I have some more gift cards to use and I can't make up my mind between the new 2008 Staradic $159 regular price or the older Stradic for $79.99 on clearance.  I already have one of the older Stradic and love it. But is the new one worth shelling out the extra money?

It is hard to pass a good deal but I can't help but wonder if the new reel is a huge improvement over the old one.  I had chance to play with one and it reminded me of my Shimano Sustain, smooth, well balanced and strong.

Anyway, any thoughts would be a big help.

The innards of the new stradic differ from the old stradic. It is almost like what they did for the new curado d and the curado BSF.

The stradic has the new paladin gearing which the old one does not. I believe the spool has a different design too among a few other improvements.

The old stradic is a sound reel, but I just don't like how it looks. If value is your basis, then getting two old stradics for the price of one new one wouldn't be a bad deal. Unfortunately for me, the bait monkey would make me get the newer one, and override my decision to never pay more than $79 (Symetre) on a spinning reel. As you can see in my avatar, the bait monkey is slowly but surely bringing me ever closer to the dark side, red light saber and all. ;D

All you need is this and you will be accepted:

Well, I don't have the new Stradic but I have played with it at BPS. Although I don't think this is possible, it seemed to be comparable to my Stella 2500FB! I have owned Stradics in the past and think they are the "best value" in the Shimano line-up. For $79 the "old" 2500FH model is an exceptional value, but the new model is without a doubt, an exceptional reel.

I would step-up and buy the 2500FI.

FishTank, Where are you finding the old Stradic for $79.99? Thanks.

I have 2 of the old ones and would like to get a couple more, I see no reason for the way I fish to change to the newer one.

FishTank, Where are you finding the old Stradic for $79.99? Thanks.

I have 2 of the old ones and would like to get a couple more, I see no reason for the way I fish to change to the newer one.

I have been finding them at Dicks Sporting Goods.

Well, I don't have the new Stradic but I have played with it at BPS. Although I don't think this is possible, it seemed to be comparable to my Stella 2500FB! I have owned Stradics in the past and think they are the "best value" in the Shimano line-up. For $79 the "old" 2500FH model is an exceptional value, but the new model is without a doubt, an exceptional reel.

I would step-up and buy the 2500FI.

DITTO.  If you use braid then the new model is a must.  If you don't use braid then the new model is still a must..

All you need is this and you will be accepted:

Get that Sh%% outta here.  

I am having the same problem.  I found last years model on clearance at academy and BPS in Nashville a month ago for $99, but didnt have the money.  Now that I have the money both stores are sold out of course.  Dick's in Franklin, TN only has the stradic 4000 for $109 but I don't really want a spinning reel that big.  What should I do?  The new 2500FI is really nice I may just spring for it....

I personally bought and returned a new FI Stradic. Don't get me wrong, it was a very smooth reel with an excellent drag. BUT..the new machined screw-in handle kept coming loose. The handle screws in and is not attached to the other side, so if you apply pressue back on the handle (setting the hook) it will come loose. Might just be the way I set the hook but never had a problem with the prior stradics.

Here's a comparison of the new Stradic FI on a thread that I started.  As RW pointed out above, the new Stradic is geared towards the Stella (where the old Stradics were closer to the Symetres).   Like you, I have been debating between the old and new Stradic.  I still haven't purchased one but leaning towards the newer one.  I was going to see what fishing deals pop up in the spring.  Delos had the new Stradics on sale for $129 during Thanksgiving.  I know Dick's has 20% off coupons usually in the spring so I may use one then to purchase a new Stradic.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196480464/0

. The machined-aluminum handle with Septon handle grips has a direct-drive mechanism (threaded directly into the drive gear) to eliminate play and increase transmission of power.  

This handle sucks! It will come loose.

67Ghost,

Could it be that you just got a bad one?  The septon handle is on the Stella too and I haven't heard anyone complaining about it.

Also, some heavy users of the new Stradic over on other forums have not mentioned the handle problem yet.  One poster who fishes heavily for King Salmon with his new stradic has reported nothing but glowing reports so far.    

It's possible I got a defective model. By the way..I'm all about Shimano! When I set the hook I always apply pressure back on the handle...just the way I do it. Handle kept coming loose.

I received an F1 for Christmas so I have not used it.

But when fishing with spinning gear I use the rod to set the hook and not put pressure on the reel handle.

I then start to reel as fast as possible to get the slack out of the line and get fish back to the boat.

I will let you all know if I have any of the reel handle problems you all describe.

I sincerely hope not.

It's possible I got a defective model. By the way..I'm all about Shimano! When I set the hook I always apply pressure back on the handle...just the way I do it. Handle kept coming loose.

Are you sure you dont have the setting wrong? there is a switch when activated the handle can turn backwards. its usually under the rotor/reel.

I came home with the new Stradic today.  Awesome reel so far.  I will post more info as I get to use it more.