Shimano Stradic Ci4 Reel Review [On-The-Water Performance Pros & Cons]

Ойын-сауық

To see the full review of the Shimano Stradic Ci4 spinning reel, click here: www.saltstrong.com/articles/s...
In this video review, we cover the pros and cons of the popular Shimano Stradic Ci4 fishing reel (considered one of the best spinning reels on the market for inshore fishing).
We also discuss how the new reel compares to the older Shimano spinning reel model.
Some of the main pros for this spinning reel are:
It's super lightweight (one of the lightest spinning reels in its class)
It holds up pretty well to saltwater
Great drag
Some of the main cons for this Shimano spinning reel are:
Cost (it's significantly costs more than the average spinning reel in the same class)
Make sure to check out the full review here:
www.saltstrong.com/articles/s...
Any questions on this reel?
Let us know in the comments.
For more fishing tips, fishing product reviews, and fishing reports, check out:
www.saltstrong.com

Пікірлер: 97

  • @Saltstrong
    @Saltstrong6 жыл бұрын

    To see more fishing reel reviews and reel tips, go to this category page on our website: www.saltstrong.com/article_categories/fishing-reels/

  • @stevepetersen2929

    @stevepetersen2929

    6 жыл бұрын

    Salt Strong I have used the 2500 model for about a year and so far it works perfectly.

  • @XxZayZay721xX

    @XxZayZay721xX

    5 жыл бұрын

    Salt Strong witch series is that new one you have?

  • @thereelraconteur7801
    @thereelraconteur78016 жыл бұрын

    I am a certified "gear dork." My buddy gave me my first rod and reel about three years ago and it was a Tsunami classic series rod with a 3000 Stradic CI4. Since then I have used assorted Penns, the Shield, Diawas, Okuma, Pfluger, etc. The Stradic seems to be the template for what any good reel strives to be. I have mostly used them for saltwater applications. I have used them during some harsh North Eastern Striper runs well into bitterly cold Decembers. I have dunked, sprayed, and generally worked the shit out of them and they just keep on ticking. Since that first one I have bought four others for different rods used for different things. That first one is still going strong. The price is well worth it. If anyone is looking for a similarly reliable reel at a better price point I can strongly recommend the Diawa Fuego. I refer to this reel as the "half price Stradic."

  • @tonyrobinson1623
    @tonyrobinson16236 жыл бұрын

    The thing I like most about the newer Ci4 is the smoothly arched drag knob. The older model had a stepped one that would catch loops of line when you first closed the bail. On the new one, the loop slides smoothly off.

  • @detox318
    @detox3186 жыл бұрын

    I’ve had the old model for about 4 years and have caught everything from snapper to big snook and redfish.. and I agree exactly with you about slinging lures all day long effortlessly with no fatigue due to the exceptional lightness. Mine is paired with a 7 ft star rod and is my favorite setup of all .

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for making time to leave the helpful comment, Joe!

  • @juliancuretti

    @juliancuretti

    5 жыл бұрын

    which size ?

  • @ernestocisnerosjr6015
    @ernestocisnerosjr60155 жыл бұрын

    I own 2 of the stradics ci4 2500 i have had them for over 3yrs or 4 not really sure but i bought them used at a pawn shop. and i have have used them in saltwater and have dunked them as well and they have proven to be worth every penny. Just 2 weeks ago the bearings started acting up and had t ok put them on the sidelines for maintenance but luckily i have 2 other stradics that have as back ups. Which are now taking a beating until i can get my other 2 repaired. I would never switch to any other brand of reels i absolutely love them and i would recommend these reels to anyone.

  • @InshoreChaos
    @InshoreChaos6 жыл бұрын

    I remember when you posted the video of the reel being dunked in saltwater, that was a long time ago! To see that reel still fully functioning is very surprising. Shimano must have spent a lot of time making it.

  • @SNOOKINGAROUND
    @SNOOKINGAROUND6 жыл бұрын

    I have the older version...had it for bout 6 years and is probably the reel that needs the less maintenance...love it

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for making time to leave the helpful comment.

