I have been trying to decide if it is worth an extra $90 dollars for the Sustain over the Stradic FI. I am only a weekend fisherman, here and there when I get a chance so could I justify the extra money for the Sustain? I appreciate your opinions and suggestions.

I have a Sustain and it is DEFINITELY NOT worth the extra money.

8-)

Thanks RW, I appreciate all your help. I asked a month or so ago about your Sustain and 10 trips to BPS later still haven't decided. LOL I think I am going to go with the Stradic but wanted to make sure I wasn't making the a decision I would regret.

once bought a sustain after years of using stradics.

the sustains are a tad smoother but, otherwise there's little difference.

Thanks RW, I appreciate all your help. I asked a month or so ago about your Sustain and 10 trips to BPS later still haven't decided. LOL I think I am going to go with the Stradic but wanted to make sure I wasn't making the a decision I would regret.

Go ahead and get the Sustain, you won't regret it.

This is a fine reel, I just don't think it is much of a

"step up", but you might like it more than me.

8-)

When it comes to Shimano reels, it's RW tells it like it is

If you haven't done so already, you should call Shimano customer service.  The CS reps are top notch and have both knowledge and passion for their products.  They will probably  describe in detail  the differences in both design and function on the water.

Enjoy!

Just yesterday I ran into a buddy that's a real reel maven, fixes them for a living.  He had with him a Shimano Biomaster.  As fine a reel as I have seen.  Made in Japan, not Malyasia, for japanese anglers and from what I understand, they won't buy junk.  It was small in size and weighing only 10.4 oz for the 6000 series reel.  Smooth as can be.  I was so impressed that it is for sure my next reel. I have a sradic fi4000 and I'd pick the biomaster.  It's a similiar price range to the stradic.

I have 2 Stradics that are older models. I don't have an FI version of the Stradic. I also have a "Twin Power" JDP version of the Sustain and it is a much nicer reel than the Straidics I have. I hope I haven't confused the issue. JMHO

Ronnie

Yeah, I too was once in the same boat as you. Then one day I went to get my reel serviced at shimano in Irvine and asked the guy there. He said don't waste you money, get a Stradic FI.... the Sustain is basically the same reel with a couple features that isn't worth the extra dough.... so I bought a Stradic

Now if you want to buy a reel in the Sustain price range, I would take a long hard look at the new Daiwa Fuego A, same as the japanese Daiwa Luvias........ you will not be dissapointed.

Btw. I fished the Steez Exist this weekend, blows the stella away.... Sorry RW.... you have to try the Daiwa spinning reels.... I am amazed.... sorry off topic.

I have both and would pick the sustain over the stradic fi. The sustain is a little smoother. but both are awsome reels in my book.

Thanks again to everyone, I value all of your opinions. I went to Cabelas yesterday and think I have decided to go with the Stradic.  Thanks again to all that replied