Go Light, Stay Tough, the Shimano Stradic MgFA (continued)
 

Price and Applications cont'd: As for price, the cost premium of stepping up to the Mg model versus the standard Stradic is 70 dollars. At first we thought the only benefit of stepping up to the Mg model was sheer weight reduction, but that isn’t true in the case of this reel. Shimano actually adds a number of improvements in addition to just building a lighter reel, these include a machined aluminum handle shank and souped up drag system.

Zander tests the Stradic's retrieve

We would already pay the additional 70 dollars just for a lighter reel, but with these extra improvements the Mg model becomes even more appealing. 

The positioning of the anti reverse lever on the back makes for easy switching

Edge: The Stradic MgFA stands out as the best bang for the buck when it comes to features, performance, and price. While there is no denying the Stella as the supreme performer of the bunch it is twice the price of even the premium Sustain. The Stradic MgFA offers anglers a lightweight refined reel, the only problem is that it is only available in two sizes…so ultralight anglers need not apply.

A quick flip of the anti reverse lever

The machined handle shank is very nice, and something only found on higher end Shimano reels prior to this

The Stradic MgFA comes with an enlarged power grip

Ratings:

Pluses and Minuses:

The Stradic MgFA was ideal for finesse fishing for largemouth in brackish water and was great for shaky head worming, darter heads, tubes, and even drop shotting

Conclusion: Go light! I’ve always been a fan of magnesium reels, and while many companies shun use of their magnesium reels in saltwater Shimano openly states that reels like the Stradic MgFA are not only saltwater capable, but special provisions have been made so that the reel can truly stand up to the harsher environments. I think most anglers believe the Stradic MgFA is simply the same reel as the normal Stradic, and features a swapped out magnesium frame and new-fangled paint job, but the reel is in fact a souped up version of the original. We wish the Stradic MgFA was available in a wider range of sizes, and the lack of any spare spool is a bit of a letdown, but nonetheless the Stradic MgFA slots in nicely between the traditional Stradic and the Sustain, and really is the bass anglers best choice in the Shimano spinning lineup when it comes low weight, high performance, and reasonable price. When compared with competitor offerings the Stradic is actually priced in parity or lower than other magnesium based reels of the same quality. If you want further reduced weight and more refinement you have to move all the way up to the Stella FB series. The Stella easily outmatches the Stradic MgFA in refinement and performance, but is it really worth over twice the money? Only the most discriminating anglers, who appreciate the Stella’s advanced engineering and precision construction will believe so. For all the rest of the anglers looking for a quality lightweight reel at moderate price, the Stradic is an undeniably good value.