  • @leespeed2885
    @leespeed28856 жыл бұрын

    I have the old model for 4 years. Dunked it on saltwater so many times. I still use it now and still smooth. Never change a single bearing. I have the new model too , but i just spin dem handle while watching tv😂

  • @kizk2020
    @kizk20206 жыл бұрын

    I have the 3000 older model. Favorite spinning reel I have owned. Light, durable, great drag, and have landed everything from walleye, largemouth, smallies, reds, specks, stripers, and fluke.

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for letting us know your experiences with your Ci4 reel. Fish On!

  • @toekneeee
    @toekneeee6 жыл бұрын

    If you like the old handle you can actually fit the old handle on the new model

  • @paulmauricio3600
    @paulmauricio36004 жыл бұрын

    I tested the first generation of the 2500 ci4 and I didn’t like the idea that it flex under stress, not happy that it flexed for being a $200+ so I didn’t buy it. Tried the 2nd generation 2500 ci4+ and noticed a stronger solid reel, bought it and have loved it since. As for maintenance , very light , just a couple drops of lube once in a while, since I only use it in fresh water. It has become my favorite. Still smooth as when I first picked it up. Mainly use it on a finesse/dropshot rod for Largemouth. I can’t say enough how much I enjoy it. I haven’t tested the 3rd generation

  • @TonyGruber2009
    @TonyGruber20095 жыл бұрын

    Hi Luke, I enjoyed the video thanks. I have two of the Stradic Ci4 reels and Love them. If I remember correctly, I have seen you fish a Daiwa LT series reel and was wondering which brand you like best in this size category and why? Thanks, Tony

  • @barlow2976
    @barlow29764 жыл бұрын

    I've had my Stradic ci4 over a year, and it has been dunked plenty of times. I just give it a rinse in the cattle trough and lube and it's good to go. Amazingly light on my little lure rod, and never a problem fishing braid. When I first received it I thought it felt like a toy, a little plasticky, but it is reasonably strong, I'm hard on my gear. I would never pay the price they want here in the U.K though, but I'd say it is worth a hundred quid, no more.

  • @mikeamy6529
    @mikeamy65294 жыл бұрын

    I ordered two stradic ci 4, supposed to be the “same” one says o2500-B the other is 2500HG-B. The description of the item I wanted/ordered was Stradic 2500 FB. So did I get a bait and switch? I understand that HG = high gear.

  • @hooklineandlincoln1660
    @hooklineandlincoln16605 жыл бұрын

    Bought the new model and tested it out yesterday on some bream with 8lb Berkley X9 braid, absolutely spot on about it fishing so much lighter, brilliant reel, cant fault it at all. The price was steep but it'll pay for itself with the amount of fish im going to catch with it!

  • @theman1526

    @theman1526

    5 жыл бұрын

    What rod would you pair it with, im new to fishing.

  • @fishin3196

    @fishin3196

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@theman1526 look into st croixs great warranty andd great rod they run about 100 to 150 each and with the size shoot them a email of where your aiming to fish for and what you use

  • @bachirbattache2997
    @bachirbattache29975 жыл бұрын

    I have the model that is older than the two you show here, did see almost all the seas on earth and never used it in fresh water, i wash it everytime back home or hotel and grease it when possible and still good for couple of years on my medusa custom works rod. Next time will be a SW Stella in 4000, the perfect size which matches the average density and size of fishes arround the earth from the shore.

  • @larryseigler9223
    @larryseigler92235 жыл бұрын

    The only point u made between old and new was the handle. You didn’t weigh the old one. You didn’t reference gearing, construction material, line capacity, .....no technical discussion at all. It was really a video on the quality of the stradic. No discussion on comparison. Sorry, but poorly done.

  • @enterthedragon5979

    @enterthedragon5979

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yeah i totally agree I came here to hear about the inside. I should've read the comments first be for watching

  • @bicqxs4350
    @bicqxs43503 жыл бұрын

    I normally only use daiwa reels and randomly got a stradic and i couldn't be happier, one of the smoothest and definitely lightest reel I've ever used, as he said tho the handle is a bit small and quite firm so will take some getting used to but overall very nice reel Id rate it 9/10, a 10 if the handle was round like the older model

  • @sethjohnson2287
    @sethjohnson22876 жыл бұрын

    I have both the old and new model. I’m the opposite, I bought some of the new handles and put them on the old models. I don’t use my spinning tackle all that much any more, but I did for a good while and these are hard to beat.

