The clear strips are for protecting the feet of the reel from the attachment points on the rod. Some of us move the reel from rod to rod depending on the style we are fishing that day. In my day they also came with two spools.
Hello my name is Randy and I'm a reel alcoholic. Now that that's out of the way, I have to say that I've learned over the years that a Daiwa BG , Penn Battle 2 or a Fin nor lethal are good enough for me. IF you shop around you can buy either of these three reels for under a $100. (Just bought a Lethal 40 for $74) I take care of my reels and don't believe I'll junk one in my life time. The only thing that you get, in my opinion with the Stradic's over any of these previously mentioned is less weight and slighlty smoother. And that's nice, really nice. But for an extra $125? I just don't do it anymore. If I ever jump off the wagon again..... it'l be to buy another Daiwa Ballistic. Which has slightly better specs and just as smooth at the Stradic price point. Daiwa is making some of the best spinning reels available at any price point. And there Magseal is the real deal. Love all Salt Strong videos, thanks for taking the time to do what you guys do.
@@chrisbehner4136 hi bro, how about when im using the monofilament to the spool? Is that "transparan plastic" still be needed to be placed in the spool or not? Thanks bro..
Just got mine but i noticed its not as smooth compared to my Daiwa Bg Back bay and had a little bit more handle play. Dont get me wrong..its very nice and light but for $200plus dollars, its not as smooth as what I was expecting
I own the ci4+ and it's been a good reel over all for me. I make sure to keep the bearings lubed up at least once a yr. I just bought the new 3000fl today and hope it holds as well as my old 3000fj. Miss them being made in Japan and including an extra spool and reel oil. Guess the good ole days are over. Next reel I got my eye on is the curado dc.
Aaron Guenther I have us3d the Shimano Curados (“Greenies” as they were called) for years. Have one newer Curado. Good muskie reels. But, also have the Shimano Metanium DC and Metanium MGL. Get the MGL. DC is great.... but, assuming you master “thumbing” baitcaster, the MGL is beyond smooth on the cast and retrieve. Lastly, it is so affordable to send and have Shimano clean (and throughly check) your reels. Be well.
Mark Mcdonald the line roller and internal. I’m sure it varies from reel to reel. Not all are created equal and there are typically a few bad apples in the mix. I have had issues with the internal bearings and my buddy had his line roller go bad.
Hello there! Great video, but im trying to find answer. Whats the difference between shimano stradic fl2500 and fl3000? I just got fl2500 but wanted fl3000, all stores were out of stock. Did i screw up, or not? Thanks
i have the stradic fl 4000 and its as smooth and tough as it is pretty. a quick look has me thinking it might be a bear to take apart for maintenance this winter.
Best review ever since we all know what we're trynna get lol. CI4+ is just an icon. lol But it's hard not to buy the FL just for the heritage, name, and history.
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.
All of the Stradic line are excellent reels and smooth as silk. I am curious if they changed the handle material on this model from what was used on the FJ and earlier. I have a number of FJ and FH 4000 Stradics, preferring to use the same model for consistency. The handle material on a few has become a bit gummy or sticky and on one has torn where the material stops at the metal.
The FL is the replacement to the FK. That’s a better comparison. CI4+ is an upgrade for weight to the FK. Shimano updates the regular stradic before the ci4 version. That’ll be out hopefully by end of year. I wouldn’t say the FL is a replacement to a Ci4.......
I have been wondering what the difference between these two reels are ,, kinda late finding this since I just bought the CI4 lol ok after watching the review ,, my thoughts ,, both quality reels, pretty much the same price ,, according to the review the only difference is the amount of line pick up ,, which isn't that much of a difference ,, so why would the company make the two models ,, just to try and save the buyer the $20 cost between the two reels ,, I do have a question though ,, I see there is a Power Handle upgrade for this reel ,, from a different company ,, is this Power Handle upgrade worth the money?
