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Relevant once again, the new Shimano Stradic CI4
(continued)
 
Durability:
We didn’t experience any
durability problems during our tests and we even submerged the entire reel in
water during testing. The CI4 frame feels somewhat similar to traditional
graphite in hand but is unquestionably more rigid, though definitely less stiff
than aluminum. Aluminum is a popular choice for reels because it offers a good
balance of light overall weight and the proper rigidity necessary to hold
gearing in tolerance. While the Stradic’s CI4 frame is less rigid than aluminum
we didn’t experience any sloppiness in the gearing after time, and the plus side
of this material is that there is no metal on the frame to corrode.
The longer I fished the Stradic
the more I liked the reel's unique fit and finish
While I was just singing
the praises of the EVA barrel grip in terms of ergonomics this is one area where
over the long term there are possibly more durability concerns than if the
company had utilized their traditional septon material. EVA is great when it is
new but can take damage from hooks or even direct pressure from heavy objects.
As long as anglers are careful to protect the knob it should stay in good
condition for the lifespan of the reel.
The 2500 size is great for Crappie
and Largemouth while the 1000 size is good for panfish and trout
Price & Applications:
The Stradic will be available in two sizes, a 1000 and 2500 size, and is
designed to focus on lightweight finesse fishing applications including shakey
head, drop shot, and light Texas rigs. Both sizes feature a 6.0:1 gear ratio and
the smaller 1000 size weighs in at 6.2oz while the 2500 size is 7.0oz., both
reels also retail for $199.99. The Stradic CI4 2500 size is great for larger
Crappie, Smallies and Largemouth bass while the 1000 size is a great ultralight
reel for panfish and trout. Unfortunately for now only two reel sizes are
available, wouldn’t it make sense that this corrosion resistant material be used
on larger sizes for saltwater anglers? Only time will tell if Shimano makes
larger reels available, but for now Shimano has their even more affordable
Stradic FI series for saltwater anyways.
The Stradic is made in Malaysia
If you employ PowerPro
line tipped with Fluorocarbon the 2500 size will have more than enough capacity
to drop shot even the deepest lakes as well as fish for some inshore species.
The CI4 only comes with a single spool, an extra spool would make it easier to
change from mono to braid on the fly. The ability to fish the Stradic CI4 in
brackish and saltwater applications without fear of corrosion to the frame is a
big plus and the interior of the reel benefits from the company’s Paladin cold
forged aluminum drive gear and hardened brass pinion gear which not only
improves durability but helps keep the Stradic feeling smooth long after it left
the box.
Ms. Casey likes the lightweight
Stradic and so do we...
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
|
Shimano
Stradic
CI4
(2500F)
Ratings
(?/10)
|
|
Construction/Quality |
The
Stradic
CI4 is
built
with
carbon
fiber
versus
graphite
or
aluminum
and the
construction
works on
this
lightweight
reel, it
may not
be as
rigid as
aluminum
but it
does a
great
job
keeping
the
gearing
in tight
tolerance
while
staying
light in
overall
weight |
8.5 |
|
Performance |
The
Stradic
CI4
makes me
remember
why I
liked
the
original
Stradic
series
yet ups
the ante
with
improved
performance.
This
Stradic
stands
out in
the
lineup
and
delivers
in
casting,
retrieve
and drag
performance |
9 |
|
Price |
Stradics
used to
be just
over a
hundred
dollars
but
those
days are
gone,
this new
reel may
be more
expensive
but it
offers
so much
more
that the
price is
justified.
At 199
dollars
it is
hard to
justify
the
extra 50
dollars
for the
Sustain
FE |
8 |
|
Features |
A long
list of
features
including Carbon frame, S-Concept,
S A-RB bearings, Fluidrive II, Super Stopper II, Machined
aluminum handle shank, EVA round grip, AERO Wrap II, waterproof drag, maintenance port,
and a repairable clicker.
The only
thing
that
would
push the
features
over the
top
would be
a spare
spool |
8.5 |
|
Design
(Ergonomics) |
Overall
exceptional
ergonomics,
this
reel is
light
and
balances
out well
with the
Cumara
rods.
The only
area of
concern
is the
extremely
small
anti-reverse
lever |
9 |
|
Application |
Great
for
fresh
and
saltwater
but
because
only two
sizes
are
available
making
this
reel
best
suited
for
light
line
finesse
fishing |
8 |
|
Total
Score
|
8.50 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus
Minus
|
|
J
The
Carbon
Fiber
CI4
construction
is stiff
enough
to
maintain
gear
tolerances
while
reducing
overall
weight |
L
Only two
sizes
are
currently
available |
|
J
Good
caster
and
smooth
retrieve |
L
Frame
still
not as
rigid as
metal
alloys |
|
J
Excellent
waterproof
drag is
powerful
and
consistent |
|
|
J
Excellent
corrosion
resistance |
|
|
J
Reasonable
price |
|
Conclusion: The
Shimano Stradic CI4 was met with plenty of praise at ICAST when it debuted
earlier this year and won best freshwater reel in the new product showcase. The
combination of the new carbon fiber material and the striking new look of the
reel has elevated the Stradic’s position on the Shimano lineup and for the first
time since the pearl white classic reel was introduced. For the first time in a
decade I feel like the Stradic once again has a distinct “personality” that sets
it apart from the rest of the lineup. While not the aggressively priced reel
that the Stradic once was the new CI4 reel is all about performance and cutting
edge design for finesse fishing.
...this is the most memorable
Stradic we have fished in years and is now a definite standout in Shimano's
robust lineup
The
clever use of carbon fiber gives the Stradic a low weight while still making it
more durable and refined than standard XT-7 graphite used on mainstream spinning
reel frames. The Stradic CI4 is so good that when you factor in price it becomes
hard to justify paying 50 dollars more for a Sustain FE of the same size. The
carbon fiber material worked out so well on this particular reel that I would
speculate that the material will somehow make it into Shimano’s baitcasting line
in the future. For now
the Stradic is back, the reel is exciting on so many levels making the series
relevant once again. The Stradic CI4 is an exceptional reel for finesse fishing
and worth every penny of its 199 dollar price point. It is so good that it can
readily challenge competing reels costing up to 50% more in many categories,
making this lightweight performer the only spinning reel to win an Editors
Choice Award this year!
Looking for the Shimano Stradic CI4?
Try
Tackle Warehouse and
Hi's Tackle Box
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