Based on a few detailed reviews I've read the new Stradic FL's supposed to be a a noticeable improvement over the Stradic FK, which I thought was a pretty good reel.  I see some retailers are marking the FK down from twenty to forty five dollars. Anyone that's used both, is the FL that much better? 

Wait, what? Do you mean retailers marking the FK down $20 to $45, from

retail pricing, not TO 20 or 45 bucks?

 

That'd be a steal at $20 or $45  

 

I've experienced the first real "issue" with one of our Stradics (2500 FJ). It is binding,

and binding badly. When I can afford (or my son can), we'll send it in for repair.

 

I'd take a long, hard look at the FL based on Tackle Advisor's review alone. He's got

a pretty good bead on reels and their workings, IMHO.

FJ's are from that group of older Shimanos that had friction ring issues. I had a cheap Solstace that did the same thing. 

1 hour ago, Darren. said:

I've experienced the first real "issue" with one of our Stradics (2500 FJ). It is binding,

and binding badly. When I can afford (or my son can), we'll send it in for repair.

 

58 minutes ago, The Bassman said:

FJ's are from that group of older Shimanos that had friction ring issues. I had a cheap Solstace that did the same thing. 

Funny you mention that. I have a FI 2500 that is still pretty much perfect after all of these years and the FJ1000 I bought because of that never felt right and just sits on a shelf collecting dust. I've planned on getting it serviced, but since it's been a few years my motivation to do so is apparently very low. I've had my eye on the FK for a long time figuring it would be a nice upgrade over the Sahara that's currently on my LTB Ned/split shot rod... if the sales are steep enough I may have to pull the trigger.

Man, I have an FJ1000 that......has not had an easy time in life and it’s still trucking along great.  I always meant to buy a few more bit never did.  

Never heard of the friction ring, have a number of Stradics in the family, no problems ever.  BUT NOW, having heard about it, I'm sure at least one will start malfing.  ?

 

16 hours ago, Darren. said:

Wait, what? Do you mean retailers marking the FK down $20 to $45, from

retail pricing, not TO 20 or 45 bucks?

 

That'd be a steal at $20 or $45  

 

I've experienced the first real "issue" with one of our Stradics (2500 FJ). It is binding,

and binding badly. When I can afford (or my son can), we'll send it in for repair.

 

I'd take a long, hard look at the FL based on Tackle Advisor's review alone. He's got

a pretty good bead on reels and their workings, IMHO.

Darren, the binding is an easy fix. Hit me up when you’re ready. 

From what I understand, the taller spool of the FL aids in casting distance, and there are some other minor improvements, but the FK had no deal breaker issues and is still a great reel, even more so at the discount prices you can find.

10 hours ago, MickD said:

Never heard of the friction ring, have a number of Stradics in the family, no problems ever.  BUT NOW, having heard about it, I'm sure at least one will start malfing.  ?

 

If it does let me know. 

I got the new FL, its a sweet reel and the best stradic out so far IMO.

 

@Yumeya, that is a good looking reel!

16 hours ago, Yumeya said:

I got the new FL, its a sweet reel and the best stradic out so far IMO.

 

I need to wait until Christmas, but indeed it is!  IMO it is as smooth or smoother then the Excense. What rod will you be pairing it up with?

5 hours ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

I need to wait until Christmas, but indeed it is!  IMO it is as smooth or smoother then the Excense. What rod will you be pairing it up with?

Not sure on a rod yet.

But I might pick up a 1000 size also to use for ice fishing...

59 minutes ago, Yumeya said:

Not sure on a rod yet.

But I might pick up a 1000 size also to use for ice fishing...

I've ordered a 610ML Expride for mine. Should be a nice small ned rig and trout setup.