upgrading, but looking on ebay and I get all these letters. Like FE, FD FA. what do the mean the FE looks the newest and has the biggest tag. Is model number the only thing, or is there better features on one than the other

The letters just refer to the revision of the reel. FA being the oldest and FE being the newest model from the codes you listed.

oh, ok thanks that makes since

I have some of the FD's, they're good, strong reels. You should be able to find them at least $20 off the retail since the new FE's came out. Some people are holding the price high on the old FD's because they sported an aluminum frame verses the new FE's graphite. Don't know how much of a difference it makes but to some selling they are holding it as top retail.

I have some of the FD's, they're good, strong reels. You should be able to find them at least $20 off the retail since the new FE's came out. Some people are holding the price high on the old FD's because they sported an aluminum frame verses the new FE's grDon't know how much of a difference it makes but to some selling they are holding it as top retail.

also own a couple fds, awesome reels

I have a FD as well.  I think it is the best bang for the buck in a spinning reel on the market.

One difference in the stradic fj as compared to the fi is a sizing issue, which IMO has no bearing on the performance. The older fi 4000 and 5000 were 2 separate reels, the 5000 being heavier and more max drag.  The 4000 and 5000 FJ is the same reel except for more line capacity, same drag and weight.

I do like all my reels, the stradics I own are no exception, they perform well.  I did buy something other than a stradic fj recently as I found something that fit my purpose a bit better.  I bought a reel with an excellent 30# max drag on a 14 oz frame, the 6000 fj weighs in at 20 oz, I didn't want that kind of weight.

For the future, and as much as I dislike Shimano service, it will probably be stradics for my inshore fishing and a sahara for my freshwater, I'm getting ready 2 replace a couple of inshore reels.

I've got two FD's and one FE. Great reels, but I wish they had not changed the reel handle the way they did on the new FE. The FD had been on sale for around $45-$50 at cabelas for almost a year but last time I checked they weren't on their website, so that model might be a little scarce anymore. Not saying they're not available anywhere, just that I haven't seen them for a while.

Thsnks y'all