2015 at 8:17 AM, bholtzinger14 said:
I just ordered the FK yesterday.

That is another option though the OP was listing the FJ and CI4+ as his choices. The new "FK" is the replacement for the FJ. Another fine option to consider...

d-camarena reply :

Theres something about that ci4+. I own 3 and love them.

GoCougs14 reply :

Well see budget isn't a huge issue. 220 is certainly the highest, and even that makes me uncomfortable a little. What I'm trying to do is buy myself one real nice spinning set up now so I don't go through a whole process of small upgrades, which will in the end cost me more money. I'd be pairing it with a $150 rod.

So I'd be jumping from a $80 combo to a $350 combo. But I'm shorebound and only plan on having 2 combos, so I figure I might as well make them nice ones

OntarioFishingGuy reply :

I have an FJ and it handles big fresh king salmon no problem. A friend of mine has the ci4. Honestly, get whichever is cheaper, IMO there isn't enough difference between the two to justify paying much extra.

OntarioFishingGuy reply :

tomustang reply :

Had an FJ, still have a couple ci4+ because of the weight difference. Both feel just as smooth. Though for almost half the price I like the lews team pro carbon that weighs slightly more than the ci4 but you cant beat the price.

d-camarena reply :

Also, a symetre at a good price is killer.

But yeah if its cheaper than id say a fj since they are very similar

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

The lighter weight of the Ci4+ does not come at the expense of any durability. It depends totally upon how important the weight difference is to you.

illinifan4152 reply :

My vote is for the ci4+. I have a 2500 size one and it's unbelievable.

Darren. reply :

Something else to consider between the CI4+

vs FJ, FK, FI, etc., are the handle grips used.

While i love the weight of the CI4+, I don't like

the round grip. I do love Shimano's paddle

grip on the 1000 series Stradics, though.

Just a personal thing. May not bother you at

all. In that case, buy whichever you can get

the best price on.

blckshirt98 reply :

While it might not matter which you buy in terms of your catch rate, there's something to be said about getting a reel that increases your confidence. I think the Ci4 looks nicer with the all black/red trim and paired with the right rod can give you a showcase combo that looks nice just sitting on the rod rack at home, but also once you hold in your hand ready to cast, can really give you a confidence boost.

S Hovanec reply :

The biggest downside to a CI4 IMO is its weight. Because it is so light, it can and will make almost every rod feel tip heavy. I have had my CI4 2500 on 2 rods in the 3oz range, and they both felt tip heavy. The St Croix SCV weighs 3.15oz and the NFC IM is 2.85oz.

GoCougs14 reply :

To be honest I like the look of a FK better, and think it would look better with the rod, which is gonna be a fenwick elite bass tech

S Hovanec reply :

On 10/23/2015 at 3:20 AM, GoCougs14 said:
To be honest I like the look of a FK better, and think it would look better with the rod, which is gonna be a fenwick elite bass tech

Look at the Japanese sites. The JDM FK can be had for <$155 shipped.

fisherrw reply :

Love my ci4

GoCougs14 reply :

What's different About JDM?

So. Cal. Lunker Hunter reply :

Been bass fishing 25+ years

Tried literally every reel under 350$

The CI4+ is the best operating spinning reel I have ever used

Go with the CI4+ you won't be dissapointed

S Hovanec reply :

On 10/23/2015 at 11:22 AM, GoCougs14 said:
What's different About JDM?

More models. There are more gear and spool options on the Japanese models.

John G reply :

On 10/23/2015 at 3:55 AM, S Hovanec said:
Look at the Japanese sites. The JDM FK can be had for <$155 shipped.

You beat me to it and I am surprised that no one mentioned JDM before you did. To the original poster, check out Japan Lure Shop. The Rareneium is the JDM equivalent to the USDM Stradic.

GoCougs14 reply :

Okay I found it. I'm seeing a Stradic and also the rareneium, do they just also sell the USDM version?

pghgeorge reply :

From my experience JDM sellers only sell JDM models.

Note - The regular Rareneium model gear ratio is 5.0

The US model Stradic Ci4+ is 6.0

You can get a Rareneium with a 6.0 gear ratio - it would have HG in the model name.

Hope this helps

John G reply :

On 10/24/2015 at 9:18 AM, GoCougs14 said:
Okay I found it. I'm seeing a Stradic and also the rareneium, do they just also sell the USDM version?

No.

GoCougs14 reply :

Okay so I'm pretty much set on the rareneium ci4+.

Only thing that kinda worried me is the 5.0.1 gear ratio. I know there is a HG model but I can only find the 1000s. Do you think that'll be too slow? Btw I'm doing mostly shallow fishing. I definitely won't be doing any drop shorting in 40+ ft of water haha

Darren. reply :

On 10/26/2015 at 8:23 AM, GoCougs14 said:

Okay so I'm pretty much set on the rareneium ci4+.

Only thing that kinda worried me is the 5.0.1 gear ratio. I know there is a HG model but I can only find the 1000s. Do you think that'll be too slow? Btw I'm doing mostly shallow fishing. I definitely won't be doing any drop shorting in 40+ ft of water haha

A lot of us use 1000 size Shimanos for bass fishing

with no problems at all. And with braid, you can get

enough line on the reel, if you really need more drag,

use the palm of your hand. My 6.6lber in my avatar

was caught with a Stradic 1000FI in thick slop and

timber. 10lb PowerPro + a leader.

4780

Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Or Stradic Fj For $90 Less? 2024

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