Just wondering what y'all thought the differences were between these two reels?

Randy

I have seen them both in my shop..

Short answer,  basically the same......

Tight Lines!!!

After fishing a Symetre, I would not buy another Stradic.  I own four Stradics, from my inshore fishing days, and if they have to be replaced, it will be with Symetres.

As far as the insides look, there seems to be 1 more ball bearing in the Stradics.  My eye isn't good enough to tell if the bearings are the same quality or not.  I own both and like both.

SYMETRE FI

   * Aluminum Frame (except on model 750 which is graphite).

   * Cold Forged Aluminum Spool provides increased strength and durability.

   * Graphite Sideplate

   * Graphite Rotor

   * Spare Cold Forged Aluminum Spool provides increased strength and durability.

   * S-Concept represents Shimanos initial philosophy on which many of our spinning reels have been designed. The three basic ideas that are inherent in the S-Concept are Smooth, Silent and Strong.

   * Slow Oscillation lays the line in a parallel pattern for excellent castability and control.

   * S-Arm Cam protruding surface on the bail arm keeps slack line in contact with the line roller to reduce the chance of tangles and line cuts.

   * Maintenance Port a sealed plug that can be removed using a screwdriver to easily lubricate the drivetrain without disassembling the reel.

   * A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings) are specially treated stainless steel ball bearings that are at least 10 times more corrosion resistant than standard stainless steel ball bearings.

   * Fluidrive II uses the successes of Fluidrive, but also uses a polishing process to increase tooth contact for increased efficiency.

   * Super Stopper II is a one-way roller bearing that eliminates backplay for solid hooksets, yet can be turned on or off to allow back-reeling.

   * Dyna-Balance similar to balancing a tire, we use counterbalancing techniques in the rotor to eliminate wobble during the retrieve.

   * Power Roller II is an oversized line roller that reduces twist from casting and retrieving and is enhanced with a tapered area on the support to help line get onto the roller.

   * Floating Shaft By using a bearing or bushing, friction is reduced between the pinion gear and spool shaft for increased smoothness and durability.

   * Metal Series (except model 750) Metal frames keep moving parts in precise alignment for increased efficiency and durability.

   * Ported Handle Shank (only on model 750) reduces the overall weight of the reel.

SY2500FI = 31" IPC, Line: 6/200, 8/140, 10/120, MaxDrag 15.0 lb, BB's 4, RB 1, GR 6.0:1, Weight 9.5oz.

[br]

STRADIC

   * Aluminum Frame

   * Cold Forged Aluminum Spool provides increased strength and durability.

   * Graphite Sideplate

   * Graphite Rotor

   * Spare Cold Forged Aluminum Spool provides increased strength and durability.

   * A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings) are specially treated stainless steel ball bearings that are at least 10 times more corrosion resistant than standard stainless steel ball bearings.

   * Fluidrive II uses the successes of Fluidrive, but also uses a polishing process to increase tooth contact for increased efficiency.

   * Super Stopper II is a one-way roller bearing that eliminates backplay for solid hooksets, yet can be turned on or off to allow back-reeling.

   * Metal Series Metal frames keep moving parts in precise alignment for increased efficiency and durability.

   * Dyna-Balance similar to balancing a tire, we use counterbalancing techniques in the rotor to eliminate wobble during the retrieve.

   * Rubber Handle Grip is comfortable and soft to the touch.

   * Power Roller III is an oversized line roller that reduces twist from casting and retrieving, using a cone-shaped support to help get the line onto the roller quicker.

   * Floating Shaft by using a bearing or bushing, friction is reduced between the pinion gear and spool shaft for increased smoothness and durability.

   * S-Concept represents Shimanos initial philosophy on which many of our spinning reels have been designed. The three basic ideas that are inherent in the S-Concept are Smooth, Silent and Strong.

   * Slow Oscillation lays the line in a parallel pattern for excellent castability and control.

   * Maintenance Port a sealed plug that can be removed using a screwdriver to easily lubricate the drivetrain without disassembling the reel.

   * S-Guard protects the body of the reel from impact damage.

   * S-Rotor is compact and lightweight to ensure a comfortable retrieve.

   * S-Arm Cam a protruding surface on the bail arm keeps slack line in contact with the line roller to reduce the chance of tangles and line cuts

ST2500FH = 33" IPC, Line: 6/200, 8/140, 10/120, MaxDrag 12.0 lb., BB's 4, RB 1, GR 6.0:1, Weight 9.7oz.

Thanks ReelMech. I really couldn't see much difference either. It seems that the Stradic is made to be able to used in saltwater. Think I will probably stick with the Symetre. Yet I will probably end up sending you my old one to get it fixed.

Rand

bigrand33,

Actually I wouldn't use any of them in or near salt. Especially if they are not listed in the Shimano product line as a saltwater reel. There are special seals that are used for salt water reels, and neither of those reels have them. Most angler's will say they are listed as usable in a salty environment. I will say yes any reel can be, but only if they are broken down and serviced each time they are exposed to that environment.

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!

I heard from a buddy that i work with that the ball bearings in the stradic are made in Japan  and the ball bearings made in the symetre are made in China. I sell these things every bay at work and i push the symetre over the stradic every time the customer loves it because the prices are about thirty bucks apart. The symetre is just as good of a reel as the stradic.

I agree with reelmech.

I have used both the symetre and the stradic.

I could find nothing about the stradic to justify the added expense.

Just as an FYI, I consider the little symetre 750 to be one of the finest spinning reels on the market.  At it's $80.00 price point, it is the value leader in spinning reels.

and this from a die-hard Daiwa guy.