  • @brucesom638
    @brucesom6384 жыл бұрын

    I am really hesitated to use a Stradic CI4+ in salt water cause I am not sure if it okay with salt water

  • @rerspss
    @rerspss3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your review! My stradic is not that smooth from the box, does it get better by time? I have not yet fish with it...

  • @HABSTA123

    @HABSTA123

    3 жыл бұрын

    Late reply but did you have to take it back? I just got one and it doesn’t feel good at all, even while fishing.

  • @markkus1134
    @markkus11344 жыл бұрын

    I was hesitant to buy one because of my friends info on the older model but picked up a 2500 $149.00 new on sale and a 4000 like them both so far I prefer the new handle the T style

  • @sharonyosef6386
    @sharonyosef63866 жыл бұрын

    Hi,i have stradic 4000xg.make noise when retriving.noise comes from roller line bearing.what to do?

  • @nicksmith3746

    @nicksmith3746

    5 жыл бұрын

    Return it for a service

  • @Senkiekun
    @Senkiekun6 жыл бұрын

    Honestly i dont like the ci4 (the old model) the drag rubs and binds too much but i guess i a have to try the new "model" now Nice vid guys!

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for making time to let us know about your experience using your Shimano Ci4 reel. Sorry to hear about the drag issue... hopefully that was isolated to the older model.

  • @naturegreen7233
    @naturegreen72332 жыл бұрын

    Hi, what size reel are these?

  • @smeden1140
    @smeden11406 жыл бұрын

    I had both the new and the old model in different sizes,but i get really disappointed when i discovered the new model have"plastic"micro module gear and not metal like other models. that is a step back in the quality and durability. The old model have full metal gear box and feel more solid over time...

  • @otisdriftwood7094

    @otisdriftwood7094

    4 жыл бұрын

    Is it regular plastic or the CI4? I have the older model and love it.

  • @6atlantis
    @6atlantis5 жыл бұрын

    Nice vid, I just bought a Stradic ci4+ for a trip down to S.C(from Boston) for redfish, I already own a penn battle 2(4000) for light schoolie striper fishing in Maine. In your opinion should I take the Stradic back and pick up a BG and have money left over for another reel of my choice, or stick with the Stradic because it’s worth it?

  • @davecarpenter7912
    @davecarpenter79124 жыл бұрын

    The old Stradic had the anti reverse switch. Which I use hundreds of times a day jigging. Does the new Stradic have the anti reverse switch?

  • @markkus1134

    @markkus1134

    4 жыл бұрын

    No switch on the new model

  • @slotslidershoslotcars
    @slotslidershoslotcars6 жыл бұрын

    Shimano Nasci is a great reel with same amazing drag system. Even better..the daiwa BG ..has more bearings , metal frame and side plates, knob is oval and more comfortable , reel foot to rod seat is more comfortable. I own and love both ..the BG is just stronger and more comfortable for me and my monster hands. Check both out and see what you think. The penn spinfisher V (5) is another bad ads reel worth a look.

  • @jimbogasoline2042
    @jimbogasoline20426 жыл бұрын

    Both are POS'S. I now use a Zebco and never have a problem with the bail anymore. Plus the Zebco looks cool and has a nice paint job. Caught 150 lbs Bullsharks and Perch on it. Paired with an Ugly-Stik, you have the best combo known on this side of the Mississippi.

  • @otisdriftwood7094

    @otisdriftwood7094

    4 жыл бұрын

    Zebco and Ugly-Stik is the best combo? Both are trash.

  • @smcewen7
    @smcewen75 жыл бұрын

    Check out the okuma rtx25 or rtx30 reel,similar to the stradic alot cheaper,weighs 6.6oz

  • @ronpasa5359
    @ronpasa53596 жыл бұрын

    Does it have screw in handle or the pin through?

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    6 жыл бұрын

    The Shimano Stradic Ci4 reel has a screw on handle.

