Which is better, rarenium c14+ 2500 or the stradic c14+ 2500? I found the rarenium for $212 online so they're about the same price. I've heard great things about both, so I'd like to know your opinion on which is better, or are they about the same?

I'd buy the Rareneium because IMHO, it is more appealing to my eyes and it's a JDM Shimano. I have the Rareneium 1000S and I like it a lot even though I haven't used it much or caught anything with it. The Rareneium 2500 has a knob like the one on my 1000 and I like it a whole lot better than the knob on the Stradic. The Rareneium 2500 is a little bit slower than the Stradic if that matters to you.

 

Have you looked at the Shimano Japan Rareneium CI4+ page?

 

 

 

I have a Rarenium 2500 and my father in law has the Stradic 2500. Mine feels smoother and a little more effortless if that makes sense. Some will say Jdm equivalents feel nicer, some don't. I have a T3 Mx and 1016,a Scorpion XT 1001 and Curado 51E. Jdm reels feel a little better across the board, plus I like having something a little different. You can't go wrong either way imo, but I like the looks and handle knob of the Rarenium better. You can get the Rarenium from Japan lure shop for a nice price. Is that where you were looking? I posted a picture of mine under the show off your gear thread. Nice little reel. Let us know what you get.

Besides the knob and colors theres not that much of a difference. The main difference would be the rarenium offers shallow spools if your interested in that.

 

As Mark and john said, im also someone that leans to buying a jdm model over a usdm model in almost any case...

What are the benefits of a shallow spool? Ill be using 10-12 lb braid with a 4 or 5 lb flouro leader.

What are the benefits of a shallow spool? Ill be using 10-12 lb braid with a 4 or 5 lb flouro leader.

Saving line is the only benefit that I can think of. I will be using mine for Panfish so higher line capacity is not needed. If I hook a bigger fish and get spooled, well then I will have fun getting spooled with the 1000 and an UL Rod.

Shallow spools are typically designated for finesse work as the max drag output is usually around 3 or 4 pounds.

How many yards of 12 lb sx1 braid (2 lb dia. mono) does the spool hold? I just don't want to spool it every cast with a 1/4 oz dropshot

How many yards of 12 lb sx1 braid (2 lb dia. mono) does the spool hold? I just don't want to spool it every cast with a 1/4 oz dropshot

Depends if you get an F4 or F6, but at 2lb diameter, you could get well over 100 yards on either spool.

What about warranty on a JDM reel?  Does it have to go back to Japan or will Shimano in California service it?

To the best of my knowledge Shimano will not warranty a Jdm reel in the states. Definitely worth taking into consideration. That's the main reason I went with the 2500. It has a Usdm counterpart should I need parts.

What about warranty on a JDM reel? Does it have to go back to Japan or will Shimano in California service it?

It would have to go back to Japan for warranty service. I would buy the necessary parts from either Japan or Shimano America and send it to DVT.