Sexybassgirl got me thinking. Alot of you recomended the Stradic over the Tierra based on the fact that the Stradic has been out for awhile and it is proven. My question is, can you get the Stradic with a machined handle? I can't stand a reel with a foldable handle. I am leaning heavily twoards the Quantum because it got better reviews on Tackle Tour. Thanx all.
I don't have a "comparative" response, I have only fished the Shimano Stradic. So, not to beat up any other brand or specific reel, I'm just saying that all of the Stradics I have ever owned are still in use and are as smooth, strong and silent as they were when they were new. That's saying quite a lot for reels that are approaching ten years in use. On top of that, I suspect the added features of the 2007 models make them significantly better reels, yet the price has remained the same for all these years. I continue to believe the Stradic is the "best value" in the Shimano line-up.
Thanx RW.... decisions decisions.... 8-)
Matt, I'm a Shimano guy but more importantly I service close to 500 reels each winter. Very rarely does a Stradic come in needing anything other than a clean/lube job. I can't say that for most other brands. In the grand scheme of things if I was looking for a new spinning reel I would only look at Shimano or Daiwa. Nothing else out there is close. There may be other decent reels but nothing on par with the Stradic. It is funny, I think most anglers would agree that the Shimano Curado is the measuring stick that all bait casters must compare to. My opinion is that the Stradic is the same for spinning reels.
Look at the stradic Mg's, I think thay have that handle the way you prefer.
Early last year I looked at both of these reels and could not make up my mind. I ended up buying both with the intention of returning one, this was with the salesman's advice and permission. I fished both on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday for about 8 hours each day. I ended up returning the Stradic. The Quantum just was a better feeling reel. It handled the bigger fish better, it was smoother and seemed to be a better made reel. The only complaint I have of the Energy Pti is the drag. There is not much a setting difference between tight and loose.
Just in case, this is not to say that the Stradic is not a fine reel, I just like the Quantum Energy Pti better. I now have two of them in the 20 size and I would I highly recommend it.
Thanx for the input guys! This site is fantastic, real people with honest opinions! My only problem is my Shimano dealer doesn't carry Quantum and vice versa. I'll have to go to two tackle shops. :-/
I have to agree with RM except that I only fish with Quantum. I have had the Accurist for over 6 years and have never had any problems with it. And I just bought a Energy PT last weekend and love it. I'm not say you will with any other reels. I'm just speaking on behalf of Quantum
i have a stradic and love it, my friend had the quantum pti and after using my stradic he went out and bought a stradic and the quantum is collecting dust on the shelf
You are in a win-win situation. I have reels from each brand and they are equal IMHO.
Out of the box they are both about equal but a few years down the road the stradic will still be fished and the energy won't. Shimano reels last and Quantum reels break down over time.
QuoteOut of the box they are both about equal but a few years down the road the stradic will still be fished and the energy won't. Shimano reels last and Quantum reels break down over time.
I have to greatly disagree with you on this one. I have had my Quantum for over 6 years and it is still the main reel that I use. I have NEVER taken it in to be repaired. It has outlasted all of my other reels but like I said before I have never owned a Stradic. I don't plan on using a Stradic because I don't see a need to fix/replace something that isn't broken!! LOL
The "FH" Stradic is not built as good as the older wood handle model. I have the 2500fh, it's ok. I've fished for 20 years with the SS 1300 Whisker Daiwas. There's nothing wrong with Pflueger and Okuma reels. I have the President, Alumina, and Diablo. I don't know about the Energy, I like my Quantum Catalyst PTi.
Quantum all the way, I have owned both. I fished Shimanos went to Quantums then last year wanted two more reels so bought two new stradics to try again. I sold them within 8 months and got two more Energy pti20's. I do my own maintenance and it's almost as cheap to buy a new reel as it is to repair a Shimano. Go to their website parts breakdown and compare prices, Shimano will scare you. JMHO
Wayne
PS: I fish 23+ tourney's a year so the reels are well used!
