Cruising around for stradics and found a site selling the 2500FI for $120.  Last years model, this years, don't know.  Either way, this is a good price, right?

FI is the new model.  I bought mine off ebay for that much last january.  Thats a good price.

I just paid full price for one and have no regrets.  For 40 bucks cheaper I would get two  ;D.  Cant go wrong with the Stradic.  And as was already said the FI is the new model.

That's a good price just hope you get a good one. Mine had bail issues right out of the box sent it back to Shimano at the cost of $10.00. They have had it for 7 weeks now still have not received it back. called and am getting a run around  . Not very happy with Shimano at this point and time. Check other blogs there seem to be issues with this reel, I wish I did.  JMHO Good Luck

I keep looking over my shoulder thinking it's someone playing a joke.  I wonder why such a spread. $120-$180.  If they are selling at $120, there's still money to be made.  Anyone getting $180 has got to making a killing.

That seller isn't making much on those reels.

I've been saving for a 2500 size reel, but I keep reading posts, here & elsewhere of people having problems with the new stradic. Don't care what ICAST says, think I'll look elsewhere.

That's a good price just hope you get a good one. Mine had bail issues right out of the box sent it back to Shimano at the cost of $10.00. They have had it for 7 weeks now still have not received it back. called and am getting a run around . Not very happy with Shimano at this point and time. Check other blogs there seem to be issues with this reel, I wish I did. JMHO Good Luck

I sent my Stradic in last month and was replaced rather quickly. Of course, the replacement was kind of dinged up in a few spots and missing small bits of paint. I'm not exactly too pleased, since the reel I sent in was pristine.  >

That's a good price just hope you get a good one. Mine had bail issues right out of the box sent it back to Shimano at the cost of $10.00. They have had it for 7 weeks now still have not received it back. called and am getting a run around . Not very happy with Shimano at this point and time. Check other blogs there seem to be issues with this reel, I wish I did. JMHO Good Luck

Post this problem in the Shimano section, I'm sure it can be resolved.

I sold one on this site Monday for 115.00 inc. shipping. I see why it sold so quick now.

I've been saving for a 2500 size reel, but I keep reading posts, here & elsewhere of people having problems with the new stradic. Don't care what ICAST says, think I'll look elsewhere.

I have two older stradic that have been just fine. I too have heard of too many problem with the new FI. So when I was in the market for a new reel I went with the "Sustain". I think the old stradics were a better value.

Odd isn't it? I'm on this Forum all day, every day during the week,

sometimes at night and occasionally on weekends. I visit two other

fishing forums from time to time. Yet, today on this thread, is the first

time I have ever heard of "widespread" problems with the Stradic.

Something smells a little fishy to me.

Where did you guys hear this story?

>

I sent my Stradic in last month and was replaced rather quickly. Of course, the replacement was kind of dinged up in a few spots and missing small bits of paint. I'm not exactly too pleased, since the reel I sent in was pristine. >

Contact Bantam1 in our Shimano section. I am 100% sure he will

resolve this for you. Your next replacement will be perfect in every

way.

Most of the complaints I've seen and heard come from guys that use them in salt.  Go figure? I have an FG 1000 that runs like brand new.  

I read about stradic complaints from here and TT, as well as some other smaller bass forums.

RW, why so defensive? I would think shimano could spit out some bad product just as easily as daiwa or pflueger. It, to me, is a nature of the game. Possibly more people become vocal when a reel like a stradic

doesn't meet their expectations or is proven to be defective. Stuff happens. No company has a QA that is 100% effective.

You made it sound like a common occurrence, not an isolated incident.

I don't recall ever hearing a complaint about the new FI, here or

anywhere else. However, with our new friend, Bantam1, on site, I

think you can be sure, any issue will be addressed and solved.

Hey, for all I know, it may be a common occurrence, I don't know.

"I don't recall ever hearing a complaint about the new FI, here or

anywhere else. "

Read more.

BTW, you on the shimano payroll?

BTW, you on the shimano payroll?

No, but we have a "Shimano Posse" and some call me the Sheriff.

http://unattributed.net/html/whiskey.html

8-)

"No, but we have a "Shimano Posse" and some call me the Sheriff."

Ok. Turn in the badge & go pick up a shimano Q&A manual. ;D

I sent my Stradic in last month and was replaced rather quickly. Of course, the replacement was kind of dinged up in a few spots and missing small bits of paint. I'm not exactly too pleased, since the reel I sent in was pristine. >

Contact Bantam1 in our Shimano section. I am 100% sure he will

resolve this for you. Your next replacement will be perfect in every

way.

It isn't too bad, but it would have been nice if there weren't small bits of paint missing. I'd settle for a bottle of touch up paint.  

That's a good price just hope you get a good one. Mine had bail issues right out of the box sent it back to Shimano at the cost of $10.00. They have had it for 7 weeks now still have not received it back. called and am getting a run around . Not very happy with Shimano at this point and time. Check other blogs there seem to be issues with this reel, I wish I did. JMHO Good Luck

I sent my Stradic in last month and was replaced rather quickly. Of course, the replacement was kind of dinged up in a few spots and missing small bits of paint. I'm not exactly too pleased, since the reel I sent in was pristine. >

Shimano doesn't replace, they repair.

That's a good price just hope you get a good one. Mine had bail issues right out of the box sent it back to Shimano at the cost of $10.00. They have had it for 7 weeks now still have not received it back. called and am getting a run around . Not very happy with Shimano at this point and time. Check other blogs there seem to be issues with this reel, I wish I did. JMHO Good Luck

I sent my Stradic in last month and was replaced rather quickly. Of course, the replacement was kind of dinged up in a few spots and missing small bits of paint. I'm not exactly too pleased, since the reel I sent in was pristine. >

Shimano doesn't replace, they repair.

The guy on the phone said specifically that they would be replacing it instead of repairing it, because the parts needed would not be available until March. Also, the note in the box with the reel says "Replaced reel under warranty at no charge".

Anyway, it probably got a little banged up in shipping. Besides where the tiny bits of paint came off, it looks fine. Feels smoother, so I guess that's all that really matters. Back on the IMX it goes.  ;D

Odd isn't it? I'm on this Forum all day, every day during the week,

sometimes at night and occasionally on weekends. I visit two other

fishing forums from time to time. Yet, today on this thread, is the first

time I have ever heard of "widespread" problems with the Stradic.

Something smells a little fishy to me.

Where did you guys hear this story?

>

You are kidding, right?  Complaints about the Stradic's bail and gears have to be among the most common complaints I've seen, regardless of brand.

No.

I have never heard or read a thing about a problem with the bail.

I've been a huge fan of Shimano since I started using their reel's in the eighties. I still have a Stradic 1000 with the fast cast - fun little reel.

While I can't point out the specific sources or problems, between BR, TT, consumer product reviews and a few googles, I've seen enough problems reported to believe that the new FI is not YET as bulletproof as the old FH.

I am still very intrigued by the FI and would like to try one. However, I was turned off by the new pricing point. There are several attractive alternatives that are 20% to 35% less expensive. $120 would have been attractive to me, but this year I had Cabela's gift certificates to use.

I believe that Shimano offers world class products and has the possibly the best customer service I have ever experienced(for any type of product). However, I haven't been "blown away" by the performance of my Shimano purchases in the last couple years. Perhaps my expectations were too high :-? I almost feel guilty :-/ but recently I've found alternatives that better meet MY needs at price points that meet MY budget restraints (constraints).

I've still got a bunch Shimano products on my wish list