Just bought a used GL2 802S 6'-8" for a ned rig rod, looking to see what you all think is the best Shimano reel to pair it with.

 

Rod is 6"8" and I'll be fishing from a kayak 90% of the time. I'm not as worried about balance as I would be with a baitcaster setup but still want it to be fairly balanced. I know some people think the GL2 are heavier than other comparable rods but I really like the feel of it.

 

Here are the reels I'm considering and their weights, all 2500 size.  Sorry, not interested in any other brands of reels.

 

Stradic Ci4+ :  6.7oz

Stradic FK :  8.3oz

Ultegra: 8.5oz

Nasci: 8.8oz

 

 

prob. stradic Ci4 although I like the 3000 sizes over the 2500 as the handle is bigger to grab and has more line capacity 

 

 

A freind of mine absolutely love his stradics. That’s a bit pricey for me I have the nasci and I really like it had it for about a month now really smooth and strong. I think it’s great for $99 

If I was forced to go with a Shimano I would likely choose the Ci4 not for weight but due to the MGL rotor.

9 minutes ago, PatrickKnight said:

If I was forced to go with a Shimano I would likely choose the Ci4 not for weight but due to the MGL rotor.

They promote that rotor on the premise that it has a lighter startup.  I have 3 CI4+ FA's and I can't imagine anything that's lighter as far as rotation.  I'm afraid if I fished a new one it would make me rethink what I have.

I don't know if it has lighter start up but it does seem to have a bit better balance when turning the handle if that makes any sense at all.

 

My higher end Daiwas don't want to get wiggly (is that even a word?) when spun fast and my Stradic FK seemed to where as my Ci4 didn't. 

 

I really think people put to much into how much somethings weighs but that's just me.

Either one of the Stradics would be fine.  I would take the rod to a shop and mount both on your rod just see which one you like.

I can't comment on combo balance (seems like something you can never really figure out until you actually mount it and handle the combo) but as far as the models go, I have an Ultegra and a Stradic CI4+ both in 1000 size. Hardly ever use the Ultegra because it's on a travel rod and I haven't traveled much but I use the CI4+ almost every weekend and each time I do I'm glad I bought it. Feels solid, smooth, light in the hand and well balanced (balanced, I mean the reel itself.. not heavy or wobbly while cranking). Not cheap but no regrets.

 

15 hours ago, PatrickKnight said:

If I was forced to go with a Shimano I would likely choose the Ci4 not for weight but due to the MGL rotor.

When you say "forced" to go with Shimano, out of curiosity what would you go with over my choices? Daiwa?

 

In all my years fishing all I've ever owned or used is Shimano spinning reels, so maybe that's my reason for being  biased.

 

I own several other brand baitcaster reels, but out of all those my Shimanos are my favorite.

 

 

CI4 all day.  I have four of them.

2 hours ago, TBAG said:

When you say "forced" to go with Shimano, out of curiosity what would you go with over my choices? Daiwa?

 

In all my years fishing all I've ever owned or used is Shimano spinning reels, so maybe that's my reason for being  biased.

 

I own several other brand baitcaster reels, but out of all those my Shimanos are my favorite.

 

 

I have switched almost all my spinners from Shimano to Daiwa. If Daiwa was not around I would still be a Shimano fanboy I just prefer the current Daiwa offerings. Shimano never treated me poorly but I feel I get more reel for my money from Daiwa.

2 hours ago, PatrickKnight said:

I have switched almost all my spinners from Shimano to Daiwa. If Daiwa was not around I would still be a Shimano fanboy I just prefer the current Daiwa offerings. Shimano never treated me poorly but I feel I get more reel for my money from Daiwa.

Everyone is different in there preferences. IMO I prefer Shimano casting reels by a long shot over Daiwa. I was not impressed with the Tatula SV TWS or Steez SV TWS at all. However, I really enjoy Daiwa's spinning reels. The Fuego LT, Tatula LT, Ballistic LT, and Exist are extremely nice. I'd personally take the Daiwa spinning reels over Shimano's current spinning reel offerings.

I have a pair of Ci4+ reels and while I do like them a lot, other then weight they have little to recommend them over a Daiwa BG.  In your case I would go with the Ci4+ unless you can find a good deal on the FK.  

I'd go with a Shimano Stradic CI4.  Or something JDM like the Cardiff/Soare etc.