I bought a 2500HGFL 10 days ago in Connecticut! I dropped it in the river and it still is as smooth as I got it 10 days ago🎣 The reel is bad ass for 212.69 cents !! Already got a few nice Wipers here on it and its drag is SUPER smooth!! And like I said it has been completely dunked already
The first thing I noticed about this reel is its weight ru-vid.comUgkxM68VkfsQhHaabDce1IwOCXuvumcpbZ_k . I wouldn't say it was uncomfortable but it was a little heavier than other similarly sized reels. However, that didn't deter my enjoyment of how smooth this reel is. I spooled it with 20lb. Tuf-Line XP and it's perfect for what I use it for. I have it paired with an 8'6" Medium/Fast Okuma SST Salmon/Steelhead rod. The combination is perfect for casting and even drifting. I used the reel all day and didn't experience any arm or hand fatigue except when fighting a few fish! The bail is solid and feels strong when engaging by reeling and manually closing the bail by hand. The large rubber handle grip is very comfortable. It's got a powerful drag, silky smooth reeling, and feels very comfortable in the hands. I recommend it!
I had an old white and gold coloured early 2000’s Stradic, rear drag with fighting drag as well. Sent it over to a mate in Australia to get a second life out there.
Considered buying one since I’ve had every other Stradic but i see no huge difference like there was between the fj and fk. My favorite is the heavy ass fi, had it a long time and it doesn’t care what i throw at it. Awesome review. Can’t wait to see you put that baby to the test
@@RyanMorie This is the "FI" (F i ((eye- sometimes the "i" cap looks like a small "L" (l) correct? The silver & with gold on the spool, just prior to the FJ that went white again? I have two of the 4000FI and love them, smooth, strong and no problems ever. I have owned the old original white ones, just the plain 4000 but have been considering this new FL. I left a comment in reply to someone further down but here is a copy, perhaps you have some feedback: Gabriel N 23 minutes ago That was the impression I had on a couple reviews from people I consider knowledgeable on the new Stradic FL, versus the prior versions. I have two of the 4000FI, The silver & gold just before they returned to the white with the FJ. It seems that between the FJ all the way up to the FK there was not that big of a change compared to this jump to the FL. You seem knowledgeable, Have you ever had any of the 3000 & 4000FI? I grew up in a fishing family Gulf Coast of Florida, caught thousands of snook and other inshore species all during my childhood, always used the brown colored glass Fenwick PLS rods with daiwa, the predecessors to the black and gold. I actually recently purchased a couple of the new model BG3000 daiwa and they are really nice although still prefer the Stradics FI that I have. The closest action to the Fenwick rods I have found in a modern rod or the earlier version of the Shimano Teramar, So I have a bunch of those from the 7 ft, 7 ft 4 in, 7 ft 6 in, 8'. Considering one of these Stradic FL. I would be letting go of some less expensive reels like Shimano Saros, Sedona, etc. And a few Lamiglass & graphite rods that I really don't care for compared to the TC4 & E-Glass rods. I typically fish Zara Spook or the old Boone Tout jigs for saltwater inshore or for bass fishing the vintage Dalton special top water. Anyone have any comparisons on the Stradic FI (Fi) vs this FL?
Awesome review dude. I currently have 3 stradic FKs... one 1000, two 2500s (I’m a Walleye fisherman). They have served me well and in my opinion they are the best reel you can get at that price point, but I honestly was tempted to sell all 3 and replace with the new FLs. After seeing this review I think I’m just gonna keep them, maybe I’ll buy an FL if they go on sale on Black Friday or something. Thanks.
The New FL has Stella Guts.. As opposed to the FK which has the Sustains' ... The New FL has a bigger, stronger drive gear with more teeth..Line Roller, and clutch are assembled manually rather than in a one piece design..Carbon drag as well.. Big difference there in my opinion but all in all BOTH Great reels!!