  • @alexandroskafkas5647
    @alexandroskafkas56475 жыл бұрын

    Hello.. I want to put it to my LRF Rod .. I have now sharky II 2000... So iam thinking.. Will this improve my distance at shots? And its overall much better reel always for LRF Fishing.. That is ultra Light 5-10gr My braid is 0.08 iam targeting small fish.. Go with 1000 or 2500? Does it worth to pay it? I Will see big difference or its not such a step when you targeting small fish And kastking sharky II does the job? Thank you

  • @joakimvreb7654

    @joakimvreb7654

    5 жыл бұрын

    Much better then a sharky

  • @alexandroskafkas5647

    @alexandroskafkas5647

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@joakimvreb7654 Just bought the shimano stradic ci4 2500 hg fb Thank you .

  • @joakimvreb7654

    @joakimvreb7654

    5 жыл бұрын

    Your welcom dude

  • @ttsupra87
    @ttsupra876 жыл бұрын

    I feel like i got swayed into something that's inferior by a field and stream salesman. i was going to buy the plus model today but instead he sold me a penn spinfisher v 5500 because he said the stradic will not hold up in salt if it went for a swim. Did i go the right choice? *(I'm completely unknowledgable to anything fishing)*

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    6 жыл бұрын

    The Ci4 is a higher quality reel relative to the Penn Spinfisher in my opinion, but the prices of the two are in-line with their value so you did not necessarily make a bad choice relative to overall value. The answer to your question about getting the right reel all depends on the type of fishing that you plan to do as well as how frequently you fish. So I would not be doing you justice by answering that question without knowing that info.

  • @ttsupra87

    @ttsupra87

    6 жыл бұрын

    Salt Strong completely fair answer. Most of the fishing would be done from a pier but a good bit of wade fishing and shore fishing would occur. So i wanted something that is good against salt and sand because with wade and shore fishing just go ahead and plan there's a good chance it's going for a short swim, cause things happen, and that it won't break down on me in the middle of my trip. I was just after a reel that can hold up to salt and was a decent size and light if possible cause it's not for me but my girl she's the one that fishes.

  • @markkus1134

    @markkus1134

    4 жыл бұрын

    I prefer the standard stradic model over the CI4 have landed tons of false albacore from boat and shore with them no problem but my friend uses the CI4 same type of fishing never had a problem with the CI4 so I bought two on sale one was $149.00

  • @slotslidershoslotcars
    @slotslidershoslotcars6 жыл бұрын

    Keep in mind the Shimano stradic and Nasci 4000 is closer in size to other manufactures 3000 class reels. A 3000 Daiwa BG and a 4000 stradic or Nasci are closer in size and only fractions of one oz apart in weight.

  • @snookerson9292
    @snookerson92926 жыл бұрын

    You guys are awesome

  • @stephenlasko1614
    @stephenlasko16146 жыл бұрын

    I'd like to see you compare the stradic to the new nasci!

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    6 жыл бұрын

    I recently bought a Nasci to test it out... so far, I have been impressed.

  • @stephenlasko1614

    @stephenlasko1614

    6 жыл бұрын

    Salt Strong I've been very displeased with Shimano the last several years. The only way you could get a GOOD reel was to buy the high end, expensive reels. I've had to send several back for repairs. Repair guy offered a switch to Nasci and I was hooked. Can't beat it for $100!

  • @Elliottcam
    @Elliottcam4 жыл бұрын

    Cracking reels, use them for barbel fishing in the uk...

  • @davidkenney2907
    @davidkenney2907 Жыл бұрын

    I was just wondering if you had play in your handle

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

  • @evanlayne23
    @evanlayne235 жыл бұрын

    What size is that reel? Looks like it says 2000 on it but looks 3000 or 4000 in size? Never used a Shimano spinning reel. Im wanting a lighter reel with bigger arbor for finesse fishing

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    5 жыл бұрын

    The Shimano Stradic Ci4 I like best for inshore fishing is the 2500 size. They are very light, but they are strong enough to land decent sized tarpon too if the occasion comes up: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fW2XrMeymtvLds4.html

  • @ricklopez5932
    @ricklopez59326 жыл бұрын

    I have a ci4 2500 and for some reason the drag will tighten on its own when the line is pulled?? Any one have any ideas?

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    6 жыл бұрын

    I have not seen that happen before, so not sure what would cause it.