My 2500 spooled up perfectly straight . Those washer are for personal preference I'm thinking ? . If your reel is not spooling up the line perfect "straight "out of the box , that's quality control problem then .
The FK line roller/bearing is terrible. Does not stand up to saltwater. I've replaced 3 in 6 months. Shimano should offer a redesigned replacement, which I guess they did, but you have to buy the FL reel to get it. I like my FK and I'm looking for a bushing to replace the poorly designed, POS line roller bearing.
Hi Tony, my wife got me this reel for Christmas, same size. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to use it yet. Just curious what rod you'll be pairing it with.
I've got 2 2500's and I paired one with the 7'1 medium curado rod and the other is on a g loomis Dropshot rod. I prefer the dropshot because it's wayyyyyyy more sensitive
i have stradic ci and i had problem with bearing that rolls the line.... it wear out in under 1 season... ive replaced it with stella one and it doesnt have any problems, i also moded mine stradic ci with 3more bearings :P but its not a big deal at the end (my opinion on +3more bearing upgrade = not needed at all but its fancy to know its moded well :P )
@@fadayzairsoft yes the guy who did the repair and upgrade said its stella titanium bearing, but who knows i payd in Bulgaria like 20 euro for the pack of roller and the bearing inside (its a pack, u must not change only the outside roller)
Mail Baybee Hunter I believe It is just a batch number older shimano reels are FA these are FB’s and etc. Personally I like 5,0:1 for trout but It all comes down to personal preference and lures you will be using.
I've had mine since it came out and it still feels like the day I got it. I liked the FL so much that I got another lol I've caught a double digit largie and it didn't faze it one bit man. I've got one for small moving baits and the other for drop shot or small texas rigs. It's hands down the smoothest spinning reel at 200$ in my opinion
@@artificialslinger9730 ive had the Stradic and other high end Shimano reels,i was sponsored by them back in my tournament days,ive sold most of the stuff o had do too being laid off or needing the money.
mate you forget about the core protect and x protect the core protect frish water light salt water, x protect ultimate salt water coz have big maze in bearings for water....but its NOT as sealed 100% ( FL is better )
@@artificialslinger9730 all great reels. I like the FL a lot. Not sure exactly why,just the overall feel of casting and catching. I kayak fish 99% of the time. The reels i use for inshore fishing 3000 fl 10lb powerpro 3000 exscence 10lb powerpro 4000 exscence 20lb powerpro The exscence is by far the lightest and best reel ive ever used,and i got rid of my stella for the 4000. I had a few stradic fk,but the line roller bearing goes bad on all of them ive used. If they make a ci4 version of the fl ill get it. The ci4 is an amazing reel,but like i said the fl just feels perfect for me. You have some nice gear!
The clear strips are to put on the foot of the reel on the front and back to protect it from getting scuffed when putting it on a rod. At least that's what I did with my stradic and I think I saw a picture that indicated that somewhere
It's a review but you don't know what the clear stripes are for? So you didn't prep yourself to do the review huh? Didn't even read the paperwork to find out all there was to know.......
See tackle advisors video for a complete tear down and detailed review. These box open reviews are crap. Every reel is smooth as silk out of the box. The handle is in a separate bag, wow that's really useful info.
BalmandMyrrhofGilead *229 haha. Yes I was pretty disappointed in the Ci4, but I’m sure there are always some bad apples in the mix. They are coming out with a newer model so hopefully there are some upgrades.
Redfishin727 Speaking of Penn.... the Clash 2 sneak peak at iCast ‘19 was amazing!! Does anyone know when they’re going to release it....?? If they release the prototype that was shown at iCast, then it’s a legit game changer that competes with anything Shimano or Daiwa makes.
DZ Malekvali until you buy one. You’ll never look back! I recommend the FL tho. Just picked up a Stella 1000 for trout. That was $650. $200 range is nothing when you’ve spent $600 plus.