Texas Bass Pro
I like quantum reels out of the box. I prefer them over my 2 stradic's however I have had a problem with them lasting. I have found that they breakdown quicker then the shimano's. I'm not a saint when it comes to maintance with my reels and that might be part of the problem. I still fish with 3 quantum's and 2 are fine and 1 is breaking down. The two that are fine are less the 2 years old and I haven't had a problem with them. The one that is going out is about 3 years old. My 2 stradic's are 4 and 5 years old and the work like the day I got them. I might just have a bad taste with quantum because I did a fly-in to Canada and took 2 quantum baitcasters with me and both broke on the first day. To be totaly honest if I didn't pay for my reels I would probley choose quantum. Since I pay for my reels and can't afford to replace them every couple of years I go with longevity.
QuoteTexas Bass ProI like quantum reels out of the box. I prefer them over my 2 stradic's however I have had a problem with them lasting. I have found that they breakdown quicker then the shimano's. I'm not a saint when it comes to maintance with my reels and that might be part of the problem. I still fish with 3 quantum's and 2 are fine and 1 is breaking down. The two that are fine are less the 2 years old and I haven't had a problem with them. The one that is going out is about 3 years old. My 2 stradic's are 4 and 5 years old and the work like the day I got them. I might just have a bad taste with quantum because I did a fly-in to Canada and took 2 quantum baitcasters with me and both broke on the first day. To be totaly honest if I didn't pay for my reels I would probley choose quantum. Since I pay for my reels and can't afford to replace them every couple of years I go with longevity.
I really hate that they broke down on you. If that would of happened to me then I would of done that same thing as you did. I guess reels are like cars........some of them are lemons!! I guess it wouldn't hurt to try a Stradic. I will still always love my Quantums though. Do the Stradic cost in the same range as the Energy PT???
Texas Bass Pro
The stradic is $119 and the energy is $139. What part of Texas are you from?
GO AGGIES!!!!!!
QuoteSexybassgirl got me thinking. Alot of you recomended the Stradic over the Tierra based on the fact that the Stradic has been out for awhile and it is proven. My question is, can you get the Stradic with a machined handle? I can't stand a reel with a foldable handle. I am leaning heavily twoards the Quantum because it got better reviews on Tackle Tour. Thanx all.
Well, the Quantum got better reviews simply because it's simply a better reel. I took an brand new '06 Quantum Energy (2000PTi) and brand new Shimano Stradic (2000FG) and ran them through the ringer so-to-speak. Fished them heavy in Salt and Fresh water fo a year.
Contrary to what many people might think, the freshwater was the killer - that part where I was horsing bass out of heavy surface weeds (had to crank the line tight at all times). Although I only fished the stradic 25% of the time, it showed wear - a bit of handle slop. The Quantum - used three times more often showed no wear whatsoever.
Advantage Shimano:
1. Lighter
2. A bit faster on the retrieve
Advantages Quantum
1. Stronger by far
2. Beautiful titanium finish which just doesn't scuff (incredible)
3. Bail closure without manual tripping - so cool!
4. Smooooooooooth
Now...both are great reels, but I prefer the Energy. For the Shimano, I'd just buy a Symetre instead od a Stradic next time - it's just as good and rugged (a really great reel).
For the Quantum, I'd go with the Catalyst Inshore. Not only will it save you money, but it's got the older bail system which my '06 Energy uses - proven to absolutely reliable as opposed to some complaints about the newer bail system. In fact, minus the TVD Coating and a couple of spool-shaft bearings ya' don't need, the Catalyst Inshore is the '06 Energy. Go with this one for the best deal and sweetest performing reel.
I used to fish Daiwa exclusively. I had tried a couple of Quantums out a long time ago and didn't like them. When the new PT series came out, I tried them in a tackle store and thought it felt pretty sweet so I decided to buy one. Well after that, I now fish nothing but Quantum. They are a very smooth, well made reel.
