Anyone have any comments on the lightweight Stradic Cl 4?
Even though I have issues in general with Shimano, overall it is nice reel with a price to match. I have an older Stradic which has served me well with exception of the typical junk bearings that Shimano uses for the line roller. I looked at one to match with a rod I built specifically for tossing artificials for trout and light tackle reds. There was one thing on the reel I could not get past, which may be trivial for others. The reel handle is very short (to save weight) which felt unatural for me…made it feel like a toy. Bought a Penn Battle 2000 instead and have been happy.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14
I love my CI4s… Put a couple drops of oil on the roller bearing when you get home you won’t have a problem. If the bearings wear out you can get replacements for around $5… Only takes a couple mins to replace it!
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
It is good to know that Shimano has reduced the price of its roller bearings. The bearing in my old stradic was at least twice that on multiple occasions. Regular oiling certainly helps. I oiled every 4 weeks on my Shimanos, but they still seized on a regular basis. My opinions is that all “corrosion resistant” coated ball bearings are junk. Reel manufacturers like to market them because they are cheaper than a quality stainless bearing.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14
I absolutely love my CI4 4000. Weighs less than most 3000’s and some 2000s. So for the same or less weight, I get much more line and drag. I want to get a 2500 next. The only thing i dont like is the price! I got a lews SS300a (reg 59) on sale for 29 bucks and let me tell ya, it is nice. 10 ball bearings and only 2 1/2 0z more than a ci4 3000. Came with a braid spool and a mono one. I may get a ss200a instead of the ci4 2500 and save 140 bucks. If you get a ci4, I think you will love it. As previously stated, dont forget to maintain the line roller bearing.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
For whatever it’s worth, I was talking to a Shimano rep this past week, and he mentioned that they see very few CI4s come back with issues. He also said that they are coming out with a new version of the CI4 this summer that is even lighter and stronger than the original. Just mention this because it might be worth waiting for the new version, or you can probably get a deal on the old version since they’re usually some good deals out there right before the new models come out. I personally have no experience with the CI4, but I have a bunch of Stradics and prefer them to anything else out there.
Thanks. Money is still in my pocket but the itch is increasing. It is not like I need any more gear. Addicted tackle junkie!