The clear strips are for protecting the feet of the reel from the attachment points on the rod. Some of us move the reel from rod to rod depending on the style we are fishing that day. In my day they also came with two spools.
Thanks I've always been intrigued by them was thinking maybe a braid anchor to stop it spinning on the spool.
@@paulamoloney1202 thats what i was thinking too lol.
How to use it
The clear strips are actually to tape your line to the spool to prevent it from slipping it says in the manual too
@@1_izzy10 oh okay okay thanksss
Hello my name is Randy and I'm a reel alcoholic. Now that that's out of the way, I have to say that I've learned over the years that a Daiwa BG , Penn Battle 2 or a Fin nor lethal are good enough for me. IF you shop around you can buy either of these three reels for under a $100. (Just bought a Lethal 40 for $74) I take care of my reels and don't believe I'll junk one in my life time. The only thing that you get, in my opinion with the Stradic's over any of these previously mentioned is less weight and slighlty smoother. And that's nice, really nice. But for an extra $125? I just don't do it anymore. If I ever jump off the wagon again..... it'l be to buy another Daiwa Ballistic. Which has slightly better specs and just as smooth at the Stradic price point. Daiwa is making some of the best spinning reels available at any price point. And there Magseal is the real deal. Love all Salt Strong videos, thanks for taking the time to do what you guys do.
I paired the Shimano Stradic C14 4000 with a 8’6” St Croix Avid rod. The perfect combo. Casts a country mile.
The transparent plastic strips are meant to be placed on the spool for use with braided line.
Thanks!
@@Saltstrong No, it's to protect the foot of the reel
If you take the time to read the instructions in the box it says to use them to attach braid to the spool.
@@Eric-lb7ts no it’s for line.
@@chrisbehner4136 hi bro, how about when im using the monofilament to the spool? Is that "transparan plastic" still be needed to be placed in the spool or not? Thanks bro..
Thank you about the washers. Wow I cannot believe that....never new that about the washers...
Stradic FL 2500 is my go too .🔥🔥🔥
SlobFish pretty solid reel!
The CI + 4 is one of the best spinning reels I've ever used recommended to anybody
Fl is nicer
FL is much nicer
Just got mine but i noticed its not as smooth compared to my Daiwa Bg Back bay and had a little bit more handle play.
Dont get me wrong..its very nice and light but for $200plus dollars, its not as smooth as what I was expecting
Diawa BG feels real good
The ci4 doesnt have the same XProtect so the bearings will go quicker as it's not as sealed as the standard stradic
I own the ci4+ and it's been a good reel over all for me. I make sure to keep the bearings lubed up at least once a yr. I just bought the new 3000fl today and hope it holds as well as my old 3000fj. Miss them being made in Japan and including an extra spool and reel oil. Guess the good ole days are over. Next reel I got my eye on is the curado dc.
Aaron Guenther I have us3d the Shimano Curados (“Greenies” as they were called) for years. Have one newer Curado. Good muskie reels. But, also have the Shimano Metanium DC and Metanium MGL. Get the MGL. DC is great.... but, assuming you master “thumbing” baitcaster, the MGL is beyond smooth on the cast and retrieve.
Lastly, it is so affordable to send and have Shimano clean (and throughly check) your reels.
Be well.
Stradic Fl will be my reel to go .. especially the 5000....👍
You said the bearings tend to go bad on Ci4+. Did you mean the line roller bearing or some of the internal bearings?
Id assume line roller. All my stradic fks line rollers failed. The fl has a much improved line roller.
Mark Mcdonald the line roller and internal. I’m sure it varies from reel to reel. Not all are created equal and there are typically a few bad apples in the mix. I have had issues with the internal bearings and my buddy had his line roller go bad.
