Just picked up a loomis Nrx rod, a syr 822, for shaky head. I'm looking for a reel to pair it with that will balance it well and excel at the shaky head (need smooth, be able to cast far with light jig, and a strong drag) I checked out the shimano stradic ci4 and 4+ today, but they just don't seem smooth at all compared to a pflueger patriarch or even shimano stradic FJ. I can pick up an Fj for 150, the ci4 or pat for 175 new. I was thinking the fj in 1000 size, but have a feeling its too small. The Fj 2500 is too heavy to put on the Loomis I'm guessing, at 9 ounces. I heard the patriarch, although super smooth, has a pretty weak drag. And I seen a Lews gold spin, there highest reel at 130 (pretty inexpensive) it seems like a good light reel, good 6.1 ratio, strong drag, good reel or not? Any input would be appreciated. Im trying to keep it at 200 or less, I almost think that is too much for a spinning reel. Thanks guys!

I have patriarchs on both of my NRX spinning rods. I put a 30 on 822DSR and 35 on 803. I think they make a great pair.

The supposed weak drag was only on the 30 and below sizes and only on the first run of production. After the first run Pflueger listened to the complaints and added another drag washer to the smaller sizes. They have the drag to handle any bass fishing conditions.

And because I know some people are going to come in here talking about "it's nice out of the box, but it won't last." My 35 was pre-ordered before release and was among the very first released and has been fished VERY hard since day one. It is still very smooth and the drag is also still very smooth.

I use the fj1000 for shakey heads. No issues.

Id go fj 1000

Stradic 1000 FJ is fine.

Just picked up a loomis Nrx rod, a syr 822, for shaky head. I'm looking for a reel to pair it with that will balance it well and excel at the shaky head (need smooth, be able to cast far with light jig, and a strong drag) I checked out the shimano stradic ci4 and 4+ today, but they just don't seem smooth at all compared to a pflueger patriarch or even shimano stradic FJ. I can pick up an Fj for 150, the ci4 or pat for 175 new. I was thinking the fj in 1000 size, but have a feeling its too small. The Fj 2500 is too heavy to put on the Loomis I'm guessing, at 9 ounces. I heard the patriarch, although super smooth, has a pretty weak drag. And I seen a Lews gold spin, there highest reel at 130 (pretty inexpensive) it seems like a good light reel, good 6.1 ratio, strong drag, good reel or not? Any input would be appreciated. Im trying to keep it at 200 or less, I almost think that is too much for a spinning reel. Thanks guys!

 

A 2500ci4 balances nicely on my NRX 822SYR. One of my favorite setups.

Does the 1000 fj cast as far as a 2500 series reel even though it has a smaller spool? And is the drag about the same power as the bigger one? Like I said before, the ci4 just dosent feel smooth, even compared to the fj. It seems like the ci feels cheaper to me, than the older design, but the weight between a ci4 and 1000fj is just about even.

A 2500ci4 balances nicely on my NRX 822SYR. One of my favorite setups.

Balances nicely on 852 also.

Does the 1000 fj cast as far as a 2500 series reel even though it has a smaller spool? And is the drag about the same power as the bigger one? Like I said before, the ci4 just dosent feel smooth, even compared to the fj. It seems like the ci feels cheaper to me, than the older design, but the weight between a ci4 and 1000fj is just about even.

I'm just not seeing how it's not smooth.  Maybe you looked at a bad one?  I'm just surprised, never went to the Ci4 level as I'm happy with my FJs.  However, when I'm in the market for a new spinner I will probably go for one. 

 

I own a 2500 series and 1000 series, never put them side by side...plus it's not a fair comparison as one has 10lb braid and the other is 15lb braid. Just from memory I don't ever think WOW my 2500 can cast so much farther than the 1000.  So I guess it isn't that noticeable for me?

Balances nicely on 852 also.

Good to know as I'm hoping my wife will buy me a 852s or 893c for my 40th. 

I'm just not seeing how it's not smooth. 

Old Ci-4 = no x-ship. I have 2 Ci-4's. One is broken in and is so smooth. Newer Ci-4...not so much.

  Well I may consider the Stradic Ci4 or 4+ after all.  Maybe they do get smoother after they get broke in, as stated above, at least I hope so.  I prefer the 2500 size, and with its light weight and strong drag it should fit the bill.  Do you guys think the ci4+ is worth $40 more than the clearance ci4? I have heard the regular ci4 had a lot of flex in the reel, and I didn't find the handle knob on the regular ci4 much to my liking in the store.  The newer ci4+ is supposed to have a stronger frame and gearing, and I liked the knob a little better.  Not sure, I don't have a problem spending 220 for the + if its better, as its going on a NRX so I just don't want a junker on there.   It seems like a lot of guys recommend this reel, both old and new.  Not sure which is better or if they are pretty much the same.  Thanks!

The CI4+ is a great reel, and for $40 more, totally worth it over the CI4. I have mine paired on an 852 NRX and another on a ML ***.

It's a bit outside of your budget, but I have the same rod with a stella 2500.  Balance is excellent and reel is amazingly smooth.

 

With the new Stella coming out I was able to pick up the reel for $450.  You may be able to find it for less in the next few weeks as they go on sale.

The FJ is the smoothest of the Stradics, in my opinion. The CI4+ is smooth too, it just has a different feel to it. The carbon frame transmits vibration much better than the aluminum FJ frame, so you're going to feel the gears meshing a little bit more. Some people confuse that with not being as smooth. Once you're out on the water, it's not nearly as noticeable.

  ^{Maybe I should just get a 10 dollar spin caster like the previous poster has on his NRX.  Haha, that's some good stuff there!}

  ^{Maybe I should just get a 10 dollar spin caster like the previous poster has on his NRX.  Haha, that's some good stuff there!}

We were getting ready to fish a tournament and someone said that past tournament winners should have to fish with a Zebco so I posted this pic to show them what I was bringing...

Lol