How does the Daiwa Fuego spinning reel compare to the newer models that are coming out. As a fan of the Tierra, Exceler, etc. its current pricing looks very attractive. I particularly like the line management and casting distance of Daiwa spinning reels.

Should I be looking at the newer reels such as the Ballistic, Stradic Ci4, Quantum Exo/Smoke, or Pflueger Patriarch/Supreme? Have they evolved much in the last 2 years?

I’d be looking for a 2500 size, most likely to go on ML/M rod for baits in the 1/8 to ½ oz range.

My dilemma is whether I should jump on a closeout Fuego or wait for the new reels to go on sale this spring. Thanks

Leon

I love my fuego, I have the 2000 on the 6'10" M fuego rod. For the price you can't go wrong but I haven't got a chance to fish all the new ones either Some do seem interesting though.

If I were in the marker for a new spinning reel, it would be a Fuego. At the price you can find em at at you know where right now, you cant pass that up!

Thanks guy's, I'm leaning towards the Cabela's model because it's available in the 2500 size. All my other reels are 2500 and I like the size. Shaving more than 1.5 oz off should make it feel very light to me. Of the few reviews I've found, only great things were said about the Fuego, other than 1 or 2 lemons.

Well, I have fished the CI4 a little, but I don't actually own one. My impression is WAY over the top! I thought the reel compared favorably to my Stella reels. In fact, the CI4 has many of the same features previously only available in the Stella series.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewchimanostradicci4.html

CI4 comparisons to the Stella, quite an endorsement and its only a few more dollars than the closeout Fuegos

I have three CI4. I have handled, and disassembled Stellas, Kent's Stellas in fact, LOL. I've used my buddy's Fuego as well. Externally, the Stellas are heavier, and smoother in operation. Yeah, they share some features, but most spinning reels are the same. The big thing is the worm drive oscillation. That was once a super high end feature.

The main thing that someone shopping a CI4 or Fuego over other reels is probably considering weight. Both use proprietary light weight frame materials instead of aluminum. These leaves you with a tiny bit of flex as a compromise. Both fish comparatively, though the CI4 has a faster gear ratio, and greater IPT on similar models. For that reason, I the CI4 is my choice for a light weight deep, vertical application. For horizontal stuff, I like the barely slower Daiwa reels.

Very well said J. Leon... bummer that you missed out on the accidental Cabelas sale of Ci4's for 119.99 a few weeks ago. I would personally choose the Ci4 (when 15-20% off) over the Fuego, but I am partial to Shimanos.

Thanks for the input. I considered the Ci4 and even a discounted Stradic FI. In the end, I went for the 2500 size Fuego since I didn't want to miss out. I figure I still have time to get I Ci4