QuoteTexas Bass ProThe stradic is $119 and the energy is $139. What part of Texas are you from?
GO AGGIES!!!!!!
Thats weird....In the Bass Pro Catalog and at Academys ( where I got my Energy PT) it cost $189. Are you sure your not thinking about the price on the Accurist?? Or did I get robbed?
I live about 2 hours from College Station. Have had lots of family members (7) graduate from there.
QuoteOut of the box they are both about equal but a few years down the road the stradic will still be fished and the energy won't. Shimano reels last and Quantum reels break down over time.
Can you say S H I M A N O
Someone made an inference that the Quantum reel was much stronger, I will call you on that to back it up......... it features titanium coating, not titanium make up in the frame so that is false. The Energy PTi utilizes a hi-temp titanium deposition coating for increased abrasion and corrosion resistance. However, I'm seeing on the reels that are coming in to my shop that this pretty coating peels very easily and after time becomes discolored.
The Stradic reel doesn't rely on cosmetic gimmicks to catch the anglers eye. It is a great design made better by small common sense enhancements such as the external oil port, titanium lipped spools(Mg) and quick gear ratio and overall dependibility. Like I said earlier, it is the standard for which all spinning reels ahould be measured.
For 119.00 the Stradic is the best bang for the buck. At 139.00 for the Quantum if I wanted to spend that much money, I'd save a little more money and get a Shimano Sustain over the PTI. For comparable money, the Stradic Mg features a nifty magnesuium constructed body and weighs in lighter than the standard Stradic.
It is obviously personal preference but some of the things being said in previous posts are not accurate.
QuoteQuoteTexas Bass ProThe stradic is $119 and the energy is $139. What part of Texas are you from?
GO AGGIES!!!!!!
Thats weird....In the Bass Pro Catalog and at Academys ( where I got my Energy PT) it cost $189. Are you sure your not thinking about the price on the Accurist?? Or did I get robbed?
I live about 2 hours from College Station. Have had lots of family members (7) graduate from there.
The Quantum Energy PTi are spinning reels and cost $139.95. The Quantum Energy Reels you are talking about are baitcasting and cost $189.95 (which were actually $179.95 a month ago - that is some inflation).
QuoteSomeone made an inference that the Quantum reel was much stronger, I will call you on that to back it up......... it features titanium coating, not titanium make up in the frame so that is false. The Energy PTi utilizes a hi-temp titanium deposition coating for increased abrasion and corrosion resistance. However, I'm seeing on the reels that are coming in to my shop that this pretty coating peels very easily and after time becomes discolored.
I didn't infer that the Quantum was a stronger reel, I stated it as fact and my testing has bore it out. Also, no one said that the Quantum had a Titanium Frame, but I did say it had a Titanium Coating. Also...I know a lot of people who fish them in both fresh and salt and thier finishes remain pristine.
QuoteThe Stradic reel doesn't rely on cosmetic gimmicks to catch the anglers eye. It is a great design made better by small common sense enhancements such as the external oil port, titanium lipped spools(Mg) and quick gear ratio and overall dependibility. Like I said earlier, it is the standard for which all spinning reels ahould be measured.
You say the Stradic doesn't rely on "cosmetic gimmicks to catch the Angler's eye" - what so-called gimmick are you talking about, the Titanium Coating (ion vapor deposition coating)? If this coating is such a gimmick, then why has Shimano also started using a similar ion-coating on thier higher-end Calais and Chronarchs? Is this a gimmick?
What about the Shimano "Oil Port"? Isn't this a gimmick? I don't know about you, but I don't put oil in my reel's gearbox - ever - and I can't imagine any kind of effective greasing being done through the oil port.
Why are you all getting so defensive ?