That was the impression I had on a couple reviews from people I consider knowledgeable on the new Stradic FL, versus the prior versions. I have two of the 4000FI, The silver & gold just before they returned to the white with the FJ. It seems that between the FJ all the way up to the FK there was not that big of a change compared to this jump to the FL. You seem knowledgeable, Have you ever had any of the 3000 & 4000FI? I grew up in a fishing family Gulf Coast of Florida, caught thousands of snook and other inshore species all during my childhood, always used the brown colored glass Fenwick PLS rods with daiwa, the predecessors to the black and gold. I actually recently purchased a couple of the new model BG3000 daiwa and they are really nice although still prefer the Stradics FI that I have. The closest action to the Fenwick rods I have found in a modern rod or the earlier version of the Shimano Teramar, So I have a bunch of those from the 7 ft, 7 ft 4 in, 7 ft 6 in, 8'. Considering one of these Stradic FL. I would be letting go of some less expensive reels like Shimano Saros, Sedona, etc. And a few Lamiglass & graphite rods that I really don't care for compared to the TC4 & E-Glass rods. I typically fish Zara Spook or the old Boone Tout jigs for saltwater inshore or for bass fishing the vintage Dalton special top water. Anyone have any comparisons on the Stradic FI (Fi) vs this FL?
How would you compare the FJ, FK and now this new FL to the one just prior to the return to white FJ....the FI? I have two of the 4000FI reels and very happy with them. I use either the vintage brown E-Glass Fenwick rods I grew up with on Gulf coast of FL or the closest action I have found to them now, the earlier Shimano Termar SE, with the TC4 glass......I mostly fish topwater and prefer that action. The FL is the only once since FI I have seen that I was considering.....maybe need to re-visit the FJ in a nice used version.
Nice review. Buddy of mine submerged my 3000FJ.... real bummer after 5 years of rock solid performance inshore SW FL. Just ordered the 3000FL. Go Gators!
Really looking forward to Bull Drum season this year so I can put my Stradic C5000XG to work and see how it does. Super nice reel and worth every penny!
So few weeks ago I had a chance to fish new stradic FLs from panama city pier. I actually bought a 5000xgfl and a hybrid model 3000mhg(fl) from asia. In my experience using 10-15lb suffix 832 on 5000 size was the best, my friend used 20lb suffix 832 on his 5000xgfl and from time to time he would get a wind knot, but he did land a nice king mackarel and a 4' black tip shark. Most of the time there, I used the stradic 3000mgh on a 7'4 Falcon coastal rod and I just could not put it down, it was the most fun I had in a while. Unfortunately 3000mhg is not available in US (4000 size body with 3000 size rotor and 3000 size shallow spool and it has medium speed gears), but I used a US spec 3000 size spool which is sold with c3000xgfl in US. I was able to bring a sting ray and a small black tip shark to the pier but I lost them when they went around pilings. Also landed few bonito and a ton of spanish and blues and hard tails. Using much lighter braid and a 1 oz goch-ya plug I could cast farther than everyone else. And lifting 3-5 pound spanish up the pier was not too difficult. Sttadic FL really impressed me. Maybe I will get new 2020 twinpower next when i get a coupon, lol.
I loved your video and I love reading the comments. I just bought one and I will receive it tomorrow. It will be my first Stradic 😊 Thanks for the great review, it only makes me want it faster lol
Nice video, I agree the FK and FL are both solid reels. I wouldn't have sold or upgraded from the FK to FL but because I didn't have the FK I did purchase the FL. The upgrades to the FL are significant, IMO Shimano's problem is what do they do with the Sustain.
Shimano failed on 3 things on this reel to make it a global home run. 1. No folding handle like on many and previous models. 2. No service port. 3. No reverse. I do not care for it but some will.
You said It will probably cast further and last longer, what else do you want? What would you expect from a new version of a reel that remains in the same price level? I am upgrading from a Nasci and from this I would go for a new FL over an old FK on sale. Or maybe not...
Shimano failed on 3 things on this reel to make it a global home run. 1. No folding handle like on many and previous models. 2. No service port. 3. No reverse. I do not care for it but some will.
@@Sweetaccord 1. Folding handle is vulnerable to rusting and getting dirt and sand in where the joint is. Plus there’s no point in having it fold. 2. Service port isn’t needed and it wouldn’t do much to help service anyway. You need to clean and lube all of the components in a reel. If you’re unsure of how to take apart your reel, send it in to be serviced. 3. Reverse switch makes the reel more vulnerable to water entering and corroding the reel.
@@butterytoast4836 Sorry don't agree. Have had folding handles on Shimano reels for over 15 years and not one spec of rust. There is a point to fold, takes up less space and fits in smaller bag. I travel small and light bags and every oz matters and helps. 2. Service port don't hurt to add in. Helps to add grease between tear downs if needed. 3. I don't care about reverse or use it, but others may.
