Just acquired two older used shimano stradic mgfb 2500 spinning reels, both have bails that are not very smooth opening, they feel stiff like there is friction when opening from rubbing against something. I opened up the bail assemblies and oiled the areas that looked like there’s contact but they feel the same after re-assembling them, any ideas or help appreciated.

The friction rings are probably woreout on the reels. If you take the rotors off, it will be the rubber ring that is against the body. Its probably black or blue in color and may have groves for the bail trip lever to fit into. Shimano doesn't make it for that particular reel anymore but other models may fit it. 

I've have to replace a few before.

20 minutes ago, mrpao said:

The friction rings are probably woreout on the reels. If you take the rotors off, it will be the rubber ring that is against the body. Its probably black or blue in color and may have groves for the bail trip lever to fit into. Shimano doesn't make it for that particular reel anymore but other models may fit it. 

I've have to replace a few before.

I could be wrong as I'm no reel tech but I don't think the rotor or any of its parts has anything to do with this particular problem as the friction is felt when the rotor is not even moving. The problem seems to lie at the two points where the bail arm attaches to the rotor that rotate when opening it to make a cast.

I had something like this on old Shimano Sarah (750?) and I hope it's not the same as the Stradic......

 

I hooked into a 40+lb catfish and it caused the plastic that is inside the bail spring housing to wear out.  It made the bail stiff in one spot and loose on another.  The only fix was a new rotor.  I only paid around $40 new for this reel and it made no sense to buy the part as it was not the only thing that got destroyed when I brought that fish in.  I ended up buying a new reel.

4 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

I could be wrong as I'm no reel tech but I don't think the rotor or any of its parts has anything to do with this particular problem as the friction is felt when the rotor is not even moving. The problem seems to lie at the two points where the bail arm attaches to the rotor that rotate when opening it to make a cast.

You’re right 

9 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

You’re right 

Any thoughts or advice? Is there a quick cheap fix or does this involve parts replacement?

The bail wires become deformed and cause the hinges to bind. Gently pulling out or squeezing in on the wire can correct the problem 

4 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

I could be wrong as I'm no reel tech but I don't think the rotor or any of its parts has anything to do with this particular problem as the friction is felt when the rotor is not even moving. The problem seems to lie at the two points where the bail arm attaches to the rotor that rotate when opening it to make a cast.

This is correct. Loosen and remove the bail from the arm to diagnose if it is the mechanism or a bent bail and proceed accordingly.

18 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

I could be wrong as I'm no reel tech but I don't think the rotor or any of its parts has anything to do with this particular problem as the friction is felt when the rotor is not even moving. The problem seems to lie at the two points where the bail arm attaches to the rotor that rotate when opening it to make a cast.

I’m with @mrpro here or at least easier to check. It I remember correctly when open bail on Shimano reel, there is a piece or metal that rubbed against friction ring. Removed the ring and see if any smoother otherwise check the bail itself.