I will be getting a 6'9" ML Xfast Avid X this winter. I have been researching dozens of reels and broke it down to two: Abu Garcia Revo STX20 and the Shimano Stradic FK 2500. I have felt a stradic before, but kinda forget the feel of it and I don't have one available to test. I tested the STX20 at the store on the demo model and it feels pretty good. On paper it looks to me like the STX blows the stradic out of the water, but then again, that could just be Abu's marketing that is selling me.

Could someone break down the differences between the two reels for me? It's hard to tell the difference because each company has their own terminology and "technology"

Thanks,

Steve

Tough choice - they are both great products and you won't regret either.  I'm sure you can find a dealer that has both and maybe even the rod you want.

 

Mount both of them, get an idea of the feel on a rod, the click on the drag, the balance. etc.  Even the look!  If you love the look of it you'll get confidence from that.

 

Then  pull the trigger and never look back.