Guys, thanx alot for all the input. Let's keep it civil, I know we are all passionate about our favorite companies. I just wanted honest opinions and you all came through again! Let's not get this locked 8-)
First off, I will absolutely keep this civil. Please understand that my posts are based on my experiences both as an angler and as a custom tackle business owner/reel service shop business owner. I've seen both reels and many others and I am basing what I say on experience with both. 4 or 5 years ago I ran 6 or 7 Stradic's personally which I changed to Stradic Mg's and ultimately the Stellas and Sustain's I currently use. If I had to recommend a reel to anyone serious about spinning gear it would be the Stradic. It is simply a proven reel and there is no disputing that.
Verm this is your quote is it not?
Advantage Shimano:
1. Lighter
2. A bit faster on the retrieve
Advantages Quantum
1. Stronger by far
2. Beautiful titanium finish which just doesn't scuff (incredible)
3. Bail closure without manual tripping - so cool!
4. Smooooooooooth
You'll notice you wrote on point 1 under the Quantum Stronger by far. This is what I questioned you upon. I wasn't sure you didn't know that the titanium was only a coating, therefore there is no added strength to the reel that makes it say stronger in nomenclature than any other reel that doesn't sport some high tech metal composite make up. I am curious as to what "tests" you performed with both of these reels to qualify that the Quantum is stronger by far. I'm sorry but it seems ridiculous to see someone make that assertion. What were the parameters of those tests? Other than getting run over by a truck, I don't think many, if any reels would break, especially the reels we are talking about. I used mine competitively and beat them up good without any failure ever. I'm not saying another brand won't perform the same as far as holding up but to make a bold statement like stronger by far, you must elaborate a little.
Regarding the PTi, the reel is not any stronger and being smooth is inherant to most mid range reels so it isn't like this is a special trait either. come to expect it when you pay 140.00 for a mill. Now, that bail thing is cool but the coating thing doesn't impress me. So it comes down to brand name and I feel most anglers associate Shimano with high quality. No doubt one of the top two companies in the industry, the other one begins with "D", not "Q".
Now, knowing that most anglers do not clean their reels regularly based on what I see coming into my shop, guys in my clubs etc. the Shimano oil port is extremely functional on those reels. A little lube when needed is better than none. That is not a gimmick function over form.
The gimmick I'm talking about on the PTi is the funky color coating and a finish that peels easily. It is made to sell reels. Judging from the failure of this coating on reels I see quite frequently, they didn't get it right. .......Remember, right now we are talking about Stradics and PTi's, not 450.00 Calais reels that likely have the coating done correctly so it won't peel. (I have no experience with those American Calais reels, as I use the shimano Japan version. As of now unless my Antares reels have it, I didn't even notice it.) I assure you it is not a selling point for the Calais.
Oh and those Energy reels? Another story altogether. I'm not saying your reel is bad, I just don't think your info is factual. I see it based more on your opinion of something you own.
I have a Stradic, two Symetre's, a Catalst PT, two Energy PT's, two older Team Daiwa's and two Daiwa Capricorn's, so I can comment on all the above.
The Stradic is in a drawer in the garage. After three seasons, and yearly cleaning, it just doesn't feel anywhere near as smooth as it did when it was new. In reading everybody else's comments on this reel, I realize my experience is atypical. Maybe I got a bad one? Don't know, never bought another one.
The two Symetre's are about 7 or 8 years old, and still working just fine. They are on my crappie rods, and get a good workout every spring and fall. For my money, this is the best bang for the buck in the Shimano line of spinning reels. I'll temper that remark by saying that I've never owned a Stella or a Sustain. I've owned the Stradic, Symetre, Sedona and Sahara. Gave the last two away.
The Catalyst PT is every bit as smooth as the Energy. If you close your eyes, you can't tell the difference. As far as longevity, it's a bit early to tell. I've had the Catalyst for three years and the Energy for two. No problems at all, so far. For my money, the Catalyst is the most bang for the buck. When my wife started fishing with me at the beginning of last year, I let her try out all of my spinning reels and rods, and let her pick what she wanted. She picked the PT reels most emphatically. There was no discussion on this point. Those reels are "hers".