I fish 1000 size reels tossing mini jigs for trout in the Eastern Sierra. I hunt only trophy trout and makes hundreds of casts a day when I’m on the water. In my humble opinion for ultra light fishing I feel the best Stradic reel is the Mgfb. Nothing has come close since. I have several old FH and FG and they’re still fantastic if maintained. I Personally can’t stand the feel of the Newer ci4 reels. With all that said I rarely fish my stradic reels anymore. For my type of fishing nothing is better than the sustain 1000FG. The new Fl does look nice but if I were going to get a new reel it would probably be the Vanford as I hear it’s very different than any ci4 reel before it. Tight lines
I just purchased a daiwa certate 19 LT 5000D, penn ssVIlc 5500 and have my FL on order lol, I’m going to swap out some of the bushings with Stella bearings. Can’t wait to take them on the water.
Just purchase two 3000fl’s and looking forward to use on the gulf coast. I’m now interested in the larger stradic models for tarpon. Suggestions? Thanks for the review, love the comparison
I watch this video 7 months ago. But now, i just got my Stradic FL. Now i realized what he said was true and he had a good point 'its can' t do everything absolutely crazy for you'. I just keep it in my store and waste my money. You can buy it if you a collector, thats all.
Guys i just got the stradic go 4000, and let me tell you, if feels extraordinary compared to the older stradics, and i was almost able to fit 300 yards of power pro maxcuatra 20 lb braid on it. I would highly recommend getting one if you can.
I was so skeptical about micromodule , silent gear n long spool things but honestly all r real , this reel is better by noticeable margin vs fk , ci4+ or any even sw one.
My fk still going strong for 10 years now. But heard one small slight issue with the new stradic. My buddy told me that he bought it brand new and having little issue with drag being slipping while fighting fish. But according to the shop told him it need to be break in
I like this one more than the older models. It looks really good like it finally matches the looks of the Ci4+ which I hope they take that to another level in a few years.
Shimano failed on 3 things on this reel to make it a global home run. 1. No folding handle like on many and previous models. 2. No service port. 3. No reverse. I do not care for it but some will.
Love your pros and cons and especially if you should or should not upgrade your reels. Most other reviewers skim the later part, you go a little more in dept which makes your opinion more understandable. Much Mahalo
Stradic ....i had a long list of stradic ..from FI...FJ...Ci4+ ....and FK. .. from 4000 ..5000...and 8000....sadly ...only FK left...in my rack..because...my fishing partner...always begging to buy it from me....its ok...i truely satisfied with the performance....
Since you’re in Japan, have you tried the Shimano Exsense and Stella? I’ve heard the Exsense outperforming the Stella at a much cheaper cost, but don’t want to pull the trigger quite yet on a reel that’s $500+
I have a 2013 14k XG Stella SW, wish I go the PG, but other than that it's one of the best reels ever made. Haven't had any experience with a exsense personally, so I can't talk on that one
Big difference in exsence 3000 , and Stella FG 3000 is Line capacity, and weight. I have both and love them. Now I just need to break in the new Daiwa Exist 4000.
The new FL is awesome. Smooth long casts, Great drag (With a good click sound) and not even as heavy as my old MgfA 2500. The only thing that's annoying me is that because the spool is longer it's awkward to flip and cast. It sits too high on my rods. I use the 1000 for my Trout fishing (Awesome).
Did you know the 5000 FL spool fits like a glove on ci4+ 4000, even the handle fits. Tested reel with line, and reels line throughout the spool despite being taller. Hybrid stella if you ask me.
Im waiting twin power new... I have 15 3000HGM and use it for jigging on the Moscow-river from 10 to 30gr My TP is amaaazing reel for my needs Its very interesting what will new TP p.s. Nice review. There are not reviews of this reel on RU-segment.
@@lestergensey8470 I think that TP is more powerfully than Stella or Certate... It is the 1st one why I chose TP The 2nd one is a price. TP is 2x cheaper than stella but there are few differences between these reels Which are the differences between TP 15 and new did you see?)
Haven't owned a ballistic personally, but my buddies that have have enjoyed them for 6 months and then struggle to get them to perform after that. In saltwater I'd personally recommend the STRADIC but, I'm sure there are guys that would recommend the opposite.
5 лет назад
@@RyanMorie thanks for your feedback. I'm waiting for the opinions of other anglers.
