http://www.reedssports.com/main.taf?cat=51

I purchased a Shimano Stradic from Reeds on Sunday -  

I checked the site yesterday and found them on sale

Called them up and the immediatly sent me a credit slip for the difference

They also have a great policy on Loomis rods

Have to be careful with on-line endorsements but so far this has been a very nice and fair vendor.

And if you are missing the far north ...when they put you on hold you hear a rushing stream with a loon in the distance.

fwiw

so glad I found this site!!!!!!!!!

Shadrac

Reeds is a great company and offers great customer service.  I would never hesitate doing business with them.

Looks like Cabelas has answered the price

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/home/doorway-home.jsp?vendor=door_228.jsp&cmCat=catrtfish

I suspect shimano is changing the Stradic...it's way overdue.  The Stradic has served well for over a decade, but $119 worth of technology in 1997 isn't what $119 will buy you today.  I sold my Stradics at the end of last season, and went with two Daiwa Tierra's.   Twice the reel of the Stradic as far as features (at the same price)...I bet Shimano will be trying to answer Daiwa's new lineup.

Competition drives innovation and change is inevitable. However the Stradic 2500FH has been upgraded over the years. My first Stradics (1997) were 1000 & 2000 series which are now 1500 & 2500. I'm not suggesting that new features and updated technology can't improve these great reals, but the "old" reels perform better today than the day I bought them. Durability is a key attribute of Shimano reels.