Shimano Stradic CI4~anyone here use them?

I'll play devils advocated because I had considered getting a Stradic Ci4 to pair with a Loomis Bronzeback. However after playing with it in bass pro there were a few features that I found off putting.

1. The foam handle is flat out irritating. I spoke with a shimano rep and even he admitted that most people are not a fan of it.
2. It is lighter than a regular stradic by only 2 ounces yet is 50 dollars more expensive than a Stradic FI

I am a loyal Shimano user and instead I decided to get another Stradic FI to go with my Bronzeback. I did not regret my decision in the slightest.

I had both of them in my hand today ,the Stradic 2500 CI4+ and the Patriarch and seriously I was really liking the Patrirch in feel ,but I had to go with the shimano since I have had a few shimano's in the stable and the other reason is they did not have the Patriarch in the sane size as the 2500 series ,they had 1 bigger and 1 smaller ,so Stradic C14 it was .Guess now I got to get out on Lake muskoka and fill the boat with some eyes . I also bought the Fenwick Methods to go with this reel, hopefully it works out right for me.

I used to be a die-hard pflueger reel user but I just switched over to the stradic ci4+, paired it up with a Fenwick aetos, pricy combo at around 400 bucks but well worth it IMO!

After I realized the Fenwick methods rod I had was a medium to medium heavy action ,I returned the pole and replaced it with the St Croix premier 6'6" medium light action with the shimano Stradic CI4+ .should be a deadly combo.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Strothers

I had both of them in my hand today ,the Stradic 2500 CI4+ and the Patriarch and seriously I was really liking the Patrirch in feel ,but I had to go with the shimano since I have had a few shimano's in the stable and the other reason is they did not have the Patriarch in the sane size as the 2500 series ,they had 1 bigger and 1 smaller ,so Stradic C14 it was .Guess now I got to get out on Lake muskoka and fill the boat with some eyes . I also bought the Fenwick Methods to go with this reel, hopefully it works out right for me.

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I own two Pfluger Patriarch and two Ci4+. Both are really good reels but the Shimano is just plain awesome. So light, ultra smooth and very nice to look at . I'm not a Shimano guy by any means, I am a die hard Abu Garcia guy. But when a great product arrives, one has to admit it.


Kev

Fantastic reel have had mine for one season , you won't be disappointed

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/g...psposfuzet.jpg

I've been using stradics for over 20 years. Middle 4 are stradics. Top reel is a phluger. I do have a CI4 as well that I got a great deal on but for me the "regular" stradics are where it's at for me for performance/price.

Ditto for the lightweight foam. I hate it on rods and reels.

I run a Stradic Ci4+ on a Zodias rod.
Not cheap but the combo is unreal!

I run two. Love em both. If my facts are straight, it has a lower drag strength that the standard Stradic. Just be aware of the specific model, and your intended use.