Mark Mcdonal
Hello there! Great video, but im trying to find answer. Whats the difference between shimano stradic fl2500 and fl3000? I just got fl2500 but wanted fl3000, all stores were out of stock. Did i screw up, or not? Thanks
The differences between reels usually comes down to gears, line pick up rate, and the amount of line the spool holds.
i have the stradic fl 4000 and its as smooth and tough as it is pretty. a quick look has me thinking it might be a bear to take apart for maintenance this winter.
👍
does the stradic fl have a reverse switch for the bail and spool to unwind?
Best review ever since we all know what we're trynna get lol. CI4+ is just an icon. lol But it's hard not to buy the FL just for the heritage, name, and history.
Is this going to be available to buy on the saltstrong site anytime soon? only the daiwa fuego and BG in stock right now...
Can u use these for freshwater to I want to get the stradic fl
Hello from Hawaii can the CI4 3000 reel spool fit on the the fl stradic 3000 reel or interchangeable
Anyone know if it's possible
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.
To get 20% off of both of these reels (plus other brands and other fishing gear), join us in the Insider club here: bit.ly/2V8UbV3
Where do you add shims? Just slide them down on top of everything?
All of the Stradic line are excellent reels and smooth as silk. I am curious if they changed the handle material on this model from what was used on the FJ and earlier. I have a number of FJ and FH 4000 Stradics, preferring to use the same model for consistency. The handle material on a few has become a bit gummy or sticky and on one has torn where the material stops at the metal.
I just bought both in a 4000 size, the bale on my ci4plus seems kinda light. Is that normal?
I've noticed that on my ci4+ 1000 too. Occasionally the bail would close during casting. Kind of a bummer for a $230 reel.
Would shimano stradic fl fits with Abu garcia venturi?
Do you happen to know if the Shimano Stradic CI4+ C3000HGFB is the most current model for the CI4+, or is this the 2016 model?
KT correct the old ci4+ is the FA
I just got a Stradic and when I feel it kinda makes a gridding noise is this normal?
Roller bearing unfortunately happened to all of my stradics
Is it possible to use the new FL stradic spool on the old stradic real
No, the fl has a longer/taller spool.
Ironically a Stella spool will fit on the FL.
how is the casting between the 2 reels?
They’re both SICK & and I got BOTH 💕
The FL is the replacement to the FK. That’s a better comparison. CI4+ is an upgrade for weight to the FK. Shimano updates the regular stradic before the ci4 version. That’ll be out hopefully by end of year. I wouldn’t say the FL is a replacement to a Ci4.......
Justin Kreda thank you for the feedback! Never said it replaced the Ci4, just wanted to show a side by side comparison of the 2.
I have been wondering what the difference between these two reels are ,, kinda late finding this since I just bought the CI4 lol ok after watching the review ,, my thoughts ,, both quality reels, pretty much the same price ,, according to the review the only difference is the amount of line pick up ,, which isn't that much of a difference ,, so why would the company make the two models ,, just to try and save the buyer the $20 cost between the two reels ,, I do have a question though ,, I see there is a Power Handle upgrade for this reel ,, from a different company ,, is this Power Handle upgrade worth the money?
My 2500 spooled up perfectly straight . Those washer are for personal preference I'm thinking ? . If your reel is not spooling up the line perfect "straight "out of the box , that's quality control problem then .
Different line thickness braid vs mono probably
How much 10lb powerpro braid should I spool on the 2500?
This one (5000) beats tp 5000xg xg for cranking power , used them side by side for many hours n couldn’t believe my eyes ,it even casts better.
I have the c14+ and have no issues with it and I fish the hell oughta it👍
The FK line roller/bearing is terrible. Does not stand up to saltwater. I've replaced 3 in 6 months. Shimano should offer a redesigned replacement, which I guess they did, but you have to buy the FL reel to get it. I like my FK and I'm looking for a bushing to replace the poorly designed, POS line roller bearing.
Hi Tony, my wife got me this reel for Christmas, same size. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to use it yet. Just curious what rod you'll be pairing it with.
