I'm looking for another higher end spinning setup and the new Sustain has piqued my interest. How does this new model compare to the ci4+ or Stradic FK? I own the FK and FJ for comparison, but I was wondering if anyone here has experience with all of these models and can compare them for me. Thanks.

What size would you be looking to get? A lot of my fishing is Inshore saltwater from a kayak and my go-to reels have been the Stradic FKs. Something about the heftier aluminum frame balances better with the Inshore rods I use. I tried the Stradic Ci4+ and ended up selling them, because they just didn’t “feel right”. Again, it’s probably due to the balance and the techniques I fish, which isn’t very finesse-oriented in which case the Ci4+ would probably be superior. I also, owned a Sustain FI very briefly, and while it shared the heft and sturdy feeling I like about the Stradic FKs, I didn’t feel like it was worth the price of admission, considering I could acquire 2 FKs for just a little bit more than one Sustain FI.

 

In short, for finess freshwater fishing, I’d probably choose the Stradic Ci4+, due it’s weight. The Sustain FI, although a nice reel from what I could tell in the short time I had it, didn’t really offer enough for me to make the jump and switch from the FKs.

17 hours ago, wet_dream said:

What size would you be looking to get? 

 

In short, for finess freshwater fishing, I’d probably choose the Stradic Ci4+, due it’s weight. The Sustain FI, although a nice reel from what I could tell in the short time I had it, didn’t really offer enough for me to make the jump and switch from the FKs.

 

I'd likely be getting a 25 or 30 size. 

 

I've also come across the Exsence ci4+ from Japan since starting my research. This reel looks to be the USDM Stradic ci4+, painted up like the USDM Exsence, a few extra bearings added to it, and a different spool. All the while, being essentially the same price as the Stradic ci4+.

I remember reading on another forum someone saying that the Exsence Ci4+ is essentially a Sustain Ci4+, as it occupies the same price point in the JDM market. Let me see if I can find that thread.

12 minutes ago, wet_dream said:

I remember reading on another forum someone saying that the Exsence Ci4+ is essentially a Sustain Ci4+, as it occupies the same price point in the JDM market. Let me see if I can find that thread.

I've seen that thread, and I've also seen a YouTube video directly comparing the too. I'm always a sucker for JDM reels with a few little extra bells and whistles. 

Every sustain I ever picked up in anticipation of purchasing just didn't impress me at all. They always felt stiff when reeling & just didn't feel smooth. For the price I would look at anything else. You can get a jdm daiwa 16 certate 2500 series for $331.81.