I returned a new stradic cause it had to much play in the gear. The guy in the store told me it was normal. I tried a few others and they were same crap. Got a ballistic lt and no play at all. Have a couple of Daiwas and they still work fine. A little bit disappointed in Shimano.
My ballistic is great. I've use it more then any other reel I have. I like it more then my fk, alot more. As long as your somewhat careful not to take a wave or get sand in the reel, clean it right, grease and oil it, it should be fine. Having said that the only thing I dislike about the daiwas in general is the damn AR switch. Nobody I know uses back reel and its a just a water entry point.
I know you’re not a penn guy and i love my daiwas compared to them but i picked up a slammer like two weeks ago and it’s the most solid reel I’ve ever felt. Just feels like a tank
Are the FK spools compatible to the FL spools? I have a C5000 XG FK and I'm shopping for a second reel of that type. Would be cool if they could share the exchange spools. If it doesn't fit, I guess I'll rather get myself a second FK. If I can find one, that is.
Which one you will get between the FJ and the FL ? I have been offered to buy new FJ ( staying couple of years in the store) for the same price of new FL .
I still have my Stradic that I got as a teenager in the early 90s....never had to buy another reel after that. Do they still build em as good as they use to?
@Coza King He's actually 100 percent right. I've owned a few stradics. they're nice reels when they're new but like almost all shimano spinners, they lose their smoothness with use especially in saltwater. Shimano made slight upgrades but this new reel is no game changer. IMO if you upgrade, you wont notice any significant difference in performance. Unless your a shimano groupie and think everything they make is pure gold.
Mine is still smooth after 3 years of hard fishn. I haven't used it in the surf but I have used fuegos and they have held up surprisingly well. Check the bearings, the roller bearings are notoriously bad but are cheap and easy to replace.
Juno, how do these compare to Penn is the salt life? Does the shimano hold up better than the Penns? I know they are definitely smoother than the Penns but I have stuck with Penns and use to what they offer.
I have alot of Penns some shimanos and daiwas. It depends on how you use them really. Every reel is different though you could baby your fk and something could break while a yaker that has 1 abuses it for years and it still works. Obviously taking care if a reel greatly reduces the chance of failure. The roller bearings tend to wear out but if you don't mind that awful squeal. The fk does hold up great and my fk has outlasted 2 battles. I take care of the battles but I tend to baby that fk in transport and on the boat. It comes down to what your doing, I don't mind chunkn with a 6500 SS but if im throwing x raps or lead heads under the lights I'd rather have the Shimano or Daiwa any day
If you are talking about Spheros sw inshore reel, then it is pretty much a simplified stradic fk with few bearings removed, and a cheaper bail and cheaper reel spool and spool support. Yes it has a worm gear and identical gears and sealing to stradic fk.
Shimano failed on 3 things on this reel to make it a global home run. 1. No folding handle like on many and previous models. 2. No service port. 3. No reverse. I do not care for it but some will. 4. No cloth protective bag like other older models. 5. The "Taller spool" claim is false. It's not anything taller than a Stradic 1000MgFB spool. I measured 1mm taller between the two.
Now this is a dumb question but I'm new to this so bare with me. If you have a 6+1 bearing (6+1=7), so why isn't it just 7 bearings? I'm learning, lol.
fishing my beloved 3000 FK 2500 Ci4 had the FL 3000 for 8 weeks now and selling . the FK and Ci4 i thought they were amazing reels but that FL ,, OMG..... ordered FL 1000 also
Shimano failed on 3 things on this reel to make it a global home run. 1. No folding handle like on many and previous models. 2. No service port. 3. No reverse. I do not care for it but some will.
nice reel i have the stradic ci4+ i thought of trading up , this one is surpost to cast further, you need to do a test and see if it cast further than the other stradics .
I fish in brackish water and have replaced the FK line roller bearing 6+ times in both 3000s since they came out. Shimano said The new Stradic has an improved line roller system. The bearing is not part of the line roller assembly like previous models. I was looking for a schematic to see what they changed. Any chance you will tear that apart? Thanks
When Shimano started with the Xship improvements I sold some old Shimano reels for some great prices. I almost felt guilty selling 2 and buying a great new Stradic Ci4+. Old Shimano sells great haha But don't sell unless you're absolutely sure. I have actually some regret not buying some travel Blue Romance rods. Now, a couple years later and they're sold out and nobody's selling theirs.
