BigBendFishing.Net

Have any of you folks fished with the new designed Shimano Stradic? I have 7 stradics but not one of these new ones, just filling out my Christmas list.

I've got a set of the FIs that work like a charm (the gold/silver models, not the black/red graphite) for my charter clients. Smooth as silk. The home page photo red was taken on a 2500.

Recently fished in Destin on the Phoenix for a story and the mate had one of the new graphite version 1500s. He's caught red snapper on it up to 12 pounds.

Both are excellent reels.

Got a Stradic 4000 myself this year. Love it! Not a fan of the little handles on the C14 models though. Personal preference.

silverking wrote:I've got a set of the FIs that work like a charm (the gold/silver models, not the black/red graphite) for my charter clients. Smooth as silk. The home page photo red was taken on a 2500.

Recently fished in Destin on the Phoenix for a story and the mate had one of the new graphite version 1500s. He's caught red snapper on it up to 12 pounds.

Both are excellent reels.

That black and red one is the one I was curious about. Can't go wrong with Bulldog colors!

The black and red CI4 graphite are awesome. I have a 2500 that works very, very well. It took a short time to get used to the small handle compared to my 3000 MgF with the larger paddle handle, but it casts like a dream and is as smooth as I want it to be. I have it paired with a 6'6" G Loomis Greenwater that handles a spoon with no problems. As with all my reels I applied some Cal's drag grease to the drag washers. Never a drag problem.
I highly recommend this reel. Then again I have fished only Shimano reels for the past 25+ years, so I am a little biased.
FF

CI4 is a carbon frame..not graphite..FYI

UPDATE: I actually got a Ci4 for Xmas and I do love it! Still not a fan of the little handle, although they are much lighter than the spade handles. The lighter weight can really make a difference in your stamina when your working a topwater all day.

I also got one and fishing with it will make your other reel seemingly transform into a huge, heavy, tank of a reel thus not wanting to use your other reels so be warned. It will be the only reel u fish with, and yes its a carbon infused (that is what Ci in Ci4 means) frame that shimano made for their bike frames and used it for a reel. Genuis!