I've got 2 2500's and I paired one with the 7'1 medium curado rod and the other is on a g loomis Dropshot rod. I prefer the dropshot because it's wayyyyyyy more sensitive
I have one on a custom rod from Black Pelican and another on an All Star Inshore Series rod.
Both rods are a 7’6 Medium Power with Fast Action tip.
Going with the FL
Daniel Na yep. Agreed 👍
I got my shimano stradic fl today it’s says hg what dose the hg stand for?
HG stand for high gear and the crank ratio is 6.2:1. XG stand for extra gear and the crank ratio is 6.4:1.
What line do you have spooled onto the Ci4?
Where is the link for the free paddle tails lol? I only saw one link to sign up to be an insider.
Here's the link: www.saltstrong.com/slam-shady-free-pack/
i have stradic ci and i had problem with bearing that rolls the line.... it wear out in under 1 season... ive replaced it with stella one and it doesnt have any problems, i also moded mine stradic ci with 3more bearings :P but its not a big deal at the end (my opinion on +3more bearing upgrade = not needed at all but its fancy to know its moded well :P )
I have the same problem. Did you say you use the Stella line roller bearing?
@@fadayzairsoft yes the guy who did the repair and upgrade said its stella titanium bearing, but who knows i payd in Bulgaria like 20 euro for the pack of roller and the bearing inside (its a pack, u must not change only the outside roller)
I prefer the penn conflict ll because of weight,also very smooth.
I have both and prefer the Stradic ci4 but both excellent reels
Looking forward to a follow up on your opinion .
Can someone tell me what the difference is between a ci4+ FB and HG? I can’t seem to find that online anywhere?
Mail Baybee Hunter HG is the model with higher gear ratio.
Tuomas Kanerva Thanks. Do you know what FB stands for? Your thoughts on which would be better to buy...looking at a 1000 for trout and small bass...
Mail Baybee Hunter I believe It is just a batch number older shimano reels are FA these are FB’s and etc. Personally I like 5,0:1 for trout but It all comes down to personal preference and lures you will be using.
Why do they call the C3000XG the "FL"?
RDH flordia
It's got nothing to do with Florida, it's called the FL everywhere
Slapturkey can u tell me have they stopped making the fl’s because i can’t find me anywhere all out of stock
kylethegoalie i just bought one here in Tampa FL today
Easy to use for any rod type it's great.
Thanks for the feedback!
I've had mine since it came out and it still feels like the day I got it. I liked the FL so much that I got another lol I've caught a double digit largie and it didn't faze it one bit man. I've got one for small moving baits and the other for drop shot or small texas rigs. It's hands down the smoothest spinning reel at 200$ in my opinion
Good stuff! Thank you for the intel!
Agreed! 👍 The FL is SUCH a “bang for your buck” reel! I’m happy with mine as well. I own a 5K size.
Hi ! Thank you for nice information, I'd like to ask what kind of rod can be good combine with FL ? Thank you and MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎅 everyone!!!
I need a 8000 penn
Are both reels compatible with saltwater fishing?
Yes
Good review and information there👍
Paul Huval thanks!
I think that clear strips in plastic bag is a protector sticker
I like the Okuma RTX 30, lighter at 6.5 oz and only $70.00
seanfishingtexas good stuff!
@@artificialslinger9730 Especially in the wallet !
@@artificialslinger9730 Especially in the wallet !
@@artificialslinger9730 yeah i use ebay all the time and sell alot of stuff on their also👍
@@artificialslinger9730 ive had the Stradic and other high end Shimano reels,i was sponsored by them back in my tournament days,ive sold most of the stuff o had do too being laid off or needing the money.
Which is a better, higher quality machine? Shimano Stradic fl or Shimano Sustain fi?
Go with Stradic, newer technology
Which reel is more durable . I fish heavy heavy structure .
Fl
You don't mention the longer spol for longer casts.
Henrik Sjölund good to know! Didn’t notice the difference in spools.
