Im having this debate right now as well

I own a stradic FI 4000 that i put a lot of work on in the Gulf of Mexico chasing snook, reds and trout and it has always bee a flawless performer.

I now use it for dropshots as it is my only spinning reel on a 7 ML croix

So im torn between a ci4 or a stradic fj 2500 as well lol

im leanin toward to fj just to save a few bucks

Stopped at one of my local shops to handle both reels tonight side by side. I played with both the Stradic Ci4+ 2500 and Saros 2500.

 

I can't feel the 2.4oz weight difference between the two but I know there is a difference.

Somethings wrong with your hands then, the 2500CI4+ will weigh closer to any other 1000, where a 4000 CI4 will be closer to any other 2500.

It's the balance not the weight, too light a reel is going to make the combo tip heavy, more so when put a lure on.

Well here's my opinion.  I don't own a model reel higher than a Symetre from Shimano (or any spinning reel brand for that matter).  I fish for bass.  Spots up to 6.8 lbs and largemouth up to 15 on spinning rods.  Yes, they do fight, yes it's in open water so you can just let the drag do the work for you and take your time on the big ones.  I use a 3000 size as I like as much line and largest spool possible for the longest cast possible.  This is just my personal preference I don't see the benefit in my fishing with the higher priced reels.  I could understand with other types of fish but with bass the symetre's drag has never made me want more.  I will not argue with anyone who simply enjoys fishing nice gear as I see no problems with that nor do I disagree with it!  As far as reel weight goes, I don't even know what my 3000s weigh but I throw them ona  well balanced rod and there are plenty of days where it is just about the only rod in my hand and I could fish 3 weeks straight with it.  Hope this helps and enjoy your new reel to the fullest!!!  With how much I love my symetres I can only imagine how nice a Stradic must be to fish with!

Well i put a 2500 ci4 and a 2500 fj on my dropshot rod today...im goin with the ci4.

I balanced and felt very nice...cmon christmas gidt cards lol

To be honest both felt fantastic and weight difference was negligable in my hand. The handle on the ci4 talked me into it lol

i have a saros sedona and sahara.... all great reels but my favorite is the saros.. if i could only have one reel it would be the stradic fj

Well i put a 2500 ci4 and a 2500 fj on my dropshot rod today...im goin with the ci4.

I balanced and felt very nice...cmon christmas gidt cards lol

To be honest both felt fantastic and weight difference was negligable in my hand. The handle on the ci4 talked me into it lol

Pm sent before you tried them both