I am looking to get a new spinning set up for drop shot and whatever is too light to throw on my baitcasters. I have decided on a Shimano stradic ci4 but am not sure if I should get the 1000 or the 2500. Same thing with the rod I have decided on getting my third phenix recon but am not sure if I should get the the 722 or 723. Both are 7'2", 722 is a light and the 723 is a medium.

As to the reel, the 2500 will certainly handle line much better and more efficiently. If the 1000 was the same size as a Daiwa 1000, then I wouldn't want more than 4# test. If 8# or more I'd definitely go 2500, 6# I don't know.

I am looking to get a new spinning set up for drop shot and whatever is too light to throw on my baitcasters. I have decided on a Shimano stradic ci4 but am not sure if I should get the 1000 or the 2500. Same thing with the rod I have decided on getting my third phenix recon but am not sure if I should get the the 722 or 723. Both are 7'2", 722 is a light and the 723 is a medium.

I use two Stradic 1000FI for bass fishing. Extremely well suited to the task. Have had zero issues bringing in a number of 6 lb bass on these reels.

I use them with 10 lb Power Pro + leader. 10 lb PP is equivalent of 2 lb diameter mono, so you get more than enough line. I've never been spooled yet.

I'm going to go with the 2500, not sure about the rod yet.

Good choice with the 2500 size, that is what I was going to recommend. Furthermore, I would go with the 723, it should be more versatile fishing as a medium rod as opposed to a light powered 722.

I will probably be using this rod for just dropshot and shaky head

I love a ML rod with a 1000 reel for what it's worth.

My favorite is a patriarch reel. It has a long handle for a 1000 size reel

The rod only comes in light and medium.

I've never used a Phenix so I'd just be guessing if I told you one was better than the other.

But there is no option of a medium light so what was the point of that post.

But there is no option of a medium light so what was the point of that post.

first off let me ask you this, what line and size do you plan to use?

Probably 6 or 8lb mono.

If you are going to stick with 8# I'd get the 2500/medium

IMHO that's a touch on the heavy side for dropshot but it should work fine and as skeletor6 said it should be more versatile ...

The 1000/light with a small braid would also make a nice rig

Like I said before one of my favorite spinning rigs is a 7'ml/1000/nanofil. I know it's not the rod or reel you have made up your mind to get so what I like is a mute point.

I wish there was a ml, I might even just go with a different rod. Maybe a cumara or even a powell endurance since I can get it for only $100.

Phenix calls the rod a light but its really a medium light. My 6'9 m1 is called a light but fishes just like a mL.

I just bought the 2500 a few days ago and it felt really good. Haven't had a chance to use it yet but from the reviews I've read it seems like most people opt for the 2500. But honestly if drop shotting is your primary concern I'd think the 1000 is a better choice. You're going to want more natural falls and lighter line which I think the 1000 would handle better than the 2500.

Really not sure what to go with. Now that I think about it, I will probably use it for drop shot and shaky head just as often.

If it were me and the ci4 was my choice I'd go with a 2500 and med rod.  I like line management better with a larger spool, should be well balanced and plenty light.  A most important factor for me would be more versatile combination.

If it were me and the ci4 was my choice I'd go with a 2500 and med rod.  I like line management better with a larger spool, should be well balanced and plenty light.  A most important factor for me would be more versatile combination.

X2

How does the Powell endurance series compare to the recon? I'm talking about full price not with any deals. Also what else compares to the recon for a similar price?