|
Coming full Circle
over a Decade, the Stradic is Back
| Date: |
10/18/11 |
| Tackle type: |
Reel |
| Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.41 -
EDITOR'S CHOICE!
Introduction:
Exactly ten years ago, to the day, we took a look at the
Shimano Stradic FG series of reels which featured striking white paint, and
though I was not initially sold on the finish the reel’s performance won me over
and it became the first a spinning reel to ever take home a TT Editor’s Choice
Award. Subsequent Stradic reels upped the level of performance by integrating
features that trickled down from the Stella and Sustain reels but the Stradic
series seemed to get lost in the lineup over time, eventually losing both the
white finish and the very identity and positioning of the product.
New for the
2012 season is the return of a white finished Stradic
That was until the CI4 made the overall series relevant
once again. Many anglers guessed, and hoped, that it was just a matter of time
until Shimano introduced an updated aluminum based Stradic, one that continued
to up the ante but also remained true to everything that the “Stradic” once
embodied, and that included the once polarizing but now nostalgic white finish.
Time to take a
look at the reel in the lab
|
Shimano
Stradic FJ (ST2500FJ)
Specifications |
| Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
6/200,
8/140, 10/120 |
| Gear
Ratio |
6.0:1 |
| Line
retrieve per crank |
34
inches |
|
Weight |
9.2
oz |
|
Bearings |
5BB,
1RB |
|
Additional Features |
Aluminum frame, graphite
sideplate, graphite rotor, S-Concept,
S A-RB bearings, Fluidrive II, Super Stopper II, Machined
aluminum handle shank, AERO Wrap II Oscillation, waterproof drag, Maintenance port,
Repairable clicker, X-Ship design |
|
Origin |
Malaysia |
| MSRP |
$179.99 |
Simple lubes can be
done through the
provided
"Maintenance Port"
Impressions:
This past ICAST Shimano unveiled a number of exciting spinning reel updates
including a radically redesigned new Sustain which took many cues from the JDM
market as well as the introduction of the new Stradic FJ series. The first thing
that all the buyers and press noticed was the return to the white finish. Like
previous generation Stradic reels the new series was designed to be a workhorse
reel, one with plenty of refinement but with the ability to be used on a day in
and day out basis by tournament anglers and weekend warriors alike. It was
announced that these new reels would also be made available in a complete range
of sizes ranging from the 1000 models designed for ultralight applications up to
the massive 8000 series for serious saltwater fishing with PowerPro.
The reel
features a 6 disc drag system which delivers smooth and consistent stopping
power
Compared to the previous generation Stradic FI 2500 the new
reel is instantly more recognizable as a “Stradic” and weighs in .3oz. less
overall. But it isn’t just cosmetics that make a reel a “Stradic.” Would this
new reel really embody what made the series so popular to begin with? This
includes a rugged design, high reliability in a wide range of applications, a
wide range of sizes to address a spectrum of applications, and perhaps most
importantly, deliver all of these features at a reasonable price.
A look at the
bail trip mechanism
We purchased our Stradic 2500 FJ test reel from Tackle
Warehouse and before I headed into the field the reel was examined in the lab
both inside and out. The materials used throughout the reel’s construction
looked very high quality and use of plastic was pared down to a minimum. The
frame is aluminum and the sideplate is constructed out of graphite but the
gearing meshes well with very tight tolerance thanks to strategically placed
bearing support.
With the armor
removed we get into the "guts"
Also notable is a new bail trip mechanism which flips back
with very little resistance. The clicker mechanism features a repairable design
and the entire bail system flips back down when it comes in contact with a
molded rubber ring positioned at the base of the rotor. This ring allows the
mechanism to reset 360 degrees and gives the entire mechanism a smooth and
consistent rebound.
A look at the
balanced rotor
The Stradic FJ is loaded with all the Shimano goodies
including S A-RB ball bearings and SR Concept design which improves gearing, the
handle, and incorporates a one-piece bail wire. The reel felt very smooth in the
lab and it was finally time to see just how the new design translates into real
world applications like casting and winding power.
The main reel
is very compact
Next Section: The Stradic FJ hits the
water |