The older TD's are dead and buried. They gave me better than ten years of hard service, with no maintenance at all before they gave up the ghost. Got "em on a clearance sale at wally-world for 25 bucks each, so I got more than my money's worth out of them.
I bought Capricorns for a couple of reasons. They were on sale at Cabela's, my wife had confiscated my PT's, and my old Daiwa's were worn out. The Tackle Tour boys had done a comparison of the Capricorn and the Stradic, and had decided that the Capricorn was the better reel. Based on my experience with each, I'll have to agree. The Capricorn has been replaced in the Daiwa lineup, at the same price point, by the Tierra. Never owned one, so I can't compare them. Knowing Daiwa, I'd have a hard time believing that the quality went down.
Bottom line, if I were buying a new spinning reel today, I'd get a Catalyst PT. For ten bucks more than a Symetre you get a smoother retrieve, better drag and a magnetic bail. Pretty good for ten bucks.
Just my fifth of a dimes worth.
Cheers,
GK
I want to throw my 2 pennies in the kitty. I have 3 spinning reel s in current use. A Symetre, a Catylist, and a Jonny Morris. IMO, the 2500 Symetre does not hold enough line. The 3000 Catalyst is the best. The JM is showing some signs of wear, but it is the most used of the 3. My next spinning reel will probably be a Quantum. I have yet to own a Diawa reel of any sort, so I might try them next.
Ghoti, I know exactly where you are coming from, Quantum are gaining ground and gaining fast!
I think this has the other two very worried as they are losing a lot of market share. I also have fished the sedona's,sahara's and stradics and would put the catalyst up against them anytime for the type of fishing I do. The biggest problem I had with shimano was their lack of customer service and their parts prices. The stradics always seemed to bind when fishing in heavy rain and i am not the only one with this complaint.
Wayne
I should have added that a spinning rig is in my hands about 10% of the time. So, a high end spinning reel is just not justifiable for me. The two Capricorns that I have, I use occasionally for bass and even less for walleye. They are going to last me for quite a while. My wife uses spinning gear exclusively. I'll probably be replacing hers sooner than mine. If nothing new shows up, I'll still stick by my earlier statement, and buy her more Quantum's, if they do wear out. We will see.
Cheers,
GK
I fish pretty often with a Catalyst and 4 PTis, I have no complains with them, when they came back from ReelMech they were like silk again. It is very comfortable to know that you have life time warranty in the bail and a 48h return time customer and repair service.
Not, I don't own any Stradic to compare.......... and it doesn't seem that I ever will. :-/
Is there a machined handle available for the Stradic? Why would there be one on the Symetre and not the more expensive Stradic? It's a pet peeve...sorry 8-)
QuoteIs there a machined handle available for the Stradic? Why would there be one on the Symetre and not the more expensive Stradic? It's a pet peeve...sorry 8-)
No...I think your concern is just fine. If you are dealing with two great reels (i.e., Symetre and Stradic), then why not get what ya' like to look at, too? The Symetre is a very nice reel and, as far as I'm concerned, every bit as performance capable and reliable as the Stardic - and has about all the same features. I think the Symetre is one of the best values out there - at least that's been the experience of my local fishing club (who fishes a mostly saltwater, too).
Stradic, Energy, Catalyst, Tierra, Symetre: all of them great reels that will offer you a lot of service: if you take care of them. If you don't take care of them, all of them will be junk very quickly. So...go with what ya' like. Take care of it - and learn how to do it (i.e., general maintenece and cleaning). Enjoy it for years.
And..remember, if you take care of a reel....you'll probably do something terrible to it that will destroy it long before it's lifespan is reached. For instance, 6 months ago the tailgate of my Ford SUV popped open and my Curado and Accurist - and thier rods - hit the pavement at 30 mph. Everything ended up o.k. - both are good as always and I can't even find a scuff mark! Nevertheless, one day I'll probably drop them into the water or run over them, or slam a tailgate on them....or something. In short, as long as I take care of my equipment....it will probably die at my hands long before it wears out. And this is good.
