Stradic Ci4 or Daiwa Gekkabijin MX 2004 or ???

[Harddrive]

Looking for a reel to match up with a Okuma Celilo 1-3kg 6'6" rod. The rod is very light so I'm looking for a reel at about or under 200g.

Budget is around $200.

Will be using light braid, maybe 2lb Stren microfuse or 3lb Power Pro (coz I'm tight )

Will be mainly casting soft plastics.

Was originally thinking Stradic Ci4 1000 but then thought the bigger spool on the 2500 size will help with longer casts and its still a nice light reel. (I can get either from the USA for about $200 delivered).

Then saw the Daiwa Gekkabijin MX 2004 for $199.

Would you go the Stradic? If so what size?

Or the Daiwa Gekkabijin MX 2004?

Or is there something better for around 200g for about $200?

Thanks.

[-Pivot-]

I'd go the Shimano.

Seeing how you are on a budget, you should stick with Shimano.

As Shimano will out live Daiwa's (On most occasions)

The Ci4 is an awesome reel, although the knob is a bit annoying at first, once you get use to it. You won't be able to live without it.

I'd go the Ci4 2500. Even though you are using 2-3lb braid, if you do want the opportunity to switch from species. The 2500 would be the better off one.

It's only (198g) which means its lighter then the Gekka but can handle much bigger species.

[boris]

i differ from pivot, the rod is a 1-3 kg so get a reel that will suitable match that. Either the 1000 stradic or the mx.

No reel will outlive another if treated right and maintained.
Personally if you get 5-6 years out of a reel thats a good run considering the amount of use we put them through.

Personally i would choose the mx brought locally over a reel brought off the net plus you get the aust. Warranty and get to see how the reel will balance two very big points for me.

[matthewsiow]

Just play with both ci4 & Mx this afternoon, as I thinking of getting both. I put both of them on a 6'8'' rod. Since u using light braid, i assume ur main application is for bream. I will suggest MX because of its smoothness n i don't think there are much difference on the longer casting distance. As for balance u should take ur rod down the tackle shop n try on both reel.

But if u 1 2 fish more variety of species & not so picky on the balance..definitely the 2400 stratic ci4..

Hope this help...

[kakaryan]

daiwa +1

[DaiwaFreak]

The smoothness of the MX won't last long, the gears just wear out after some decent use. The stradic will free up and become smoother and will hold its smoothness for a very long time. I'd go for the stradic ci4, the gekkabijin mx is nothing special, its just a blinged up tierra, which is exactly why I wouldn't buy it.

[The G factor]

+1 for the stradic. ive owned/own both and the stradic is miles ahead in my opinion

[nereus]

I have the celilo/Stradic 2500 combo....sweet balance and performance.
p.s where did you get the Celilo?
cheers nereus

[Harddrive]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Originally Posted by nereus

I have the celilo/Stradic 2500 combo....sweet balance and performance.
p.s where did you get the Celilo?
cheers nereus

Is your 2500 on 6'6" 1-3 Celilo? Thats a great help if you have the exact combo I'm looking at putting together.

I got my Celilo from Ebay from the USA. The Celilo's are only about $30 each in the USA. The same seller has more listed. 2 rods delivered for $80 USD:

h ttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140521994432&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2424wt_901

[rrumbles]

Mate i have had the mx for about 3 months and i run 2lb straight through its still as smooth as when i got it but i wouldnt use it for braid,i would look at the shimano if you are going to fish braid.

[nereus]

Mine are the 6.6 Celilo Tournament 2-4kg 1pc,they might be chalk and cheese??But i'm loving mine ..DFreak makes some good points on the reels i reckon.
cheers brenton

[DECIM8]

I've got both, easily put money down on another stradic ci4 over the gekka. The gekka is great but the ci4 is more solid and smoother reel. Get a 2500 reel.

The Gekka is great with braid, the ci4 is not as great but not totally shiza.

The Gekka is very strong for its size, Ive locked it up on decent bonito and its still smooth as. Even tested it on a few Salmon god damn that hurt my wrist.

[Bkingaby]

I also have owned both reels since they were released, and think there are more factors involved here. For a start the stradic has a 6.0 gear ratio to Daiwa lower 4.9. The stradic has a 7 kg drag capacity the mx is a finesse reel and has 2kg. I look after my gear more than most blokes and I can say honestly that the stradic does not smooth out, after two tournaments there was back play in the gearing and the oscillation is very noisy. For the money it was a huge let down and I sold it for half what I paid. If looked after, a reel will last years. I have had my mx for 6 months and is still just as smooth as any shimano off the shelf however You can't really compare these two reels fairly, because they are suited to very different applications.