It could be the camera but the FL looks a little bigger it maybe the longer spool
Clayton Pegram It does look as if the FL has a longer spool. They both still have the same line capacity though.
Sir ,how much is this ? Please answer
200
hi, i'm italian and i don't speak english. which one is better between the 2? and why' . thank you.
Gennaro cesarano i would
try to copy reviews and paste them into a translator
I found that Stella is a better reel. Twinpowers are ok too.
mate you forget about the core protect and x protect the core protect frish water light salt water, x protect ultimate salt water coz have big maze in bearings for water....but its NOT as sealed 100% ( FL is better )
Hey man I’d appreciate a reply I’ve looked all over and the fl line is out of stock have they stopped making them
@@kyleabbott7527 check on Ebay everyday you may find them. I have the 3k and 5k awesome reels.
The ci4 is a beast
Those clear strips are most likely a reel protector to stop it from getting damaged.
No
David Wonder wdym no
They go on the reel foot
your camera setting is over expose.
Talk about hard to find. It took me forever to find one of these.
Where are you located? These are everywhere where I live.
Tackle Direct bro.
Stardic ci4 vs stardic fl =..??
Мислим да је бољи нови фл страдик од старог🇷🇸
You the man Avocado 🥑 lol
Liquid LeBlanc haha
XG HG ???????
I sold my ci4 2500 and 4000 and replaced them with the FL. Couldn't be happier.
Shawn Edwards good stuff!
@@artificialslinger9730 all great reels. I like the FL a lot. Not sure exactly why,just the overall feel of casting and catching. I kayak fish 99% of the time.
The reels i use for inshore fishing
3000 fl 10lb powerpro
3000 exscence 10lb powerpro
4000 exscence 20lb powerpro
The exscence is by far the lightest and best reel ive ever used,and i got rid of my stella for the 4000. I had a few stradic fk,but the line roller bearing goes bad on all of them ive used. If they make a ci4 version of the fl ill get it. The ci4 is an amazing reel,but like i said the fl just feels perfect for me. You have some nice gear!
id prefer the Stradic
The clear strips are to put on the foot of the reel on the front and back to protect it from getting scuffed when putting it on a rod. At least that's what I did with my stradic and I think I saw a picture that indicated that somewhere
It's a review but you don't know what the clear stripes are for? So you didn't prep yourself to do the review huh? Didn't even read the paperwork to find out all there was to know.......
See tackle advisors video for a complete tear down and detailed review. These box open reviews are crap. Every reel is smooth as silk out of the box. The handle is in a separate bag, wow that's really useful info.
Priec....
Higher gear ratio means that reel is weaker, and opposite
Like this...
Or just get a Daiwa ballistic and never look back.
Or get a stradic FL and never look back
The FL has by far surpassed the Ci4+.
I want a free paddle tail.
Here's a link to claim a free pack: www.saltstrong.com/slam-shady-free-pack/
It's a shame that a $209 reel has bearing issues.
BalmandMyrrhofGilead *229 haha. Yes I was pretty disappointed in the Ci4, but I’m sure there are always some bad apples in the mix. They are coming out with a newer model so hopefully there are some upgrades.
Tony Acevedo Not so fast.... Shimano officials at iCast ‘19 said that the Ci4+ had likely “run its course”. Probably not going to happen.
Redfishin727 I agree with you.... it doesn’t seem too smart to discontinue one of your biggest sellers.
Redfishin727 That very well may be the case.
Redfishin727 Speaking of Penn.... the Clash 2 sneak peak at iCast ‘19 was amazing!! Does anyone know when they’re going to release it....?? If they release the prototype that was shown at iCast, then it’s a legit game changer that competes with anything Shimano or Daiwa makes.
Too pricy
DZ Malekvali until you buy one. You’ll never look back! I recommend the FL tho. Just picked up a Stella 1000 for trout. That was $650. $200 range is nothing when you’ve spent $600 plus.
These we all can read. Waste of time