hey yall new to the forum but i'm fairly educated in bass fishing&just got my first shimano baitcaster(curado I &i'm loving it!)&i'm looking at upgrading my spinning outfit(currently abu garcia cardinal sx)&I think I've decided on a shimano in either a 2500 or 3000 size but cant decide on the model.so the ones i'm looking at is any where from the Sonora to the stradic fj&everyone in between.which would you recommend?gonna use it mainly for light t-rigs&single blade spinnerbaits(h&h's).either gonna put it on a shimano convergence or a halo daylight.both 7ft.med. power.(p.s. couldn't think of a good username so I used the name on the side of my boat.Lol)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                thanks for any&all replies!

                                                                                                                                                                                                

Easy stradic fj. Like a small knob get the 2500 like a paddle handle get the 3000. Look on that auction site for the fj you will probably save 30-40 bucks.

Don't know how much more it will be, but check out a shimano stradic ci4+. Best spinning reel I have ever tried. Own one, smooth as butter, great reel. 2500 size

Welcome to the forums, first of all! If your choices are those two Shimanos, I'd take the Stradic FJ, hands-down. And if for bass fishing, no bigger than 2500 is needed unless you absolutely need the deeper spool of the 3000 size. I use 1000 size Stradics with no problems handling big bass.

I don't know what rod you are getting, but you don't want to have $200 rod with $50 reel, or $50 rod with $200 reel.

 

I have two spinning set up. I had one with Saros first and bought Sahara for my daughter. I don't feel much difference. But these are from a couple of years back thou.  If I were to buy one more I buy Sahara 2500. It's good nough for my spinning needs.

The Stradic 2500 would be my choice but (this just my opinion) you would be better off investing in a better quality rod.

thanks for replying!i guess I should have clarified a little better!Lol.my budget's anywhere from $50-$180&out of all the models shimano makes in that price range which would you recommend?i particularly don't want to spend $180 on a spinning reel unless its absolutely worth it.(I'd rather not spend more than $100 but like I said if its absolutely worth it i'd shell out another $80) once again thanks&sorry for the confusion!

The ci4 only comes with one spool. The older stradics (I have 3 fh models) came with a spare spool.

That's very handy as you can use one reel for multiple techniques. Have one spool with mono or flouro for drop shoting etc.. And one with braid for soft plastics.... You do need to check I thought I heard that the new stradics didn't come with the spare spool...

If you have a budget of $180 you should be able to find a ci4+. Grab a 2500 and you'll love it...

The Sahara and Symetre are both great workhorse reels that will do everything you ask them to. 

Sahara, Symetre, and Saros are all great reels in the $80-140 range. 

The Saros and up have worm gear oscillation which I like. The Stradic is a little more refined, whether or not it's $40 more refined is up to you. I tend to think so and in fact like the Ci4 a lot. 

Saros is a great little reel, but that Ci4+ is awesome.... It's a bit more, so my choice is a Saros for the money...

If you have the money: Stradic

 

If you are more on a budget: Sahara

 

You can purchase a couple of spare spools from Shimano and you immediately have "another" reel just by changing the spool.

thanks for the replies everyone! I've narrowed it down to either:the Sedona,symetre,saros or stradic fj(only considering the stradic because I can find a few for $155)out of those which would you recommend&should I consider the sahara too?

If you can have the Stradic it´s a no brainer, get the Stradic.

Stradic FJ is worth the extra coin. Look for a deal.

CI4+ 3000

I automatically agree with anyone who mentioned the Shimano Stradic. I don't personally have one, but I've fished with friend's reels and loved them. Incredibly sensitive. Excellent spooling (especially for braid.) And a fantastic drag system. Pairs really well with a Shimano Cumara or Pinnacle Perfecta for a drop shot combo. I've also heard good things about the Revo SX spinning outfit. Might be worth investigating, though ultimately it depends on what you want to use the reel for.

Get that Stradic FJ, and if n you got the money step it up to the Ci4+ worth the extra cash!!

I have always used the Symetre reels and absolutely loved them.  Quite honestly I've never felt the need to upgrade as far as performance goes.  I use the reels a lot for bass fishing and have mulitple spotted bass over 6 lbs on them as well as largemouth over 10 lbs.  Don't stress too much if the Symetre model is all you can afford, they have done well for me.  I do want to say I HAVE NOT USED the newest model of the Symetre and I don't keep up that well on what has changed on them.

thanks(again.Lol)for all the replies every one.i'm kinda leaning towards the symetre only because it is a little cheaper.any one have the new symetre?if so how do you like it?is it just as good as the saros?

I have 2 Stradic FJ's and love them....one I got used in the flea market here, other as a gift.  The casting distance, smooth retrieval and quiet, lightweight feel all are so much better than anything else I've tried.  I have them both paired with Shimano Compre rods of differing lengths and love them.  I haven't found a technique that doesn't work with the two setups for bass, though I have to exhibit a lot more patience in reeling REALLY slow when dragging soft plastics along the bottom.

I have always used the Symetre reels and absolutely loved them.  Quite honestly I've never felt the need to upgrade as far as performance goes.  I use the reels a lot for bass fishing and have mulitple spotted bass over 6 lbs on them as well as largemouth over 10 lbs.  Don't stress too much if the Symetre model is all you can afford, they have done well for me.  I do want to say I HAVE NOT USED the newest model of the Symetre and I don't keep up that well on what has changed on them.

 

+1

 

I have an older Aero Symetre and it has been a fantastic reel.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

Nope, outta that list I'd go stradics...

Helluva reel...