  • @mikey6531
    @mikey65313 жыл бұрын

    Dudes chilling at picnic island in port Tampa 😂

  • @mgzw90
    @mgzw906 жыл бұрын

    I had lots of recommendations and bought the latest 2.5 Ci4+ online and absolutely hated it! I found the reel flexed when playing a good fish, it had a lower gear ratio than I like and the handle was awful. I used it once and put it on eBay. I now only use metal bodied reels

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the Ci4 reel. If you get a chance, please share the metal body reel that you like best. Fish On!

  • @mgzw90

    @mgzw90

    6 жыл бұрын

    I now use the metal body Stradic and the ‘17 metal body Sustain

  • @mogtrader8

    @mogtrader8

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thats kind of the tradeoff.

  • @mgzw90

    @mgzw90

    6 жыл бұрын

    mogtrader8 only a little bit heavier and zero flex, I’ll take that all day long

  • @mogtrader8

    @mogtrader8

    6 жыл бұрын

    Carolina Crown2014 i have never tried the stradik, but just got the ci4. i have never fished with such a light reel, so I can‘t wait to test out and see some action with it. i‘ve heard nothing but good things about the ci4

  • @brucesom638
    @brucesom6384 жыл бұрын

    I am hesitated to use a new Stradic CI4+ salt water

  • @jamesvero5382

    @jamesvero5382

    4 жыл бұрын

    Bruce Som mate i use my new stradics in the salt all the time its all i fish never had a prob while my diawa started getting shitty...

  • @NorthForkWild
    @NorthForkWild4 жыл бұрын

    The new one is junk my rotor snapped while catching a 5lb coho! I’ve had the old one for years and have never had a problem with it at all

  • @williamdougie6213

    @williamdougie6213

    4 жыл бұрын

    Rotor snapped? Please explain.

  • @NorthForkWild

    @NorthForkWild

    4 жыл бұрын

    William Munny right below the line roller it broke off. I order a new rotor and put it on and haven’t had an issue since so maybe it was a freak thing?

  • @williamdougie6213

    @williamdougie6213

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@NorthForkWild thats crazy!!!

  • @markkus1134

    @markkus1134

    4 жыл бұрын

    From what I’ve heard the new ones hold up much better a friend at a local tackle shop has two 4000 and has caught tones of false albacore from shore on them no problems

  • @Patch_Phon
    @Patch_Phon2 жыл бұрын

    ยอดเยี่ยมมากๆ

  • @snookerson9292
    @snookerson92926 жыл бұрын

    If you would like to review higher end Shimano reels look me up I’m around the corner from you.

  • @sandeshshinde1183
    @sandeshshinde118310 ай бұрын

    Indian rupees price

  • @sandeshshinde1183
    @sandeshshinde118310 ай бұрын

    Shimano fishing reel price in Indian currency

  • @smoothddd
    @smoothddd6 жыл бұрын

    i hate shimano's handle play... all of their knobs are playing around when you reel

  • @otisdriftwood7094

    @otisdriftwood7094

    4 жыл бұрын

    Mine has no play. Their are many different Shimano reels and not all of them are the same quality. They have lower end reels just like any other company.

  • @mdsohelsakeifpasan4022
    @mdsohelsakeifpasan40226 жыл бұрын

    Bather many

  • @trncel
    @trncel Жыл бұрын

    Man, love my Vanford but the Stradic Ci4 is much better looking, terrible job Shimano.

  • @Saltstrong

    @Saltstrong

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the feedback!

  • @vpadfsu
    @vpadfsu6 жыл бұрын

    Braid! Eww gross. Lol. Jk. Sienna 4000 FD pretty good for flats fishing. $16. Only problem is they sold out worldwide!

  • @williamdougie6213
    @williamdougie62134 жыл бұрын

    There is nothing 200 dollars about that reel. Way over priced!!!

  • @otisdriftwood7094

    @otisdriftwood7094

    4 жыл бұрын

    How would you know? Have you personally used one? I have the older model and to me it was worth every penny. I paired it with a St Croix Rod and it is the only spinning reel I still have in my arsenal. The light weight of it really does make a difference. I have used many other reels and this is by far my favorite of all time.

  • @williamdougie6213

    @williamdougie6213

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@otisdriftwood7094 l have both and like them. I think they are over priced.

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