Shimano Stradic CI4 Reel

Shimano Stradic CI4 Reel - FB

The popularity of the Shimano Stradic range is not a result of smart marketing, compelling good looks or pure accident. In short, it’s an excellent spin reel, right across the series, while remaining accessible to the majority of budgets.

Stradic reels fly off the shelf right across the globe. It has a dedicated fishing fan base, with even the most critical aficionado suggesting the Shimano Stradic CI4 Reel, when rated in its class, is more or less beyond reproach.

It was a stunning fishing reel when it hit the market all those years ago, so many Shimano fans find it interesting, as well as exciting, that Shimano continues to refine and develop what was already an outstanding piece of kit. The New upgraded Ci4+ FB model is out, and the market will need little convincing to upgrade.

The quality for dollar ratio has not changed if anything; it’s even better. The changes, at first glance, might seem subtle, although the advance in performance is anything but ingenious.

The overall weight of the Shimano Stradic Ci4 has a reduction over the preceding model. A move in the oscillation system and worm gear has reduced the centre of gravity providing a much lighter feel.

The new MGL rotor is 22% lighter on both sides with a resulting reduction in inertia. This feature, coupled with X-Ship to enhance gear durability makes cranking under load much more manageable.

If the upgrades mentioned above are not already enough, another significant addition is Shimano Hagane gearing, providing remarkable strength and smooth gear transition.

A finishing inclusion is Shimano Coreprotect technology. Coreprotect helps to keep the internals of your reel free from water, dust and sand ingress.

The Shimano Stradic C14+ FB 1000 & 2500 spinning reels are a brilliant option for getting into finesse style fishing. For those advanced anglers, already well versed in the finer ‘art’ of finesse techniques, the new Stradic CI4 is an ideal way to expand your finesse spin arsenal without busting the bank.

The 3000 or 4000 CI4 Spinning reels will dominate the inshore grounds. They’re an ideal choice for hunting big Murray cod and big Barra in the fresh rivers and impoundments. Spin reel enthusiasts will also love pegging hard bodies at big salty Barra wherever you find them. The 4000 will be perfect for pitting yourself versus the biggest of them.

With the 3000 or 4000, you could target other species such as reef mulloway, flathead or snapper, the list goes on and on really and in reality, land-based or fishing from your boat or Kayak, pick a species, you’re new Stradic will serve you brilliantly. 

Performance is uncompromising, and you can cast these little legends at just about anything the inshore fishing grounds have to offer. Please take a look at our best online deal then add one to your cart once you have decided on a size.

• 6+1 Ball Bearings
• Gear Ratio: 1000/2000/3000 is 6.0:1, 4000 is 6.2:1
• Strong Hagane Gearing coupled with Xship for durability
• Coreprotect to help keep water and elements out
• Magnumlite rotor giving an ultra light feel on each handle turn
• G Free Body
• AR-C Spool for longer more accurate casts
• One Piece Bail
• Aero Wrap 2 for better line lay

Note: Price is for 1 reel only: Prices vary on display depending on which model you click on from our order menu. Multiple images are for illustration.

Shimano Stradic Ci4 Reel Buying Guide

Here at Fishing Tackle Shop, we have both smaller finesse size and medium application inshore Shimano Stradic Ci4 fishing reels for sale. Below we have written a short, simple guide that will explain a few of the core application differences between sizes as well as proving some advice on ideal rod choice.

Shimano Stradic Ci4 1000

At the beginning of the range sits the CI4 1000 reel, a dedicated finesse fishing reel for ultralight fishing styles. Typically angling styles include fishing within confines of inshore freshwater and saltwater for bream, bass, trout, whiting and other light class fish species.

Being a finesse fishing reel, many anglers here in Australia prefer to spool their Stradic Ci4 1000 with braided lines from 2lb through to around 6lb and pair their 1000 reel to light class 6-7ft 6-inch graphite fishing rods. Typically a light rod that has an appraised line rating between 1-4kg.

Shimano Stradic Ci4 2500

While the 1000 CI4+ FB reel is a dedicated finesse model the 2500 CI4 FB packs a punch well above its weight. Ideal for freshwater or saltwater fishing styles such as lake, river and other light inshore applications targeting bream, Australian bass, yellowbelly, redfin, trout, whiting, flathead and many other Aussie favourites.

The 2500 Size model is our best seller for general inshore fishing; it’s a comfortable size that meets the demands for a broad range of classic inshore fishing styles.

Typically, many Aussie anglers pair the 2500 Ci4 reel to a 6ft to 7ft 6 inch rod that sports a line class rating between 2-6Kg.

Shimano Stradic Ci4 3000

While the 3000 Ci4 model isn’t physically much larger than the 2500 size, it opens up the possibilities to many more applications. You still have all the performance you need for lighter styles of fishing in lakes rivers and impoundments, but with 9Kg max drag you stretch out the possibilities to fish heavier braid lines for harder fighting fish like jacks, barra and grunter.

Ideal rod length usually remains the same as the 2500 size, the 3000 Ci4 pairs well to 6-7ft 6-inch rods. The decision of fishing rod rating classification will base upon whether you are fishing light or stretching the possibilities and fishing for a stronger class of fish inshore.  Fish light and you can get away with a rod rating between 2-6kg, fish stronger and a rod with grading around 4-8kg would generally be ideal.

Shimano Stradic Ci4 4000

At the end of the line we have the 4000 Ci4. Our largest size in the range for sale gives you access to fish a wide range of medium-class fishing styles inshore. It’s a brilliant size for barra, cod, big perch, huge flathead, mangrove jack, fingermark and grunter as a couple of classic examples.

With a 4000 you are not just limited to inshore lakes and rivers, you’re positioned to fish light off the beaches or even offshore upon shallow reefs and substrate.

Naturally, rod choice for a 4000 depends on what fishing style you choose.  The 4000 will pair well with specific light 3-6kg surf rods around 9ft and longer or will match with boat and inshore rods around 6-7ft in length which rate between approximately 5-10kg.

Benefits

• Coreprotect will keep all of the elements from aging your investment. Gears and bearings remain better protected from water ingress and the damage of gear grinding sand and dust.
• Hagane gearing takes the Stradic CI4 FB reel series into a new class. The power, strength and smoothness of transitions under load is the thing that has made the technology famous.
• Ci4 technology has allowed for these reels to become amazingly small and incredibly light, but drag power and spool capacity provide anglers with the confidence they need to tackle, larger, more aggressive species.
• The AR-C Spool provides exceptional casting potential. Exceptional distance and accuracy make you the angler better positioned to hopefully catch more, particularly when fishing with a balanced rig.

The Shimano Stradic C14+ FB are mighty powerhouses in a compact design. The additional features on the 2016 Stradic make it a force to be reckoned with, competing with and beating spin reels that attract a much higher price tag. The new Stradic CI4 Reel has assured the continuing popularity of this already much loved reel.  Buy yours today. We ship Australia wide.