Shimano failed on 3 things on this reel to make it a global home run. 1. No folding handle like on many and previous models. 2. No service port. 3. No reverse. I do not care for it but some will.
@@greygraham5361 Shimano failed on 3 things on this reel to make it a global home run. 1. No folding handle like on many and previous models. 2. No service port. 3. No reverse. I do not care for it but some will.
Shimano failed on 3 things on this reel to make it a global home run. 1. No folding handle like on many and previous models. 2. No service port. 3. No reverse. I do not care for it but some will.
Recently bought my first ever Stradic, a 3000-sized Ci4+ and hoping they live up to their reputation. The new version was $100 more here in Australia, so made it an easy choice ! Finally stepped up to the Stradic after my mighty old Symetre 4000 finally wore out - too many high speed spinning sessions for Frigate Mackerel finally killed it this autumn. BTW, what is the difference between the Stradic 2500 & 3000 sizes? Is it solely line capacity?
No, they look like there the same size but there not. The 3000 is just a tad bigger. The 3k also has a higher gear ratio and a wider spool so the retrieve is considerably faster. The handle also goes to a T knob on the 3k. The FL 3k also has carbon drag washers the smaller reels use felt.
I broke my Stradic ci4 but I have “insurance” on it. When I take it back should I grab the new FL and save a few bucks or stick with the ci4? It’s a 3000 and is my smallest saltwater reel. I think I would be sacrificing sealing and weight, is that right? Is the FL even saltwater rated etc...? Great vid, any help would be appreciated thanks.
6atlantis U have different gears setup with fl that is close enough to stella fi . Stradic fl is the one, used it realy hard to say this reel is just so good to where am thinking to buy another 5000 one .
@@ryandoll3684 Nick from tackle advisors said it was to protect the reel foot which I never heard of till then but it wouldn't be a bad idea. The FL has a line clip and generally they use a band for that not tape but I guess the tape is cheaper
Ya Nick is the "Man" so I would think he would be right but i was curious and read the pamphlet and it said it was for taping the line down.I think it's kinda stupid if you ask me
@@ryandoll3684 Well it's in the initial FL reaction when he jus looks at it. He takes it outa the box and says it without hesitation after seeing it. I have alota reels that have rashed up feet from the seat so I could see that. Usually the bands have the brand on em or even the reel name if it's a Stella or top of the line reel. I decided not to get an FL and get a SlX dc and a levante later in Sept b4 I have to hold $ for Xmas. I have a 3k fk which I use some but the majority of the time im usn my Fuego and ballistic which I favor over the Shimanos.
Well, im from Malaysia and havent heard bout upgrade for ci4+, but it will or will not...since they already upgrade the strad, it will take a while to other model on same league to get an upgrade tho...
Shimano failed on 3 things on this reel to make it a global home run. 1. No folding handle like on many and previous models. 2. No service port. 3. No reverse. I do not care for it but some will. 4. No protective cloth bag like previous models. 5. The "Taller spool" claim is false. It's not anything taller than a Stradic 1000MgFB spool. I measured less than a 1mm height between the two. Nice review though.
1. No folding handle like on many and previous models. Folding handles suck. 2. No service port. Causes more problems than solve them. 3. No reverse. I do not care for it but some will. For 99% of the people it's better so screw the 1%. 4. No protective cloth bag like previous models. Thin cloth bag was not good enough anyway. Ask your wife to make some from towels. 5. The "Taller spool" claim is false. That 1-2 mm is all it needs to be taller. It's the exact same spool as the Stella so....
I rather not to have folding handle, service port or reverse that will make your reel go bye bye really quick. Trust me. No protective cloth bag? Just use crown royal bag to cover the reel it works or even better get neosporen reel cover that most tackle shop sells. Shimano made a grand slam on it products!
Not quite, the CI4 is a stradic but it's different from the fk. There great reels but I had a problem with Shimano the other day when I asked them if they had any parts for older ci4s the rep told me no was kind of a dick about it. I said in the initial email that i knew it was a long shot. I've heard of people sending them older reels and if they didn't have the parts they would give you a discount on a new 1 but he didn't say anything about it and I asked
This reel or a calida Lt ..help me please haha ..i want a reel with very low play in parts around handle meeting the reel body want everything to work smooth and dont wiggle
