In the $250 range, is the Shimano Sustain still the way to go or has newer tech made these yesterday's news?

I would just buy the Stradic Ci4+ and save the extra money. There is nothing you need a spinning reel to do that a Stradic Ci4+ can't do.

I have a sustain fg and the ci4+ is nearly identical in performance, but much lighter and cheaper. If I were to lose the sustain it would be replaced with a ci4+

4 minutes ago, no39 said:

I have a sustain fg and the ci4+ is nearly identical in performance, but much lighter and cheaper. If I were to lose the sustain it would be replaced with a ci4+

That's because it's basically the same reel minus the aluminum frame. 

I would get the ci4+ for sure, the sustain isn't worth any extra money over the ci4+.  Another awesome reel in the price range is the Diawa luvias, I like it way better than any of my stradics and it's made in japan. 

How do these compare to a Rarenium CI4+ or a Twin Power?

I have a couple old Sustains.  Handled the new black one in a store.  I was underwhelmed.   Ordered a TwinPower from Digitaka. 

I have the newest Sustain....the FG series. I came from a Stradic FJ and while the features list don't really justify the price it feels a bit more solid to me and crazy smooth. I would agree if money's a factor to get the Stradic Ci4+ since the features list are the same. I only bought the Sustain because it was on sale for a lower price than the Ci4+

I would stick with the CI4+ for bass, but the sustain is a very nice reel for saltwater applications. 

55 minutes ago, Klebs01 said:

I would stick with the CI4+ for bass, but the sustain is a very nice reel for saltwater applications. 

Why is that? 

2500 ci4+ will do everything I want for bad and it's very light. However, it's only available up to 4000 size. The sustain is available  in larger sizes, up to 10000 I think. The extra size and line capacity is useful for larger fish that run like tarpon. That said, I plan on using a 3000 ci4+ on a ml inshore rod and a 4000 on a m inshore rod when I get them. 

Agree with previous posters suggesting the twin power or luvias over the sustain based on performance at similar price range. Cant go wrong with the CI4+ though for cheaper.