I received my '16 Stradic CI4+ 2500HGS today.  The reel feels solid...pretty close to my Stradik FK.  It definitely feels lighter than the FK.  It looks like a few of the parts may be identical.  I should be able to give it a shot this weekend.  Here are a couple picture of the new Stradic since I have not seen many...with the FK for reference.

Almost kissin' cousins!

Except for the color...the weight...but
everything else is good!  

So can someone school me on the big differences between these two reels? I have a 2500 Ci4 that's few years old and love it, but I'm looking to get a new 1000 size reel for small river smallies. 

6 hours ago, smr913 said:

So can someone school me on the big differences between these two reels? I have a 2500 Ci4 that's few years old and love it, but I'm looking to get a new 1000 size reel for small river smallies. 

The biggest difference is weight due to the CI4+ material.  The CI4+ 185g and the FK is 230.  The older CI4+ was 195g.  I had one of the last generation CI4+ and I sold it because it did not feel solid like my FK.  This one is much closer to the FK in the feel department.  The new CI4+ also has Magnum Light Rotor.

I have what I would consider a smooth FK.  I bought a previous generation ci4+ and sold it because it did not feel as solid.  This new ci4+ feels just as solid as the FK and actually noticeably smoother.  I got out for a few hour sunday and am really impressed with it.  Unfortunate, not big fish, so I can't comment on the power or drag.  As long as these are as expected, it is definitely a keeper.

Looks nice but I'm disappointed they changed the knobs. I really like the round foam on the older ci4+ and sustain. Might need to pick up and older one on sale it see if they can be swapped out. 

After using the new '16 ci4+ for about two months now, I am comfortable saying it is the best Stradic I have ever used.  It is smoother, lighter, and more powerful than either the older ci4+ or FK.  It actually seems to have gotten smoother with time.  The only thing I did not care for was the handle knob.  I changed it out for a EVA knob similar to the older ci4+. 

Good to hear. I'm contemplating getting one.