Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reel: Unboxing, Specs, Comparison
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
If you’re thinking about getting a new inshore spinning reel and you’re considering the Shimano Stradic FL, then you’re going to love this video.
I recently ordered this reel and today I’m going to unbox it with you and share the specs, as well as how it compares to the Shimano Stradic Ci4+.
We’re not affiliated with Shimano or any other fishing company, so you can be sure this review is totally unbiased.
Watch the video below to learn more about the Shimano Stradic FL.
Shimano Stradic FL Unboxing [VIDEO]
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Here’s how the specs of the Shimano Stradic FL compares to the Shimano Stradic Ci4+:
Price
Shimano Stradic FL: $209
Shimano Stradic Ci4+: $229
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Weight
Shimano Stradic FL 3000: 7.9 oz
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 3000: 6.7 oz
Bearings
Shimano Stradic FL 3000: 6+1
Shimano Stradic Ci4 3000+: 6+1
Gear Ratio
Shimano Stradic FL 3000: 6.4:1
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 3000: 6.0:1
Line Retrieve Per Crank
Shimano Stradic FL 3000: 37 inches
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 3000: 35 inches
Max Drag
Shimano Stradic FL 3000: 20 lbs
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 3000: 20 lbs
Line Capacity
Shimano Stradic FL 3000:
- 10 lb braid: 200 yds
- 20 lb braid: 140 yds
- 40 lb braid: 105 yds
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 3000:
- 10 lb braid: 200 yds
- 20 lb braid: 140 yds
- 40 lb braid: 105 yds
Conclusion
I can’t wait to test this reel out on the water!
Have you used this reel?
What were your thoughts?
Let me know in the comments below!
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Thanks for the review Tony. I bought the Stradic 25000HG today. Looking forward to getting it on the water.
You’re welcome Mark! I have that reel on my Slot Machine rod. Love it!
Huh braid capacity are wrong. I’ve put around 250m of 0.2 braid (YGK) on my Stradic FL.
Braid capacity is a generalization. Shimano has it based on breaking strength for some reason rather than line diameter. Line diameter would be more accurate.
I have a dozen NASCi reels that I love and never had a problem with. Recently I went to a Sodium store to take advantage of a big sale they were having. I intended to purchase additional NASCI reels. The Shimano factory rep was there He convinced to purchase Spheros SW reels instead as he stated the NASCI reels are not salt water reels. The Spheros was $20 more but is an SW (saltwater) reel. I also have a couple Ci4 reels that have problems. My friend has over 30 ci4 reels and sends a box with 3-4 reels into Shimano every 6 months as the bearings get noisy. Shimano used to fix his ci4 reels for free but not any more.
That Shimano rep must be new because the Nasci is rated for saltwater. He may have confused it with the Sahara (which looks very similar) that is not rated for saltwater. I have had zero issues with my Nasci reels. The Ci4 definitely has some bearing issues. They now have the new Vanford which is replacing the Ci4.
I plan on purchasing the Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reel (3 000) in the very near future, but I would like to know what rod you have been using in your videos. I couldn’t believe how far you were casting the Slam Shady ?? Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated… Thanks a lot….
Hey Richard! I use a Century Weapon Jr 7’6 which I had custom made by Black Pelican Custom Rods. It slings those baits a mile.
I did a review of it which you can see here:
https://saltstrongdev.wpengine.com/articles/black-pelican-custom-fishing-rod-review/
Thanks for the rapid reply. It is amazing to see how far you are casting that lure.
I ended up purchasing
%3Fv%3D1587591220&t=1590758341&ymreqid=156abbf9-38a9-5c3d-1cef-b70015017200&sig=qoyO9tnHSuY0qBl9cZ.nfQ–~CSt. Croix Mojo Inshore Spinning Rods × 1
MIS76MF. And am defintely looking forward to its arrival. Thanks again.
No problem!
Though a use the CI4s and other Stradics, I would think any quality reel would work well. Reels have changed so much in 20 years. Ones that were considered high end back then would be just average now.
One thing I can absolutely promise everyone is as they say,,,, you get what you pay for!
I agree. i have reels from $50 to $200 and they all get the job done. I would invest more into a rod than a reel. The rod is what casts your lure and fights the fish.
Tony, as I posted elsewhere, rod choices for me are limited. I also need to go MH over medium action .
Nice video as always Tony, thanks. I have all 3 of the reels discussed in the post. There all 3000’s.
I started fishing spinning reels about 4 years ago and bought 2 nasci reels. Good reels and I put them on mojo St. Croix split grip rods. Nice set up and caught some big fish.
Then I got a Ci4+ for Xmas 2 years ago. Great reel and zero problems. I just got a Fl for Xmas this year and love it so much I bought another one 2 weeks ago. I think it’s the best feeling reel I have.
Also I switched from split grip rods to Omen 13 green rods with full grips, 7’2″ med fast for $120.
For me the Omen rods and stradic reels are my favorite inshore combo.
Thanks, Mel
I’m thinking the 3000 as well. What rod do you have it on? That’s my next addition. Thanks.
Good stuff Mel!
what a reivew , just repeat what the package stated. !
Dollar for Dollar, The FL is hands down the best reel you can buy!!! I special ordered a 3000 from overseas (yea yea I know) and received it a couple months before it was released in the States. Its also slightly different bc it’s the HG and the US version is the XG. The HG is a bit slower than the XG bc of the .2 gear ratio difference. Which I actually prefer but I love both. Straight out of the box, I knew I was going to end up replacing all my reels with Stradic FLs. It’s that good! It has the smoothness of a CI4+ and the durability of a Battle 2!!! Which I also had both in use, and switched them to all FLs. They are identical to the vanquish which is 3 times the price except 2 less bearings, which you can change if you want to for cheap. It’s a no brainer and this reel should become the most sold reel of all time.
Good stuff James!
I think the Daiwa BG or Fuego LT are great reels and MUCH cheaper than the Stradics. Have you ever done a comparison taking price into consideration?
Hey Richard!
We do have a comparison for our Insider Members here (doesn’t include the new FL):
https://saltstrongdev.wpengine.com/fishing-tip/inshore-fishing-reels-best-overall-best-value/
G’day Tony, the clear strips are for taping down the first couple wraps of your braided line to help prevent it from slipping on the spool. The first couple wraps over/around the tape bite down into it to create some friction. In a pinch you can also use standard electrical tape from the hardware store. Cheers from Australia mate, Damion
Thank you for the info Damion! Cheers!