Hope this helps.
I admit to being double-biased on this one.
Not only am I partial to shimano and daiwa reels, but I avoid quantum reels like the plague (not without reason).
BTW: If you're looking to save about 40 bucks a reel without any tangible sacrifice in quality,
opt for the Shimano Symetre. I own several of both (stradics & symetres) and I give the nod to Symetre.
Roger
One last thing Matt, if you go to BPS, I think they offer the Stradic teamed up with an Extreme rod for about 139.00, that is a pretty good deal. Take a look at their split grip model, I think it is a 6-9 Medium action rod.
QuoteIs there a machined handle available for the Stradic? Why would there be one on the Symetre and not the more expensive Stradic? It's a pet peeve...sorry 8-)
Yes sir there is a machined handle for the Stradic, you can order a Stradic Mg handle from Shimano and it will fit the regular Stradic but you don 't want it because you said you didn 't want a FOLDABLE handle and even though machined the handle is foldable.
QuoteYes sir there is a machined handle for the Stradic, you can order a Stradic Mg handle from Shimano and it will fit the regular Stradic but you don 't want it because you said you didn 't want a FOLDABLE handle and even though machined the handle is foldable.
Bummer :-/
Matt, why don 't you go Japanese ? you can get a Twinpower, equivalent to the SUSTAIN for about $150.
Shimano Twinpower 2000 NIB + Free Shipping to your doorstep for $143:
QuoteQuoteIs there a machined handle available for the Stradic? Why would there be one on the Symetre and not the more expensive Stradic? It's a pet peeve...sorry 8-)Yes sir there is a machined handle for the Stradic, you can order a Stradic Mg handle from Shimano and it will fit the regular Stradic but you don 't want it because you said you didn 't want a FOLDABLE handle and even though machined the handle is foldable.
I understand Matt 5.0's request for the reel with no foldable handle, and my view was established from rumors of the "play" you find in them.
I am a newcomer to tournament fishing (hopefully starting in Mar.) and with obvious cabin fever am anticipating the purchase of some hopefully long lasting equipment. Weighing my options, it just seems like a snowball effect when it comes to price (it's only $50 more, i could get this, ...well this is only $40 more than that...). i just want a reel, and i want to fish :-X
anyway, Raul, do you think Japanese equipment is overall better, even their "lower end" stuff, compared to what is offered here?
and, where do you order from?
Thanx Raul, but I need a 2500. The difference in price isn't much more. But, since we have a 4 month old son, it's hard to squeeze the extra dough.
Just an interesting side note...in a poll conducted currently on this forum about favorite reels Shimano is the most popular by a 4 to 1 margin over the next popular brand. At the time of posting it was 44 members preferred Shimano to 12 Daiwa and 11 Quantum.....several other brands had less votes. Just wanted to stir the coals a little. Quantum is not an up and coming brand they have been selling reels for many years. Tica on the other hand or even Okuma is up and coming. Sorry, just having fun.
Well, I tried both the Stradic 2500 and the Catalyst today. I have to say, the Quantum pretty much felt like crap compared to the Stradic. I'm on the hunt to try out a Tierra tomorrow, but right now the Stradic is looking good. No foldable handle either 8-) Tried it on a Loomis GL3 and it was pretty sweet....shhhhhhhh don't tell the wife.
I have a Stradic as well as a Catalyst Pit and Kinetic Ptis. The stradic is the best of the bunch for smoothness. The catalyst is right up there on his heels. I bought a 10 series fora crappie rig and I absolutely love every minute with it. Will I buy more stradics, you bet.
I really don't think you can go wrong with either reel. I think the finish on the energy calls out to thiefs a lot more than the white stradic. Maybe something to consider, maybe not.
Save yourself some time on decision making. Buy a Stradic. These reels are the standard by which all spinning reels are measured against for the money. There are a lot of other good reels out there as well but, like I said, just by a Stradic and I am positive you will be pleased.