The Curado has long held the reputation for me as the workhorse in the Shimano lineup.   Great quality at a reasonable price (subjective I know).  I realize this may be disputed but what is the spinning reel equivalent to you?  It does not have to be in the Shimano lineup but what spinning reel has the same type of value/performance reputation in your opinion?

   Metal Stradic.     jj

FL?

Stradics and Symmetys have been my mainstay though the Sahara is also a good work horse.  I don’t even know how many of each I have.

2500 Stradic Ci 4+

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-SHIMNOREEL.html?from=basres

 

The newest version is Stradic ST2500HGFL

https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-STRADIC_FL.html

Stradic cl 4. Use it for bass and steelhead

Stradic without a doubt.  I've been using Stradics since 2000 (FG wooden handle model) 2000.  Most of mine now are 2500 Ci4+ now but I have NEVER had an issue with any of them.

Do the Stradic Ci4+ or now the Vanford tend to hold up as well as the metal bodied version?

The Shimano Stradic is one of the best spinning reels for its price range. Penn also makes very good spinning reels.

1 minute ago, soflabasser said:

The Shimano Stradic is one of the best spinning reels for its price range. Penn also makes very good spinning reels.

Which Penn models are comparable?

I'll throw in a vote for Stradic FL as the baseline workhorse reel, and also point out that Twin Power with metal rotor is the next step up.  The latter is also bench-made in Japan, so parts are matched for even smoother function.  

19 minutes ago, Msl819 said:

Which Penn models are comparable?

How much money are you willing to invest in a spinning reel?

19 minutes ago, Msl819 said:

Which Penn models are comparable?

Penn Conflict I is amazing. Hard to find now and the Conflict II's were not as good. Battles are also solid and basically the same reel. You pay for the ruggedness with a bit of weight though.

I can also second the Sahara. Been abusing mine for several years. Also picked up a Spheros  last year and that is going strong as well.

while Stradics are fine reels, they are a little pricey, IMO, to answer this question.  I'd say right now that the Pflueger Supreme for $105 is the answer.  Or any Daiwa in the $100-150 range.

I began my Shimano adventure with the original Stradic twenty(?) years ago. 

Along the road I gave it to a friend who is still fishing the reel.  Pricey?  I don't

think so.

15 minutes ago, soflabasser said:

How much money are you willing to invest in a spinning reel?

Let’s say ~$200

Stradic FL, also own a Curado K. Same solid feel. 

7 minutes ago, Msl819 said:

Let’s say ~$200

You're in the Stradic range, so there is your answer.

 

9 minutes ago, Msl819 said:

Let’s say ~$200

For less than $200 you can get a Fierce, Battle, Spinfisher VI, Conflict, and many other choices. Some complain that the reels are a little heavy but that is because they are built to last and take abuse. Besides anyone that works out a little will be just fine fishing with these reels. 

I think the current Stradics don't have an anti-reverse switch, which is a problem for me.  I'll stick with switches as long as I can find a good reel with them.  Bad trend, in my opinion.

I paid $150/ for two '19 Stradics from Japan, and right now, that may be the only place you can find them.  

22 minutes ago, MickD said:

I think the current Stradics don't have an anti-reverse switch, which is a problem for me.  I'll stick with switches as long as I can find a good reel with them.  Bad trend, in my opinion.

I love the switch when jigging walleye.  Easy peasy to keep your bait at the right depth.

22 minutes ago, MickD said:

I think the current Stradics don't have an anti-reverse switch, which is a problem for me.  I'll stick with switches as long as I can find a good reel with them.  Bad trend, in my opinion.

What is biggest advantage of anti-reverse to you?  I know the downside seems to be an additional place water can get in, just never really understood the main use.

When dinosaurs ruled the world...

 

 

if you want a really good dinosaur with excellent locomotive drive, selective anti-reverse, same spool stroke and line management that compares to Stradic, I'm a big fan of $90 Tica Libra.  

They're heavy, doesn't matter in the small size, and built to last.  Also keep in mind their 3000 is everybody else's 5000.  

Tica sells direct on Amazon, and TackleDirect also stocks them.