Obviously the reputation of the Stradic is very good.  What I'm wondering is if anyone has experience with the Daiwa Aegis and what your thoughts are? (Pretty much no English reviews of this reel that I can really find)

Also has anyone gotten out with the new Stradic Ci4+?  Is it as good as last years model? (I've very happy they changed the design of the handle to be kind of like the Metanium MGL)

I've owned a Rarenium Ci4 and a 12 Luvias (essentially same as Aegis) . What are you wanting to use it for? What properties are you after? X ship is a really nice feature with Shimano spinning reels. Both reels offer good line management. Do you want the mag seal? Some folks aren't crazy about it. Both reels have a nice connected feel. I felt the Daiwa was a little smoother, but the Shimano felt better under load. I'd choose the Daiwa for finesse stuff, and the Shimano for all around use. 

Will be used for dropshot, 1/8-3/16 shakys, and 1/8oz-ish jerkbaits (on rare occasion)... putting it on my envy7'2 Finesse rod.

I do agree Xship would be nice, love it in my Chronarch Ci4.

Question though, what is the issue ppl have with the magseal?

Just for your information, that Aegis model is a shallow spool.

13 minutes ago, Raul said:

Just for your information, that Aegis model is a shallow spool.

Ya 110yrds-ish of 6lb / 20braid

If I was picking I would get the 16 Ci4+ as I just don't care for the "mag seal" on the Daiwas.

Again, Why don't ppl like the magseal though?  Never used a reel with it.

28 minutes ago, DanQS13 said:

Again, Why don't ppl like the magseal though?  Never used a reel with it.

I think people are afraid of it because you can't service it yourself. In theory it shouldn't ever need to be serviced and likely won't. If it were me I'd source a new in box 12 Luvias. You should be able to find one for around 200 bucks. It's also made in Japan. 

I have never used an Aegis, but I REALLY love my '16 ci4+.  

Both sound like they are bulletproof. If you want to be different, go with the Daiwa. Either are good thats how I see it

Glorified plastic is anything but bullet proof. 

2 hours ago, Hogsticker said:

Glorified plastic is anything but bullet proof. 

I agree with that. These are nice reels, but if you want bulletproof better get a twinpower, fk, certate, procyon,  or tournament ss. Everyone's so scared of a couple of tenths of an ounce of weight though they would rather buy plastic than aluminum

Plus super light spinning reels usually don't balance well with off the shelf rods. The old Daiwa Advantage, Sol, Tierra - Those were bullet proof, felt, performed, and fished great. The Daiwa Procyon EX looks to follow in their footsteps. Aluminum, airbail, digigear. All the things that made those reels great with the addition of mag seal. If I were looking for an all around spinning reel, I'd have no problems picking up a 2000 size. It's a little heavier than the reels you mentioned, but chances are it will balance better with your rod, especially if it's 7' plus. You could also probably find a Jdm old white version Stradic - Biomaster in your price range. 

Being how much of a finesse application drop shotting is, I wouldnt really worry about the glorified plastic. However when I'm targeting steelhead, give me aluminum!

On 8/27/2016 at 0:40 PM, Hogsticker said:

Plus super light spinning reels usually don't balance well with off the shelf rods. The old Daiwa Advantage, Sol, Tierra - Those were bullet proof, felt, performed, and fished great. The Daiwa Procyon EX looks to follow in their footsteps. Aluminum, airbail, digigear. All the things that made those reels great with the addition of mag seal. If I were looking for an all around spinning reel, I'd have no problems picking up a 2000 size. It's a little heavier than the reels you mentioned, but chances are it will balance better with your rod, especially if it's 7' plus. You could also probably find a Jdm old white version Stradic - Biomaster in your price range. 

The reel I currently have on it is a Pflueger Supreme XT which only weighs 6.3oz (I must say that for the money this reel is quite impressive). Balances extremely well, the Envy7'2Finesse is super light.

I ended up ordering the new Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 2500 from TW last night, this reel weights 6.7oz... went to BassPro this weekend and got to hold both the 2016 and 2015 Stradics.  Both are very nice, however the new Stradic is noticeably smoother.

The Pflueger Supreme XT will be going on my wife's new rod that I'm ordering today, a Dobyns Champ 683SF.  A shorter rod will be nice for her and it this setup will be versitile, even though she throws a 1/8oz - 3/16oz shaky head with a 6" watermelon zoom trickworm 95% of the time, lol.  Trying to expand her lure usage but she is stuck in her ways after killing it at Kentucky Lake during a spring vacation trip.