Hey everyone, I've been seeing a lot of you saying you have or are getting the new Stradic FK. What's your opinion of them so far? Anyone use them a bunch on the water yet? 

I ask because I'm thinking of getting one and am still in the research phase. I've always used inexpensive Pfleuger Presidents and the Shimanost "feel" so odd in my hands compared to Pfleugers.

Have a read here, plenty of thoughts on the reels.

 

There is also a very thorough review done by me in the TT forum section under Reels.

Synopsis, fine for bass, upgrade the drag washers if you are using it in saltwater.

And this is another good review:

http://www.tacklenerd.com/stradic-fk-3000-review

Thanks guys! Can't wait to read these after work

3 hours ago, aquaholik said:

There is also a very thorough review done by me in the TT forum section under Reels.

Synopsis, fine for bass, upgrade the drag washers if you are using it in saltwater.

And this is another good review:

http://www.tacklenerd.com/stradic-fk-3000-review

Very good review. It has me a bit worried about the drag, but by the sound of it, you tested it under MUCH more strenuous circumstances than I'll be fishing. I fish freshwater for smallmouth, largemouth, pike and walleye mainly. There are some larger pike and the occasional muskie or catfish, but no major line peelers. 

My main concern is I have NO experience customizing a reel's drag. Idk how well it would go.

Thanks for the link and the thorough review! 

I don't like the mushy felt drag. It works fine but may wear out. A Carbontex upgrade is easy or I can install for you if/when you want. 

3 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I don't like the mushy felt drag. It works fine but may wear out. A Carbontex upgrade is easy or I can install for you if/when you want. 

Thanks DVT, if/when I do it, what does the whole thing cost? I don't know much about drag washers....or install prices.

Very easy but you might not want to for freshwater fishing where you are not setting the drag more than 3-4lbs.

Felt is smoother in the low range and you will have a wider range of drag in the low end, meaning it takes a lot of click to increase the drag when compare to carbon fiber. Felt is more micro adjustable basically while carbon fiber will grab quickly and gives you more drag on the high end.

In all likelihood, I would be changing drag washers based on if it needs it or not. Chances are I will use them until they need replacing. 

For a few $$ more you can  move up to the Ci4 version.

3 hours ago, WI_Angler1989 said:

Thanks DVT, if/when I do it, what does the whole thing cost? I don't know much about drag washers....or install prices.

The kit is $8-10 depending on model. I'll install them free but if you have to ship it's more economical to install them as part of a cleaning service which is $22 plus parts. Members here get 10percent off labor 

3 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

The kit is $8-10 depending on model. I'll install them free but if you have to ship it's more economical to install them as part of a cleaning service which is $22 plus parts. Members here get 10percent off labor 

Hey DVT, I've looked, and am seeing the 1000FJ kit 
is only 1 carbontex drag as opposed to 3?

Can you confirm?

5 minutes ago, Darren. said:

Hey DVT, I've looked, and am seeing the 1000FJ kit 
is only 1 carbontex drag as opposed to 3?

Can you confirm?

According to my chart , yes it's a 1 piece $2.65

Just now, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

According to my chart , yes it's a 1 piece $2.65

Curious as to that. I saw 3 pieces for the FI models
but only 1 for the FJ. But they have roughly the same
drag specs for the 1000 models. Is that true by your
understanding?

2 minutes ago, Darren. said:

Curious as to that. I saw 3 pieces for the FI models
but only 1 for the FJ. But they have roughly the same
drag specs for the 1000 models. Is that true by your
understanding?

It's possible but I don't put a ton of stock in drag specs overall. Carbon drags are stronger but the reason I like them in spinners is the smoothness and durability. 

Why change to Shimano if you are pleased with Pfleugers?

16 minutes ago, MickD said:

Why change to Shimano if you are pleased with Pfleugers?

I like pfluegers lower tier models as great bang for the buck. But I don't like the high end Patriarch as much. I had a chance to use a friends extensively. I don't like the lack of long term durability he experienced. I know it's all subjective to how well you take care of and treat your things, but it worries me. 

Also shimano has been very highly reccomended to me since I first started fishing and I've always wanted to try one out. A new, high end, durable, smooth reel seems like a good bet. Hence the decision between the FK and Ci4+.

I think it's gonna come down to which feels best in hand. I've never held them one after the other and know some reels just feel wierd if they're very different feeling than Pfleugers.