|
Relevant once again, the new Shimano Stradic CI4
| Date: |
12/06/09 |
| Tackle type: |
Reel |
| Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.50 -
EDITOR'S CHOICE!
Introduction:
Gone are the days of the
memorable pearl white or mundane silver Stradic spinning reels, the series gets
a major makeover in every way with the debut of the new carbon based CI4 model.
Designed to be both light and rigid the Stradic CI4 is Shimano’s newest spinning
reel intended for light line fishing for everything from Trout and Panfish to
lunker bass.
|
Shimano
Stradic CI4 (2500F)
Specifications |
| Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
6/200,
8/140, 10/120 |
| Gear
Ratio |
6.0:1 |
| Line
retrieve per crank |
34
inches |
|
Weight |
7.0
oz |
|
Bearings |
6BB,
1RB |
|
Additional Features |
Carbon frame, S-Concept,
S A-RB bearings, Fluidrive II, Super Stopper II, Machined
aluminum handle shank, EVA round grip, AERO Wrap II, waterproof drag, Maintenance port,
Repairable clicker |
|
Origin |
Malaysia |
| MSRP |
$199.99 |
Ms. Casey shows us Shimano's new
carbon fiber based Stradic CI4
Impressions:
Since the Stradic moved away from the pearl white motif in the beginning of the
decade I have watched in eager anticipation for another Stradic that would
possess as much character as the classic ST-2000. While the more recent Stradic
reels upped the ante in refinement they just seemed to get lost in Shimano’s
expanding lineup, not only did they look like the reels above and below them in
the spectrum they performed very similarly as well. In fact I found the previous
generation reels so analogous to the mainstream Sahara and higher end Sustain
that they just seemed extraneous and as a result I had simply lost motivation to
fish them. I yearned for the day when Shimano would bring back the pearl white
Stradic which was not only an easily identifiable reel but also represented a
great overall value in terms of performance for the money.
The Stradic pairs nicely with
Shimano's Cumara series in both look and feel
Who knows if Shimano will
ever bring back the pearl white Stradic but when I got news of the new CI4 I
started to get excited about the prospect of a Stradic reel that would once
again standout in the company’s crowded spinning lineup. The “CI4” stands for Carbon Interfusion with the 4 referring to the number of
electrons in the Carbon atom. The bottom line is that CI4 is a reinforced Carbon
Fiber material. In terms of cosmetics the Stradic CI4F is a stark
contrast from all of the previous Stradics and features a much darker and more
aggressive look and feel.
The Stradic CI4 looks completely
different from the previous generation reel which looked very similar to other
Shimano spinning reels
The anodized red spool is a
nice highlight and instead of a traditional knob the reel features a round EVA
handle grip that both looks and feels modern as well as matches the grips found
on many higher end US and JDM rod offerings, including the company’s own Cumara
series. In fact just looking at the new Stradic CI4 and I could already imagine
how well the reel would match up with the Cumara rods.
The CI4 stands for Carbon
Interfusion with the 4 referring to the number of electrons in the Carbon atom.
Ultimately, this means CI4 is reinforced Carbon Fiber.
The Stradic CI4F makes use of
a new carbon fiber material on both the frame and sideplate and the internals
feature all the latest Shimano designs including Paladin gear durability
enhancement. The reel also makes use to the complete spectrum of features within
the company’s propulsion line management system as well as the Aerowrap II
Oscillation. The Stradic now features a waterproof drag and there are a number
of features designed to make maintenance both quicker and easier including the
maintenance port and a repairable clicker.
The Stradic has very compact
profile and only two small versions (1000 and 2500) are available
Interestingly Shimano’s new
Stradic may be one of the company’s most application specific reels as it is
only available in two small sizes (1000 and 2000). The Stradic is designed
specifically for light mono and fluorocarbon lines or a pairing of PowerPro
braid with a fluorocarbon leader.
As the real world tests begun we
couldn't help but admire how well the reel balanced with the Cumara rods for a
very light total outfit, the total rig weighed just over 11oz.
Next Section: Time to get casting in
the real world tests |
