Stradic FJ, Stradic CI4, Rarenium CI4

[luke240z]

Hi Guys,

Need to make a decision. I have information overload after reading endless reviews and forum posts of each of these reels. They all have their pros and cons as well as everyones personal preference. Main uses, soft plastics and small hardbodies. Will be matched with a 1-3kg Mexican Fire Lure project and will be running 6lb Sunline PE braid. Target species are bream, flathead, trevally etc. most of the estuary gang.

Will I feel the $100.00 difference of quality in this range?
1000/2500?

Stradic FJ
Stradic CI4
Rarenium CI4

Cheers
Luke

[scott1987]

I'd go the Stradic fj. I've got a ci4 3000 and a 2500 sustain fg. My brothers got a rarnium. And u can really tell the difference with the sustain and the x ship feature. A lot smoother to wind especially when fighting fish you'll really notice the difference. If u could afford it go a sustain cos there a bit smoother than the Stradic fj. But from those 3 definitely go the fj. And then you'll have no body flex. I've thought I was gona snap the reel stem on mine my ci4 mOre than once while hooked up to large flathead and big tarpon

[twitch101]

I agree with Moist. I've had a ci4 and sold it after a few days of using it. It is supposed to be areplacement for my fj but I end up keeping the fj instead of the ci4. Can't rate the fg coz I haven't used one yet but I had a sustain Fe and ended up selling it as well. Biomaster fb would be another option if u can stretch ur budget. It comes with a spare spool.

[Bremmer15]

fj gets my vote, id be a little concerned with the amount of people who say that the stradic ci4 feels weak. but ihave never used it.

[luke240z]

Thanks for the feedback guys. The Stradic FJ seems to get as good a wrap as all the others and is the cheaper of the three. What I read mostly about the FJ is the solid feel to it when cranking as opposed to the CI4 reels. Whether that's the x-ship or the materials it's made from, I'm not sure. I personally like a solid feel when cranking so I think the FJ has won the vote.

Now 1000 or 2500. Should I stay small for that rod or will the benefits of a slightly larger spool and drag be a better option.

Cheers
Luke

[tchoklat]

See PM luke.

[Paps]

Honestly, the Stradic Ci4 range are tough as nails.
Great drags and have really stood the test of time, mine certainly has been put through it's paces, managed good sized snapper with ease.
Rotor flex? Anyone notice what all the higher end daiwas are being made from, 'zaion' is their 'Ci4' equivalent.

I certainly feel the 2500 Ci4 is the most value for money reel on the market, ridiculously versatile. If you want to put in a little extra then the Rarenium is a slightly more classy reel, I rate them.

[twitchtwitch...]

Originally Posted by Paps

Honestly, the Stradic Ci4 range are tough as nails.
Great drags and have really stood the test of time, mine certainly has been put through it's paces, managed good sized snapper with ease.
Rotor flex? Anyone notice what all the higher end daiwas are being made from, 'zaion' is their 'Ci4' equivalent.

I certainly feel the 2500 Ci4 is the most value for money reel on the market, ridiculously versatile. If you want to put in a little extra then the Rarenium is a slightly more classy reel, I rate them.

+1

[Green Hornet]

Luke, I think all 3 reels have their merits.
The Stradic FJ is as tough as nails but the trade off is it is heavier than the other 2
The Ci4 is light and with the 6:1 ratio is great for plastics.
The Rarenium is light like the Ci4 but has a 5:1 ratio and better for hard bodys.
It just depends what you really want from the reel. Personally I have 3 Ci4s and reckon they are pretty good gear.

[Jean-Luc]

my mates got an fj, he has taken it to hell and back and it still feels as good as the day he bought it. i would go the fj

[yellaterra]

Daiwa

[Hazell]

Stradic Ci4's are great and can take abuse! I've had one for 2 years and use it at least once per week.... Still feels great and has not been serviced!

Rareniums are alright but don't feel as good as the stradic.

I haven't fished with an FJ stradic but they are meant to be pretty good, just heavier!

[lukereneeseth]

i'll put in what ive experienced as ive fished all 3 and landed hundreds of fish on all 3.

All 3 do the job exactly the same as eachother...
+ yes i would trade X-Ship for a ci4 purely basing on weight.
+ rarenium is a pain in the ass to use with plastics and in wind compared to the Stradic
+ hard to tell if the X-ship has its stamp on the shimano lineup, as ive never caught the same fish twice, with different reels.

for you; the Stradic CI4 2500 is the pick of the bunch for the rod you intend a reel for... 2500 FJ would hold too much weight yet a 1000 would balance.
raremium has slower ratio yet only more expensive as it comes with a spare spool... for what your doing a spare spool is useless.

ive had 2 stradic ci4 2500's and never had a problem, always solid, always smooth.. ive posted in another thread ive caught dozens on GT's, goldens and cale cales's over 50cm on the ci4. well over 100 flattys some over 70cm and every fish inbetween in the maroochy river; in 1 1/2 years on 2 spools of line 1st 8.8lb exceed then 8lb sunline super pe.

... after all that, go the Stradic CI4 2500... hold there value well too so if you want to sell it in a years time you'll still get $180 for it.

[luke240z]

Thanks for the feedback again guys. I'll do a final check tomorrow with my rod and see what I come home with

Cheers
Luke

[creek bandit]

Seen a bloke snap a ci4 1000 last year at jindy on a decent trout, he was shattered. I like the positive feel of the fj. Drag is smooth, why not get a 1000 fj. Im a daiwa man myself, have you checked out a freams or balistic 2000?