This has probably been asked in the past, but I don't remember ever reading anything concerning it. 

 

What do the letters that follow the name of Shimano reels indicate? Like on a Stradic FX, FG, FI, etc? They seem to be on every Shimano spinning reel model. When I worked at BPS, I asked their sales rep. He flat out said "I'm not sure, call customer service." All I ever got from them was "It stands for the manufacturing date." That doesn't make sense to me as the letters never change. Anyone have the answer?

I’m not sure the significance of “F” the second letter denotes generation of the model. 

the F stands for the Fing BEST

6 hours ago, Hulkster said:

the F stands for the Fing BEST

I don't disagree at all.

The F stands for front drag.

Rear drag models have a R in front.

Those model designations are strictly USM.  

They represent the same model change years as JDM, which are numbered by the year - makes a lot more sense.  

E.g. USM Stradic 1000 FLHG is JDM '19 Stradic C2000SHG.  

 

Mr Pao nailed it

I can't wait until they release the Stradic FU!