best reel for $300 bucks

[crazyhorse]

i know what id choose, just sussing other opinions

[cowancreekdave]

Sol

[Chamelion]

Based on what I've used.. Stradic Ci4.

[madkeen87]

what size?

[crazyhorse]

hmm say 1000. id go c14 anyday, i have a 1000 and a 2500. unbeleivably smooth

[sammy]

i am with dave sol

[chris268]

sol or ci4

[Paps]

Stradic Ci4 and on experience I'd go a 2500.

[Track 'em down]

Ci4 2500

I was looking at options for Daiwa but can't make the change.

Shimano all the way

[nagz]

sol. ci4 has nothing. except a poxy knob

[Hazell]

2500 CI4. They are very light so the extra spool size helps casting and there is heaps of stopping power there if you ever use it for bigger targets.

[Chamelion]

Originally Posted by nagz

sol. ci4 has nothing. except a poxy knob

The poxy knob is the ONLY BAD THING I have to say about the Ci4's.

[nagz]

yeah, i guess youre right chamelion. i did like the reel itself, when i owned it, did go hard, but that knob just wasn't the cherry on top of the cake. i know it sounds petty but considering its the one part of the reel you touch the most, you'd think shimano would've done a better job.
gotta love daiwa rcs knobs


cheers

[scottiedon]

You can't go wrong with a Ci4.

[cowancreekdave]

Pretty much both great little reels

I have had both (at the same time also) and my unbiased opinion is the sol's a better reel. Yes the stradic is lighter, but the sol is tighter and a lot more smooth.
I notice ash mentioned stopping power? If anything the sol would have more power as it's a lower gear ratio. They both have like 7 kilos of drag or something - that's a loooot of drag, and unless you're running 10-15lb braid and a 30lb leader you aren't going to use that drag to its fullest
Being lighter isn't nescissarily better if it doesn't balance well.
Have a feel of the two or a fish with them if your mates will lend you theirs, see which you like more
From my experience with the two reels, the sol is much nicer to use