New bream reel advice

lukedfluke · #1 02-09-2011, 12:37 AM

Hey guys, first time poster but a long time observer of this awesome site. I thought I'd start by asking for some advice on my dillema. I'm looking to buy a new reel in the 2000 ish size. And so far, I've been tossing up between three with the prices I can get them for attached:
- Daiwa Caldia ('10 model) $200
- Shimano Stradic Ci4 2500 $190
- Daiwa Sol 2000 $200

All advice is much appreciated.
Cheers, Luke

joelozzy · #2 02-09-2011, 12:44 AM

I personally think the Sol would be the best choice and would probably balance better on a majority of rods opposed to the Ci4.

Maybe try them all out on your rod of choice

tuan · #3 02-09-2011, 12:50 AM

sol - colour sux but is probably one of the most popular mid range reels available. smooth - 2 spools

caldia - great reel, very similar to the sol, i have one .. i am using this more than my certate at the moment. comes with one spool. option of 2004 or 2506 air spools in the line up (sol does not have these)

ci4 - very light, very strong, nice knob, can be a bit grindy on the retrieve .. I'm a fan, but not a fan at the same time - one spool

i don't like 2000 daiwas or 1000 shimanos .. minimum 250x's for me.

yakkindan · #4 02-09-2011, 12:54 AM

what rod ya putting it on?

also add the daiwa gekkabijin mx 2004 to the list($200)

bender · #5 02-09-2011, 12:58 AM

Sol is the strongest and most long lasting and has abs which means you rarely get casting tangles- lots of after market bling

Caldia - nearly as strong but lighter and also has abs and bling available

Shimano - light and smooth but more play in the main shaft than a daiwa plus they have parallel line lay which isnt as good as abs which is designed to lay the line in a "V" shaped to assist casting and eliminate casting tangles. But on any 2500 shimano you can load the line with a drill to get that v shape and it will stay like that and you will rarely get tangles..they are a nice reel but do not wash any reel...use a wet squeezed out cloth and wipe it and any of these reels will last for years....

Windknot · #6 02-09-2011, 01:02 AM

Have you thought about the new Daiwa Freams 2000? They're around the $200 mark and they look fantastic, very much like a Certate.

I'm a big fan of Shimano Stradics Ci4 reels. I have one in each size. They do tend to make your rod feel a little tip heavy because they're so light, but I like that. You really appreciate a light reel when you've been using it all day long. My Stradic Ci4 2500 is my general knock around workhorse.

Mick

lukedfluke · #7 02-09-2011, 01:23 AM

Hey guys, i appreciate all your advice but i don't really want to throw anymore reels into the mix as i had enough trouble to narrow it down to three reels. I'm starting to lean towards the Sol as it has an extra spool and since i used to own one. Do you think the stradic's lightness is significant enough compared to the Sol? if that makes any sense.

bender · #8 02-09-2011, 01:32 AM

I will get shot for this but i find most rods these days are tip heavy ..the yanks fix this by either using a heavy reel or like a lot they hold their rod with their whole hand in front of the reel which totally changes the feel of any rod...this is ok if your rod has a decent forward grip and not some stupid tiny thing that looks like a cork testicle....i now fish this way exclusivly...it has improved my plastic retrieve and reponse time when tapping the jig...

so if your reel is too light then you may start getting a sore wrist from working the rod all day...i suggest always choose the rod first as it does the most important job then fit the reel that suits the rod...but you also have to like it...find the compromise then go and enjoy it..you dont always have to spend huge dollars to get satisfaction.

lukedfluke · #9 02-09-2011, 01:43 AM

just thought i'd let you know that i'd plan on matching it up with a pflueger trion 2-4kg 6'6" 2pc. I've had the rod for a while and had matched it with a Sol 2000 for a little while and it felt pretty good.

-Pivot- · #10 02-09-2011, 05:28 AM

The Caldia and Sol weigh the same, and pretty much are the same. So they'll feel like one another on the rod aswell. The Ci4 is ALOT lighter and I personally prefer these over the Sol in some cases. Whether it balances the rod or not, it doesn't bother me. I would be going the Ci4 Stradic.

lukedfluke · #11 02-09-2011, 06:37 AM

Now you've guys have really put me in two minds, i'm mainly tossing up between the Sol and Stradic so i set up a poll to let you guys decide for me. They both have their pros and cons; the sol has a spare spool, i've had experience with it and i quite like the orange. the stradic is light, sexy and would be good for a new experience

beechey · #12 02-09-2011, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bender

I will get shot for this but i find most rods these days are tip heavy ..the yanks fix this by either using a heavy reel or like a lot they hold their rod with their whole hand in front of the reel which totally changes the feel of any rod...this is ok if your rod has a decent forward grip and not some stupid tiny thing that looks like a cork testicle....i now fish this way exclusivly...it has improved my plastic retrieve and reponse time when tapping the jig...

so if your reel is too light then you may start getting a sore wrist from working the rod all day...i suggest always choose the rod first as it does the most important job then fit the reel that suits the rod...but you also have to like it...find the compromise then go and enjoy it..you dont always have to spend huge dollars to get satisfaction.

+1