Shimano spinning reel folks -help selecting new reel model

[Recurve1]

I have a Sahara 2500 and a couple lower level Shimano reels and looking at the Miravel and Ultegra to upgrade a bit.  Can you Shimano folks tell me about how these 2 compare and your experience with them?  This is for general river smallmouth fishing, wading and canoe, not boats or big rivers.  Thanks

[MN Fisher]

I have a Miravel 1000 and an Ultegra 1000

 

I haven't really noticed a difference between them...both are smooth running.

 

I'd go with the Miravel again...save a bit of cash.

[Hulkster]

the one piece bail arm on the Ultegra is probably worth the upgrade. line always flows instantly smoothly onto the line roller with this design. 

 

Ultegra and up have this 

[PaulVE64]

The Nasci is a nice reel for its price point.

[ScottW]

While I do like the Miravel I'm planning on the Nasci next due to the price point and having been hands-on with one recently.

[uno]

Stradic FL is on sale. Way more solid than either the Miravel or Ultegra. Aluminum frame at the same weight as the Ultegra. Plus if you are making your own rods, might as well have a reel worthy of your creations. 

[FrnkNsteen]

54 minutes ago, uno said:

Stradic FL is on sale. Way more solid than either the Miravel or Ultegra. Aluminum frame at the same weight as the Ultegra. Plus if you are making your own rods, might as well have a reel worthy of your creations. 

Where? Everywhere I have looked has switched over to the fm model.

[WRB]

JDM Fishing has FJ @ $160

Tom

[MN Fisher]

20 minutes ago, WRB said:

JDM Fishing has FJ @ $160

Tom

Digitaka has the Stradic FM 2500 at $148

[WRB]

^^^^my point is the FJ is available^^^^^👍

Tom

[padlin]

LL bean says it has  the fl for $199

[uno]

Stradic FL is on sale at tackle warehouse $180 for 1000 and 2500

[Susky River Rat]

I love my ultegras. They are silky smooth compared to the Sahara which is what I replaced. 

[Bigassbass]

Stradic from Digi-taka   it is a super nice reel, I have an Ultegra and a Miravel no comparison to the Stradics.  Ulte-gra and Miravel or intree reels, Stradic has been around long time and there is a big difference in the three.  Stradic.

[TLHSS]

I really enjoy using my Vanford. I purchased a used one from American Legacy during one of their sales for an extremely reasonable price. Looked brand new. 

[Eric 26]

I purchased my first Shimano spinning reel a Stradic FL 1000 during the BPS spring sale with a trade in and I have to say I love this reel. The line lay is awesome and the reel itself is smooth as silk. I handled a Miravel 1000 also which I feel would have been just fine in my 1000 size but again zero regrets going with the Stradic FL. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I would go with Miravel, if you want to stay USDM.  JDM Stradic FM would be the upgrade.  Still going to be noticeably heavier then MIravel, but as far as refinement for the money I dont think you can beat Stradic.  They run super smooth and the worm gear gives you outstanding line management which helps casting distance with lighter baits.  

[texvet]

I'v4 got a half dozen Miravel's 2500-3000and 4000's and I've got 4 Simano Stradic 4000FG the white and gold classics I bought new around 2007 or 8, I also have 3 of the New Shimano Vanfords 4000. I use all of them often, and my favorite reel's out of all of those, is the Stradic 4000FG's. Maybe because I have used them for 20 years, but they have never once had an issue and feel amazing in your hand.

The Vanford cost more and it is, a smooth as butter reel, that has all the bells and whistles and is a really great reel that will last forever and is the best on the market right now as far as I am concerned. But, I'm just partial to the old Stradic 4000FG.

As for the Miravel's, they are a great budget reel (around $140.00) that will last for years to come and they are smooth as butter as well. If anybody wants a great reel on a budget, then go with the Miravel, you will not be sorry. It is a great reel, which is why I have 6 of them as well.

If you want a reel that is top of the line go with the Shimano Vanford, it's probably the best made reel out of all these others, and the best on the market at this time. I would recommend the Shimano Stradic 4000FG but, they don't make the Stradic 4000FG any longer. However, you can keep an eye out on eBay and every now and then somebody will sell one on there. If you see one for sell on there, don't hesitate, they are the best reel you will ever use, in my opinion. Good luck and catch one for me when you're out there.

[roadwarrior]

Hmm...

 

4000 series is too big and too heavy for bass fishing.

[Flyfish-mt]

I'll toss a vote for the Stradic.  I have a few of the 3000FL and a 3000FK that I use for saltwater (Snook, Redfish) and they have worked flawlessly as all the previous Stradic versions I have owned.  Not sure about the reels you mentioned but I really appreciate the line lay that the worm gear oscillation offers in the Stradic.

[wonkyrig]

I love the Vanford series but was told by my tackle shop that it's being discontinued, and the parts diagrams for the Vanford series all list discontinued as well. I'd assume there's something new coming out soon as a super light sku.

 

Stradic is bulletproof awesome reel too, it's just hard to go back after using the really light Vanfords.

[MN Fisher]

9 minutes ago, wonkyrig said:

I love the Vanford series but was told by my tackle shop that it's being discontinued

That's surprising considering how recent it came out compared to other models.

[wonkyrig]

4 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

That's surprising considering how recent it came out compared to other models.

Yep. Maybe there's a revision coming, who knows.

[Stickperch]

Digitaka shows an an option for vanford with "(NEW)" next to it. This has come after their recent opening from the closure while restocking in october

[Alex from GA]

I have a couple of Symetres, which have 95% the same parts as a Stradic so I'd buy the Stradic.  Very smooth, good drag and fairly light.