I am in the market for a Stradic CI4 but do not know whether to go after a 2500 or 3000. I will be putting it on a 7' MF rod (I still have yet to figure out what) and will be fishing large and small rivers either wading or from my yak. It will probably also see a pond or lake from time to time as well. I think the 3000 will probably suit me better and being slightly larger as well it might feel better in my hand as well.

 

Also I am absolutely torn between brands of rods I should be looking at. I have looked and held the *** blacks and it felt really nice in my hand and they get great reviews, but time and time again I see people post about St. Croix Avid X / BPS Carbonlite / Fenwick Aetos. I am going to pro shops tomorrow to hold a Avid and Carbonlite too see how it feels but as far as durability, sensitivity, customer care how do each hold up to one another?

 

Thanks in advance!

An Avid with a 2500 CI4+ would be the best bet IMO

There is no difference in size between the 2500 and 3000, they are identical. The 3000 just has a deeper spool and as a result higher line capacity. Only go with the 3000 if you really need the higher capacity for some reason. I would highly recommend the Avid based on my hands on experience with them.

I have 3 of the 2500 version. You dont need more

Ditto on what KSchultz said!

For bass fishing with medium to finesse sized baits you would never need the capacity of the 3000 sized reels. I only use the 1000 and 2500 for bass fishing and have never needed more. From 6-10# line they handle them fine. Only way I would ever consider the 3000 is if I were targetting fish capable of making long runs or felt the need for heavier line. The 2500 series reel has even handled runs from 20# grass carp on 8# line.

I have the 2500 on a shimano cumara 7" M-F rod... Amazing combo... Best spinning setup I've used

Thanks everyone, I ended up going with the 2500. I can't wait to use this reel! Hopefully I can make it to bpro to check out some rods today. I also have an ad on the flea market looking for an avid and also put a bid in on one on flea bay. Hope it pans out. I notice that the avid x is just an avid with the split grip? So I'll probably just stick with the regular full size cork handle. I've never used a split grip so I don't know why I'd risk getting a rod and not liking it.

good choice. The only difference is the line capacity and 1" of retrieve. 

Differences between the Avid and X are the handle design, reel seat, guide train, and warranty. Mostly that decision is a matter of preference and either will perform well. I recently checked out the Avid X casting at cabelas and was impressed, I think they've improved balance and weight on the Xs with the new guide train and handle design.

I'd take your reel and mount it on a few different rods and see how they feel before you make a decision

If you are using braid the 2500 holds more than enough line.  My own choice would be the 3000, I prefer more line capacity as I would be targeting other fish as well.

I have 2 2500s on Avid rods. They make a good combination for fishing plastics and light spinnerbaits either with braid or mono.