Alright everyone, I'm searching and researching (a lot) for a new higher end spinning reel. Higher end meaning the 200$ range. For some that isn't much of a hit to the ole bank account, but not for me. So I wanna get it right.

I've head how great Shimano stradics are, I use pfleuger presidents now so the Patriarch is on my radar as well. Sadly, no where here has them to handle and get a feel for which makes it HARD to know what feels right, ya know?

I'd like to get one of those 2, they just call to me for whatever reason. So what say you?! 

Stradic

Stradic x2

For me, I put my hands on a lot of different
spinning reels at Bass Pro, etc. 

I went in to a BPS fully expecting to buy a 
Pflueger (based on research online, no hands-
on), and walked out with my first Stradic.

The Pfluegers are no doubt, excellent reels, 
they just didn't "feel right" in my hands. In 
fact, no reel felt as good as the Stradic.

i've got 4 Stradics now. Love 'em.

I love my daiwa certate 2000.  Waited a long time but I found a new one for 195 shipped.  The advantage Sol and fuego are all tops in my book

I love my Patriarch. I haven't used a Stradic though, so I can't give an opinion on which I like more.

cannot offer an opinion on the stradic...

but i have a supreme mgx and a patriarch.  both very nice, patriarch is noticeably lighter and more fluid by a hair. but not worth the additional coin in my opinion.  i would be more than happy with a supreme vs spending the extra $ on the patriarch if it were between those two reels.  

Thanks for the input guys, it's much appreciated! 

Which stradic??? Fj, fk, ci4+?

6 minutes ago, smallie.mike said:

Which stradic??? Fj, fk, ci4+?

Either fj or fk. I saw a sweet deal on the fj but missed it. 

Take your pick

They are all good. I'm a spinning reel guy each one feels a little different but they are all smooth and quite frankly I wouldn't trade one for the other. 

 

 

 

 

Use the TW trail program, allows you to touch and feel a reel before finalizing the purchase.

The Shimano Ci4 Stratic 2500 is a excellent reel in your price range.

Tom

Can't go wrong with a Stradic, especially if you want a tough,reliable  spinning reel!I have a +10 year old Stradic that has helped me catch everything from panfish to large sharks.Its drag is still smooth as the first day I fished with it too!

I have a Supreme XT and a Stradic C14. Both have been excellent, although I'm not a big fan of the handle on the Stradic, it's not a big issue. 

Pflueger Purist, Stradic CI4+ (2500), Stradic FK (1000) Go Stradic and don't look back

Anything Shimano or Daiwa.

 

Four features I feel are important in a spinning reel:

Metal frame

Multi-disc carbon fiber drag

Bearing supported roller guide

Anti-reverse toggle

 

oe

Shimano Ci4+ Stratic 2500

I would look for a new stradic fj on clearance, I have one new stradic fk and I like my older fjs way better. 

Although If I were going buy a spinning reel in that price range of 200+ I would get another jdm daiwa luvias or spend a bit more and get another jdm certate. 

I have a supreme xt, patriarch, and a stradic fj. I've had them for 2 full seasons. Initially I like the patriarch more than the stradic, but over time I felt like the stradic has held up better. The patriarch has a tick at the top of its oscillation now, I should probably send it in to pflueger. 

 

I should also also add it's not exactly apples to apples. My stradic is a 6000 size and I use it for surf fishing, but that should speak for its quality as well 

4 hours ago, smallie.mike said:

I would look for a new stradic fj on clearance, I have one new stradic fk and I like my older fjs way better. 

Although If I were going buy a spinning reel in that price range of 200+ I would get another jdm daiwa luvias or spend a bit more and get another jdm certate. 

Curious as to what you like better in the FJ than FK?

26 minutes ago, Darren. said:

Curious as to what you like better in the FJ than FK?

The fj just feels smoother and more solid. I don't like the graphite top section of the spool on the new stradic at all. I'm not a fan of the knob on the new stradic either, just seems and looks cheap. 

Just now, smallie.mike said:

The fj just feels smoother and more solid. I don't like the graphite top section of the spool on the new stradic at all. I'm not a fanof the knob on the new stradic either, just seems and looks cheap. 

Interesting. I've read there really isn't much
difference between the FK and FJ other than
a few things, and that it wasn't necessarily 
worth the upgrade unless you prefer the new
coloration.

I just upgraded my FI reels to FJ (still have the
FI models) and wow, what a huge difference 
the X-Ship makes. Love it!

Won't be upgrading reels any time in the near
future that I can foresee.