Thanks! I just may do that! Got a couple reels that I'm not real fond of the knobs, those look pretty promising

Ci4 of the FJ. Either one is a great choice.

Thanks for the input and keep it coming. The only reason I am looking at a new spinning reel is that for the past 25-30 plus years, I am still fishing with the original Zebco Cardinal 3's and 4's which were made by ABU and marketed by Zebco. I know I am dating myself, but I am sure some of you remember them. I have one Cardinal 3 and one Cardinal 4 left in working order and use them on a regular basis. However, they are now worn and parts are near impossible to find. If the newer models compare to them, I will be happy. Finest spinning reels ever made in my humble opinion. Maybe the new ones are as good or even better, but I would be hard to convince. Fishing that many years with the same spinning reels and never having to replace them I am very unfamiliar with the newer models.

Well, the Model T got people from point A to point B, but I suspect most people like air conditioning,

power steering, safety glass and a suspension system that's fairly standard today  Old stuff is for

collecting and display, not for fishing.

 

If you want a reel that is "feature packed" look at the stradic FJ. Personally you may find the 1000 size to be prefect if you are wanting to use 6-8 # line . Also I would say the 1000 size may also be a a better choice for walleye. The 2500 series will give you more line capacity and more lbs of drag. The main advantage of the 1000 series to me would be weight of the reel.

The stradic CI4 is also a great reel and super lightweight. However it lacks "x-ship" and a few other features the FJ has.

You can't go wrong with either...

Just bought a Stradic FJ as well on ebay for $140 and it is smooth as silk. 

Kat... that is a good find! The FJ is a reel that will last you forever and hold up to just about any fish or fishing conditions. What size did you decide on? Also is this the reel for your new shakey head outfit?

Let us know your thoughts on the reel once you have some time with it on the water.

Personally I don't care for any spinning reel that does not have some type of rubberized paddle or power knob.  I have had reels with metal knobs of various shapes, never cared for them especially in damp cool weather.  Not unusual for the cork on my rod to get little slippery when damp or wet, can't imagine cork on a reel grip being to good.

Not unusual for the cork on my rod to get little slippery when damp or wet, can't imagine cork on a reel grip being to good.

 

Actually, it's it's the best I've found in cool, damp weather.  It's not like the cork found on production rod handles.  Closer to the burl cork found on customs.  maybe Scot will see this, and comment.

Roadwarrior--- You are right, although they were a great reel, It is time to retire the Cardinals.  I am leaning toward the Stradic FJ or the Stradic C14. Seems as if there are different opinions about which is the way to go with them on the forum. I have looked at the Patriarch but not the Diawa Ballistic. I have never fished a Shimano personally, but a couple of buddies of mine swear by them.