Shimano Symetre or Stradic??

[YakkinSETX]

The Symetre is $99 and I think the Stradic is $179. Is it worth the extra $ for the Stradic.

I'm using a couple of Symetres now. One of them still works great after many saltwater trips, the other one is grinding pretty bad.

[deleon23]

I also fish with a couple 2500 symetres and would like to hear some feedback on this.
Good question YakkinSETX!

[Finn Maccumhail]

It's your call but I've got a Stradic 4000 in the old white style that's at least 10 years old and has been used pretty hard on everything from Chesapeake stripers to LMB to reds, trout & jacks and other than some boat rash is still smooth as glass and rock-solid on the anti-reverse.

Personally, I know there are less expensive options but I can't imagine the more expensive reels (Stella, etc) being worth it.

[5moreminutes]

Stradic ci4. Light weight and worth the money. I don't abuse my reels and had 2 solstaces crap out with less usage versus the stradic .

[Auburn Angler]

I love my 2yr old Stradic 3000FJ...same size as the 2500 with a larger line capacity. Two spools rigged out and if I ever have to buy another reel, it will be a stradic.

[FlounderPounder15]

I love my shimano saros 3000, its right in the middle at 140$.

[aggie182]

I have a stradic ci4 2500. It is light, rock solid, and would be the one reel I'd pick if I could only keep one. Worth every penny to me.

[saltykat]

I'm an okuma guy but academy has a great deal on the stradic ci4 4000 regular $219 on sale in store for $149
http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 4294962838" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[lurejunkee]

I love my Stradic.... got mine as a gift and will be the only spinning reel i own.... again.

[Facehook]

I haven't fished a Symetre yet, but my Stradic FJ is much better than my Sahara (one step down from Symetre).

[deleon23]

Certainly not trying to jack your post Yakkinsetx but in my behalf, thanks for the input guys!

[jsuber]

I have about 16 Stradic FH and FI and have dabbled with other reels like Quantum Cabo PT 20 but I love the smooth feel of the Stradic. But you will be replacing bearings about every 2-4 years.

[Yaklash]

I've had a Stradic 4000 for about 15 years and could not be happier with it, but I have used lower cost Shimano spinning reels and have only noticed a few minor differences between them and the Stradic. Barely enough to suggest you spend the extra money.

But, before you buy a new reel, I'd suggest you take that Symettre to a good reel repair guy and have it proffessionally cleaned and have any bad bearings replaced. At FTU, if they find major issues with your reel, they'll call you and let you know how much it will cost to repair before they proceed. If you don't want to spend that money, then buy a new reel. But if all it needs is a bearing change-out, that's how I'd go.

[deleon23]

I have about 16 Stradic FH and FI and have dabbled with other reels like Quantum Cabo PT 20 but I love the smooth feel of the Stradic. But you will be replacing bearings about every 2-4 years.

16! I can imagine what your kayak looks like with 16 rod holders!!! j/k
if you ever want to throw any away, just let me know!!

[s-rod]

I'm an okuma guy but academy has a great deal on the stradic ci4 4000 regular $219 on sale in store for $149
http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 4294962838" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for the heads up. I am going to go pick one up at Academy after work!

[s-rod]

I'm an okuma guy but academy has a great deal on the stradic ci4 4000 regular $219 on sale in store for $149
http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 4294962838" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for the heads up. I am going to go pick one up at Academy after work!

I called the 3 Academy's nearest me and none of them have these reels in stock. Has anyone seen some in stock? If not I may just go to Bass Pro Shops and have them match the price...I'm sure they have them in stock. I know last time Academy put the Curado's on sale every store in the Houston area was sold out, but BPS had plenty and they matched the price. Only problem with that plan is that I have a few Academy Gift Cards I would like to use.

[Off The Hook]

i have used nothing but symmetre's 2500 series and have landed a nice 34 in bull red with it, no problems. as long as you clean it once a year like i do cuz I manage to dunk my reels (not intentionally) but it happens so maintenance is important but they will do good by you.

[Finn Maccumhail]

I have about 16 Stradic FH and FI and have dabbled with other reels like Quantum Cabo PT 20 but I love the smooth feel of the Stradic. But you will be replacing bearings about every 2-4 years.

I get that mileage may vary but I've never had to replace the bearings on my Stradic.

[YakkinSETX]

Thanks for all the help, I went with the Stradic. Now if the weather will cooperate so I can try it out.

[Bad Luck Guy]

I own both and while the Stradic is nicer, I got mine on clearance for $99. I would never have paid $179 for it.

[gdavis]

stradic. hands down. had a guy tell me my three year old stradic isnt up to his standard of cleanliness and said he wouldnt use it. caught an oversized red yesterday on 10# test in less than a foot of water. that reel is just awesome.

[deleon23]

stradic. hands down. had a guy tell me my three year old stradic isnt up to his standard of cleanliness and said he wouldnt use it. caught an oversized red yesterday on 10# test in less than a foot of water. that reel is just awesome.

nice!!!

[Yaklash]

stradic. hands down. had a guy tell me my three year old stradic isnt up to his standard of cleanliness and said he wouldnt use it. caught an oversized red yesterday on 10# test in less than a foot of water. that reel is just awesome.

While I agree, it should be noted that all of the Shimano reels I've ever used has a really good drag system. Not sure if it's the design or materials or both, but I have landed numerous large reds and some pretty hefty black drum and jack crevelle with my Stradic using 10 lb mono and a 30 lb fluorocarbon shock-leader. From my old Calcuttas, to my Chronarchs and an old Mark IIIQ spinning reel (circa 1990) I use to use for nearshore fishing before I got the Stradic, they all have great drags.

[Thinwater skinner]

One of them still works great after many saltwater trips, the other one is grinding pretty bad.

Most likely the one that is grinding will be fixable with new parts and a good cleaning. But if you have money burning a hole in your pocket then I would buy the next level up to get a good idea about the quality of the reel.

Good luck with your decision.

[jsuber]

I have about 16 Stradic FH and FI and have dabbled with other reels like Quantum Cabo PT 20 but I love the smooth feel of the Stradic. But you will be replacing bearings about every 2-4 years.

16! I can imagine what your kayak looks like with 16 rod holders!!! j/k
if you ever want to throw any away, just let me know!!

I don't carry all my reels fishing. That's Justin Carter. He carries 20-24. It should be noted that I get about 150 to 200 days on the water each year and that's almost half what slow ride and ms slow ride spend on the Saltwater.