EllisJuan

I just had my Xi5 in stump minefield over the weekend and came away very impressed.

If something was to happen to that rod St. Croix would replace it with a new Legend for $85. You would be $95 into a $250+ rod.

Thanks Skeeter! I am going to be meeting a buddy from Atlanta at Pickwick next Sunday. We will be meeting at the State Park ramp after lunch and fishing into the evening. I have not fished it before and am looking for any tips to hopefully make our trip successful.

I use 6# Sufix 832 on my 1000 series ultralight. I can't imagine using it on a baitcaster.

Do you think high horsepower sports cars are a waste also? If I am going to be stuck in traffic, I would rather it be in a great car than in a econobox also... If I am going to make an unsuccessful cast I would rather grind away with my Conquest than with a Zebco.

I don't buy expensive gear because I think it will catch me more fish. I buy it because it helps me tolerate days that I don't.

One can dream can't they?

So you ask what reel to get for ~$100 and then decided to buy one that not a single person recommended. Awesome.

Congrats. I was cross shopping Tritons around the same age when I bought my tracker a few months ago. If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay. You can PM me if you would like. If you do not feel like sharing I understand.

From what I have owned and used extensively, this is what I have gleamed e6x=premier IMX=Avid GLX=Legend Elite NRX > * Until you get to the GLX, St. Croix is more bang for your buck. That does not keep me from owning an IMX, and I am about to buy another e6x. The GLX is a little better than the Legend Elite imho, and worth the money. The NRX has no peer in the St. Croix line.

I have what I would consider a smooth FK. I bought a previous generation ci4+ and sold it because it did not feel as solid. This new ci4+ feels just as solid as the FK and actually noticeably smoother. I got out for a few hour sunday and am really impressed with it. Unfortunate, not big fish, so I can't comment on the power or drag. As long as these are as expected, it is definitely a keeper.

I'm a righty and grew up only fishing spinning reels. I never fell in love with a baitcaster until I bought one that was left hand retrieve.

I have not had a chance to fish it yet. I like what I have felt of it so far. I had a last generation ci4+ and sold it because it did not feel as solid as my FK...it felt hollow to me for lack of a better term. This one feels more like the FK and is even lighter than the outgoing ci4+.

'16 Stradic CI4+ 2500HGS

Crazy. I use it almost exclusively and never get wind knots.

The biggest difference is weight due to the CI4+ material. The CI4+ 185g and the FK is 230. The older CI4+ was 195g. I had one of the last generation CI4+ and I sold it because it did not feel solid like my FK. This one is much closer to the FK in the feel department. The new CI4+ also has Magnum Light Rotor.

My Jig & Worm casting rod is a NRX and my Jig & Worm spinning rod is a GLX. The GLX is a fine rod, except for when I pick it up right after using the NRX. I very much wish I would have just bought the NRX spinning the first time around.

I received my '16 Stradic CI4+ 2500HGS today. The reel feels solid...pretty close to my Stradik FK. It definitely feels lighter than the FK. It looks like a few of the parts may be identical. I should be able to give it a shot this weekend. Here are a couple picture of the new Stradic since I have not seen many...with the FK for reference.

I think I would prefer the rear casting platform to be larger...all the way to the back of the seats.

I just got my tracking number. I was afraid they were selling them before they actually had them on hand, I guess not. They must have a good pipeline from Shimano. I have not even seen a picture of one of these reels in the wild yet. I also just ordered a NRX 802s that will be the reels counterpart.

I just ordered my 2500HGS. Hurry up Japan Express Mail Service!

It is only 2500#. You will be fine man.

It will run 35mph gps loaded. Fast enough for the water I fish. 75hp ones were hard to find in my price range...especially clean ones. This boat was really well equipped and taken care of. In an ideal world, it would definitely have a 75hp.

Yep. My buddy has a UK rear drag Stradic CI4+ and had the reel foot break right in half. He ordered the replacement part from a UK distributor and it is getting repaired now.

Shimano Soare CI4+ 2000HGS (JDM) Shimano Expride 6'4" Med-Light Med-Fast