Stradic FL or CI4+

In the market for a new reel and I think it’s between the Stradic FL or CI4+. Anyone use both and have an opinion one way or another?

Thanks.

I am interested in this. I hope there is a lot of good opinions.

Buffalo Fishhead

Kind of hard to say. Stradic FL is brand new, as in only been out for a few months, so not a lot of reviews out yet. The current Ci4+ is based on the stradic fk. I have several Ci4’s, Ci4+’s, a stradic fk and have been relatively happy with all of them. I am guessing a new Ci4+ based on the FL will be out in the next 12 months so you might be able to get some decent prices on the outgoing model. I just bought a brand new Ci4+ 3000 for $170 a last weekend.

Here are a few reviews from Tackle Warehouse. Sounds like a winner.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Stradic_Spinning_Reels_FL/descpage-STGL.html#customer_reviews

I have several CI4’s and they have been flawless for me. I haven’t tried the new model yet.

Have 2 ci4,s 2500 just got the second today smooth durable. No experience with the fl .

FL has a slightly taller spool that allows for longer casts compared to the shorter Ci4 spools.
The FL also has the Micro Module gears with silent drive. By the way this is the same gears as the Shimano Stella’s. Basically better gears built for more abuse. weight 7.9oz (2500 size)
The Ci4 is a lighter reel coming in at 6.7oz(2500 size), due to new lighter rotor, has Hagane gear, and X-ship.
I would imagine that most of Shimano spinning reels will have the Micro Module gears going forward. Biggest difference between the 2 reels is weight and spool height.
Both reels are solid and should last you a long time. Shimano Stradics are solid reels that will last a very long time.

I have two Ci4 1000’s and a 2500 to go with an Exsense EXSC3000MHG which weighs 7.1 oz. All are a joy to use.

I have a 2500 FL I bought last September and used all fall on my TUCR 8′ MLXF rigging rod, it is extremely smooth and balances well with this rod. I also have 2 of the CI4+ in 2500 and have used them for a couple years with no issues whatsoever, also very smooth..drag systems are a wash. If choosing between these two reels I’d try each on it’s intended rod to see how it balances and that would be my decision maker. I tried a CI4 on that 8′ TUCR and it was too light, didn’t balance well which is why I went with the FL.

Well I couldn’t make the decision one way or the other so I bought one of each… one for me and one for the wife. They both feel great and I can’t wait to get out and use them. I’ll have to post an update after a few months of use.

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I am sure your wife appreciates you thinking of her.

I have several Stradics and love them but I think they are overpriced now. Take a look at Daiwas. I have bought several Daiwas and I think they every bit as good.

I bought a Diawa in the $50 range for an older rod I have and it is a nice reel for the money. I imagine the higher end ones are even nicer.

And yeah, the wife will love the new custom rod and reel… Hahaha! I’ll probably use it more than she will.

Always swore by the Shimano Symetre’s and Stradic’s. Huge decrease in manufacturing quality. Lots of corner-cutting in the new models. I have moved all my reels to Daiwa. Very happy with that decision.

I recommend a used (older) Stradic Ci4+ Or move to the Daiwa line.

Tatula X 2

Daiwa sv feature on bait caster virtually eliminates backlashes when set right. Backlashes have always have been a challenge for me.

I echo what Cal said..

Both are great reels. This is my take…. Everyone wants a super light reel which is fine and dandy. I run both the ci4+ and the FL. But the problem I have with the ci4+ being so light is trying to find a rod it will balance well with.

This is why I actually prefer my FL as it balances my Tuned up Custom Rods much better. Drags are great and the reels are pretty close.

I cannot tell a difference in performance either.

I would actually sell my ci4’s.

I have these reels in the 2019 versions. I like what Cal and Chris said. I really like the FL for casting jerkbaits (e.g. husky jerk) and crankbaits. I know some guys prefer a casting rod for these applications but not me. The Ci4 is super light and is great for jigging applications, whether casting or vertical. I especially like it for pitching light jigs where I’m using a very lightweight custom rod. All of this said, either reel will work for whatever you want. To me, the FL feels “solid” while the Ci4 feels “light but rigid.”