Stradic FJ OR Ci4

[Numnuts]

I'm looking at buying a new 2500 size reel, but i'm not sure if i should spend the extra and get the ci4 or just stick to the stradic fj, thoughts?? I've been told that the part of the reel that mounts it to the rod on the ci4 is plastic and the fj is a lot stronger in that area as its not plastic.

[Fishing Qld]

hey mate i think the stradic is better honestly. its more quality for money and it look s alot nicer. Also being cheaper would be another reason why i would get one. i was going to get a stradic but instead bought a sienna for like $50 and i have no regrets. it works just as good

[BrizVegasBretto]

I have both. Personally I'd take an FJ over a Ci4.

[Benji1]

Very surprised to see so many people like the FJ's more, but hey each to their own. I have 3 x Ci4's and cannot fault them. Love them. Biggest positive in my opinion is their weight. 20% lighter. Great for finesse fishing

[JIM1]

Originally Posted by Benji1

Very surprised to see so many people like the FJ's more, but hey each to their own. I have 3 x Ci4's and cannot fault them. Love them. Biggest positive in my opinion is their weight. 20% lighter. Great for finesse fishing

1+, i have both and i only run 5lb on my ci4, run up to 15lb on the fj. the ci4 is awesome for 1-3kg rods but id be a bit hessitant to run serious drag through it, thats why i got the fj.

[tuan]

Originally Posted by Benji1

Very surprised to see so many people like the FJ's more, but hey each to their own. I have 3 x Ci4's and cannot fault them. Love them. Biggest positive in my opinion is their weight. 20% lighter. Great for finesse fishing

+1 and and also +1 for rareniums.

i think people like the stradics better because they are cheaper .. bang for buck etc.

numnuts .. i think the reel is made of 'ci4' material but don't worry about it not being strong enough. if it breaks, send it in for warranty. however, i doubt it will ever break from fishing

get the ci4 if u want a light finesse reel .. get the stradic if you want to save a bit of $ and if they are anything like the old stradics, you will have a reel that will serve you for a looooong time

most importantly, make sure you get the reel that feels best on the rod you end up with.

[chris268]

I prefer the FJ, seems to balance better with the rods I have.

[HB tragic]

I still very much enjoy using my Stradic FI and so the FJ would be the next step up for me ... given X-Ship. Regards. HBt.

[Green Hornet]

The Ci4 is plenty tough enough for estuary and light offshore fishing.
If I was going to chase small tuna I might consider the stradic Fj.
Remember the 2500 Ci4 weighs about the same as a 1000 Fj, so what balances with your rod is important too.
I've had a 1000 and 2500 Ci4 for just on 3 years and they are still as good as day 1.

[scott1987]

The biggest thing I've found off putting about my ci4 3000 size is the body flex. I run 10lb braid on it for flattys tarpon and occasionally jewies using lures. And there was more than once when I've backed off with the pressure abit cos I thought I was gona snap the reel off at the foot. My brothers rarnium isn't as bad tho... Still quite a nice reel tho. But not as nice as my sustain while fighting fish. Which I think is due to the x ship..

[Tonka-T]

As with anything, horses for courses. If you're going to chase bigger fish, go the FJ for peace of mind, finesse go the CI4. In saying that, I've landed quite a few rat kings on the CI4 and it was fine. The day I hook a bream big enough to give the reel body flex, I'll die a happy man!!

[JustJiggin]

I have a FJ 1000, love it, no faults with it yet. love them, get the FJ

[nereus]

For finesse fishing the C14 is shimano's SOL imo.I also own the fj and as suggested use it for the heavier work but if flicking small lures all day i'd go the C14....bulletproof.
cheers nereus

[welshy22]

I have a 2500 Ci4 and a 1000 FJ both have there strengths and weaknesses.
I would go the Ci4 its lighter and has more finesse about it
thats just my opinion, they are both great reels!

[distractor]

Another vote for the FJ. Both reels are super smooth but the FJ feels as if it has more power. I'd choose based on function rather than form. Both have 7kg of drag in the 2500 size so there should be no bias there. The FJ just feels as if it will last the test of time.