Just looking to see what people think is best over these two reels.

the only noticeable difference is their weight difference. That was enough for me to go with the Ci4+ model

Have a 1000 FK and CI4+. The CI4+ just *feels* more refined,

the bail mechanism *feels* crisper, and of course the weight

savings are big.

58 minutes ago, JLBBass said:

the only noticeable difference is their weight difference. That was enough for me to go with the Ci4+ model

   Yup. I have 2 ci4+ 2500FA series, one ci4+ 4000FB series, and a 2500fk, and I agree with the above totally.  jj

Not to steer you away from any stradic they are great reels as I own a stradic fk 2500 but you may want to look into the shimano nasci. I’ve been fishing one now and it’s a very similar reel for half the cost. I find they keep making the stradics more and more money each generation and they don’t add much to them compared to a lower end shimano. If weight is an issue by all means go for a ci4. But I believe the nasci 2500 and stradic 2500fk weigh the same. If I could do it over again I wouldn’t pay the extra $100for the stradic 

CI4+ without a doubt. 

I find the regular FK balances better on my rods

14 minutes ago, Chris at Tech said:

I find the regular FK balances better on my rods

Ditto

4 hours ago, Chris at Tech said:

I find the regular FK balances better on my rods

ditto x2

Never fished an FK but have a couple Ci4+ and they're great.

I use my 2 Stradic 3000Ci4+ reels on a pair of St Croix Avid X 6'9"MLXF rods. That is why i choose the lightweight reel for this. It makes a great lightweight combo! I know that the regular stradic will "balance" better on some rods. 

I also REALLY like the newer model Pflueger Patriarch XT spinning reels! I own 2 of them also.