I need advice on two new spinning reels. One will be for tubes and finesse techniques on 8 lbs fluorocarbon on a st croix legend elite, and the other for drop shooting on 6 lbs fluorocarbon on a g loomis e6x drop shot rod. This will be my first time getting a high end reel, I have high end rods, but not good reels, and am deciding on the shimano stradic ci4+, stradic FK, and Abu Garcia Revo series, like the STX. I saw that the new  2016 ci4+ reels may come out at Icast, should I wait for them, or grab one of the reels available now. I fish all day, so definitely the lighter the better, the primary fish in my lake are bronzebacks and big largemouths, all advice is appreciated,

thanks!

Welcome aboard!

My reels of choice are Stradic FJ models.

Of the reels you mention, I'd opt for Shimano,
obviously, the CI4+ if weight is a premium. I 
hear good things about the FK. Don't think you
can go wrong either way.

Is it worth the wait for the 2016 ci4+? It looks beastly, but not sure how much better it will be compared to the current model. 

 

Sweet looking reel however it is not even available from across the pond yet. From what I can see you will be looking at sometime in June before it is released.....nice vid..2016 Shimano New Spinning reel [Stradic CI4+] - YouTube

I say get two shimano stradic Ci4+

Which ci4, the 2014 or 2016? I won't fish until early June, I'm still debating whether the wait is worth it 

8 minutes ago, Ggmogollon said:

Which ci4, the 2014 or 2016? I won't fish until early June, I'm still debating whether the wait is worth it 

Well then just wait and get the 16 it certainly looks like it will be worth it.

Really up to you since none of us have used
or tested the 2016 (that I know of).

I bought my Stradic FI reels when they were 
still at full retail. I bought my FJ models at 
discounts once the FK was released. So you
could probably find a good discount on the 
2014 model once the 2016 is released...

Actually, you can find discounts on the auction
site now...

The fk is a really nice reel. I have the 2014 ci4+ but i feel the fk balances better on rods. But both are far superior to the other ones you mentioned in my opinion

I would absolutely wait, I know I will after seeing the video of the new one. It should be lighter than the 14 which will be awesome!