What to buy? Stradic CI4+ or Daiwa Caldia

[Yellafella]

Hey All,

After some advice on the next purchase for a reel...

Little Back Story just to get some perspective:
Just got a new rod for tight work near heavy structure (3-5kg). The rod however has micro guides (which don't seem to be a problem with 0.6-0.8 PE with a 12lb leader with a double uni (albrights don't fare as well, with the odd pop off after 100 casts or so - not so good when casting your beloved lures around ). Intended use is mainly for fishing surface in creek for bass, jack, gh, barra (not metery's... not to say I wouldn't try lol), toga...

So I'm looking at either a CI4+ Stradic 2500/3000(or similar jdm brother), or a Daiwa Caldia 2500. If I go the Caldia, it should be noted I'll prob get a foam handle, if I get a Stradic I'll possibly hunt down a spare spool.

Stradic Reasoning:
1) Drag pressure - i.e. I can put some serious hurt or bigger species (anyone who knows me, knows I like to fish finesse, but am quite happy throwin bream gear for pelagics etc)
2) Durability - to be used from a yak etc
3) Lightness
4) Versatility

Caldia Reasoning:
1) Drag Pressure from the 2500
2) Durability ??? Not sure how the mag seal goes, can I still service these babies myself???
3) Versatility
4) Spare spool (allows one straight thru fluoro or mono - 10-12lb, one braid - 10lb straight up)

So there you have it, what are your thoughts people! help a brother out.

Thanks
Dan

[nbdshroom]

Mate, it's a no brainer. Shimano all the way.

Better/more drag, you would be counting on it when that 1m barra comes calling.

[Apache]

Probably not that no brainer.. it's pretty even race this comparison.

Yellafella.. you should consider the Caldia SHA available online for $299
its gear ratio is 6.0:1 and the stradic ci4+ is also the same.

The caldia-sha looks like a mean beast compared to the regular caldia.. but in saying that the stradic ci4+ is a whole heck nicer than the ci4 stradic

Originally Posted by nbdshroom

Mate, it's a no brainer. Shimano all the way.

Better/more drag, you would be counting on it when that 1m barra comes calling.

[MiSCrEANT]

If you don't mind importing reels in from Japan, I would compare any of the ci4+ reels with the Luvias. I can get a ci4+ reel with shipping for $230 and a Luvias from Digitaka $250 with shipping.

Ci4+ reels

The super finesse: Soare
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/h...4969363031747/

Finesse: Complex (I have one of these and its awesome)
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/h...4969363031044/

What I think you are looking for: Exsence. 2500 body with a 3000 spool which is medium depth. Advertised 9kg drag. Has a EVA handle as well.
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/h...4969363030047/

I have brought from these vendors. It's genuine and shipping is quick EMS.

The Luvias is a bit more finesse, and I'm sure other people on BM will vouch for it.

[Yellafella]

Originally Posted by MiSCrEANT

What I think you are looking for: Exsence. 2500 body with a 3000 spool which is medium depth. Advertised 9kg drag. Has a EVA handle as well.
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/h...4969363030047/

Thanks guys, already getting the brain ticking.

The Caldia SHA does look like a more corrosion resistant version of the caldia, and looks damn nice. My only worry is how well does the mag seal hold up in years to come? Has anyone serviced these reels themselves? I imagine the magnetic oil would remain with the reel for it's life, but I'm just unsure how you replenish it etc...

I have looked at the Exsence's. As far as I'm aware they are the same size as a 2500 body, but with the spool and drag system of a 3000 (am I right or wrong?). This would probably balance well physically, as I've tried my ci4 complex (2500) on it and it's about the same weight. As far as I know too, the exsence's are made for sea bass in Japan which would prob be a good match for the species I've mentioned. I guess the other point of interest with this reel, is do you go the 3000M or 3000HGM. The 'M' returns 68cm per turn, whereas the 'HGM' returns 88cm.

[roryodonnell]

The 3000m is somewhere between the 2500 and 3000s, as in the rareniums. If you want to put some stick on the fish, personally I'd go for the hg version.

[bluelipbenny]

shimano all the way even better if its a jdm mod

[jgarner447]

Hey dan , What about a sustain FG ? they have a great drag on them, have caught some decent snapper on mine and it has handled it well, they hold 235 meters of 10lb from memory , have 8kg drag i think and they arnt too heavy .... just something to screw with your brain some more

[Yak_Hak]

I recently owned a 2500 Ci4 and a 2004 Caldia, I sold the Ci4 to buy a 2500 Caldia with the spare spool.

My thoughts on the situation.

Both are great reels, regardless of what you choose you'll be happy.
The Caldia is a lot smoother and quieter.
The spare spool is a huge bonus - as you've already mentioned. I found it hard to track down a spare spool for the ci4 and this was a big reason for my trade in.
I can't comment of the durability of the mag seal, I have never opened the real up. I regularly oil the line roller, main shaft and the bearings at the handle, the reel runs as smoothly as the day I bought.

Caldia all the way.

[jgarner447]

Originally Posted by Yak_Hak

I found it hard to track down a spare spool for the ci4 and this was a big reason for my trade in..

I contacted shimano and bought my spare direct from them....think it was like $40...easy as

Originally Posted by jgarner447

I contacted shimano and bought my spare direct from them....think it was like $40...easy as

Thats like a stolen price. What are they giving them away now? Their trade price is that amount, then you got to add FAT + GST + Postage.

[jgarner447]

Originally Posted by SLAZMO

Thats like a stolen price. What are they giving them away now? Their trade price is that amount, then you got to add FAT + GST + Postage.

Ill see if i can find my invoice

[jgarner447]

Actually was $49+ GST , still cheap if you ask me ... i also bought a few bearings and stuff so postage want too bad

[chopperdog]

Most people love the caldia's so maybe mine's unusual, but it's got a bit of handle slop and spool slop for what's meant to be a decent reel. It's an import btw. Still fine to use, just feels loose. It's super smooth and great otherwise.

I have a rarenium, old ci4, old stradic, old certate and sol and thy're all perfect. I actually prefer the Daiwas out of all of them, but that aspect of the Caldia isn't perfect for me. I wish I'd imported a Luvias.

If you import a jdm Daiwa spare spools are easy since so many interchange. I picked up a Sol 2000 spool for my Caldia at the local tackle shop for a 6 pack of domestic beer. He's got a box full of unloved ones from RCS upgrades.

[Bremmer15]

I would go with a rarenium for that sort of dosh