Was thinking 2500 may be a better size in the event I ever decide to use it for something else. I can get a slightly better deal on the 1000, ~ $160, while closer to ~ $170 for the 2500. Thoughts?

I prefer 1000 for finesse. 

 

Shimano’s 2500 size is not to big at all. It’s a great size reel. That’s what I’d go with. 

Thanks guys. I sent out a lowball offer earlier and the vendor accepted. Snagged the 2500 at 150. ? 

That's a great deal. Used?

 

The Stradic FL is SMOOTH. I picked one up a month or so ago for $199 @ Bass Pro Shops. Just grabbed a 7'M Expride A to pair with it on black friday. It's going to be my do-all spinning setup on the yak this coming year. 

23 minutes ago, HookInMouth said:

That's a great deal. Used?

 

The Stradic FL is SMOOTH. I picked one up a month or so ago for $199 @ Bass Pro Shops. Just grabbed a 7'M Expride A to pair with it on black friday. It's going to be my do-all spinning setup on the yak this coming year. 

No, new unused.  And yeah I'm pretty excited to give it a try. Still settling on what rod I'm going to pair it with. I wasn't going to go that expensive at first, but I watched one of the tackle advisor reviews for the reel and got a bit ahead of myself. Haha. 

That's a fantastic deal. Nice work! 

I'm a 1000 size guy for my bass fishing. But have stated before

that reels in the 3000 range are now *in the range* of the 1000

reel sizes from years ago. Especially newer reels in the CI4+

lineup, and I believe some of the Daiwa LT reels (higher end).

 

I'd have no problem buying a 2500 or 3000 in these newer weights

and sizes. But I still love my 1000s  .

I use the 2500 size on everything but my musky rods.  Many of the lakes I fish on you never know what could be on the other end.  I caught my PB musky bass fishing with a #3 Mepps so I like having a little larger reel and since I use the 2500 Ci4+ on most of my rods weight isn't an issue.

Contemplated on this exact thing recently, though not on the Stradic FL specifically. Ended up liking 2500 size more due to the larger handle. I find it's more natural for ME when fishing it compared to 1000 size. The 1000 size just felt very restricted while fishing when turning the handle. Not a knock on 1000 sized reels, it all comes down to preference in the end.

 

If you care about combo balance, the weight difference could play a role in choosing 1000 vs 2500 based on what rod you'll pair it with. 2500 is typically ~1oz heavier and it does change the fulcrum point.

 

2500 is more universal if you do end up needing a bit more drag or line capacity down the road. 

 

I'm obviously biased towards 2500 sized based on what I found trying them both. You should try both out and see for yourself. 

I fish the 1000 Ci4+ as my light finesse and the 2500 Ci4+ for heavy finesse. I personally see very little benefit in the 1000. It's a great reel, but the 2500 is close to a perfect fit for me. 

Yeah, I figured the flexibility would be good. It's been a few years since I've fished, and the gear my dad had needs to be replaced. Figured I'd get one nice setup for bass / striper. Ordered us a couple of fenwick lunker stiks for $40 a pop that need reels, and then I'm looking into a finesse rod. Figured the lunkers would work for cranks and small swim baits. Reading old forum posts at the moment, looking for suggestions for the finesse rod.

12 hours ago, Havock said:

Thanks guys. I sent out a lowball offer earlier and the vendor accepted. Snagged the 2500 at 150. ? 

The 2500 size Shimano is great for lots of techniques. I use it on my medium and medium/light bass rods. 1000 size reels I only use for my ultralights with smaller trout and panfish rods.

I just picked up the Stradic FL 2500 to pair with a 6'8 M-XF Carbonite 2.0 rod. Balances well, the reel is my first Shimano. Haven't fished it yet, nor will I until the spring but it seems very smooth and looks great. Feels very high quality and can't wait to break it in. 

 

The 1000 just seemed too small for multi species fishing and the 3000 holds a bit more line than I really need. 

Unless you're talking UL creek fishing, 2500 size. Larger spools offer better casting distance and line management then smaller spools.

I use the 1000 size for ice fishing, but I have used the 1000 size in open water and it works fine.

 

I do prefer the 2500 shimano and 3000 size daiwa reels the most.

So unfortunately I learned that I like more substantial feeling reels. Especially prefer the handle on the 3000 shimanos as opposed to the 2500s. A little disappointed that the 2500 has already shipped. 

32 minutes ago, Havock said:

So unfortunately I learned that I like more substantial feeling reels. Especially prefer the handle on the 3000 shimanos as opposed to the 2500s. A little disappointed that the 2500 has already shipped. 

You could always get an aftermarket handle. Wait till it arrives you will love it. Enjoy.