Stradic 2500 FL

[george]

I've always been a Shimano fan and I'm hoping this reel is a smooth as they claim. Any opinions on this one?

 

[missberylcharters]

Nice reel, works well - However, the shaft bearing went after a half season of fluke jigging use. Granted i do fish pretty hard but that was unexpected.....I like the Shimano spinners they do hold up pretty well, this is the second Shimano spinning reel i needed the shaft bearing replaced on.

 

[george]

Nice reel, works well - However, the shaft bearing went after a half season of fluke jigging use. Granted i do fish pretty hard but that was unexpected.....I like the Shimano spinners they do hold up pretty well, this is the second Shimano spinning reel i needed the shaft bearing replaced on.

Thanks! That's important as that's exactly what I'd be using it for. What have you heard about the SW Twin Power?

 

[Leprechaun]

George - you saw my new Daiwa Ballistic LT2500D in action last weekend. As long as the Magseal is intact, no water can migrate down inside the shaft (pinion) bearing. First time out, so conclusions are premature, but its a darn smooth reel, that's for sure. And the slower gear ratio is a plus, vs the Stradic. At this point I'm very happy I went this way instead of "everybody Shimano." Also, not convinced the "micro-module" Shimano gears are built for the long run.

 

[missberylcharters]

Hey George, I have not heard anything about those.... i do also like the Tsunami Evict spinners..... the have stainless gearing.... slightly heavier weight wise but not an issue for me.... i have two of those in use..... so far so good with them........

 

[Capt Richie]

I have had the nylon stem snap on shitmano on fluke ..returned it and bought a Penn ..

also had one 30W & one 50W Tiagra's fail right out of the box...lost two nice tuna on the same trip...

 

[george]

George - you saw my new Daiwa Ballistic LT2500D in action last weekend. As long as the Magseal is intact, no water can migrate down inside the shaft (pinion) bearing. First time out, so conclusions are premature, but its a darn smooth reel, that's for sure. And the slower gear ratio is a plus, vs the Stradic. At this point I'm very happy I went this way instead of "everybody Shimano." Also, not convinced the "micro-module" Shimano gears are built for the long run.

That Balistic is nice.

 

[Leprechaun]

Twin Power is basically a Stradic with a metal rotor, vs the carbon one on the Stradic, and a few somewhat inconsequential bearings - for nearly double the price of the Stradic.

Rick - I have to show you my new Ballistic - MUCH lighter weight and higher-tech than the Evict and very smooth. I also have an Evict 2000, which I dearly love. I now reserve it for tog jigging - for which it is very well suited. A VERY stoutly-built, powerful reel.

 

[Fluke Whisperer]

geez, I don't know what you guys do with your reels but I have 4 of them, from 3000 to 5000, 3 are 4 yrs old and I bought one last year and haven't used it yet. Not had one problem with the ones that are 4 years old, in fact I upgraded the handles on the 4000 and 3000 with handles from the 5000, I like the bigger ball type handles on the 5000.
Of course I have the XG models not the FL.

 

[Capt Richie]

I have had two many Shitmano reels fail on me ..Never again..lost the anti reverse on a Calcutta 400 on a 48lb red fish. in the keys..My friend bought a new Trinidad and after one season it sounds like a coffee grinder ....

.

 

[CaptFP]

Had a chance last weekend to try out the stradic and the ballistic on porgies. The Shimano in the morn and my buddies ballistic in the afternoon. Both very smooth reals. Both very smooth with no hang ups especially with double header jumbo scup. I lean more toward the Daiwa for the lower gear ratio but wouldn't hesitate to buy either even though I'm not a big fan of Shimano. Only thing I don't like on either were the too small handle knobs. I like what you did to yours Pete.

 

[Leprechaun]

The carbon fiber handle and EKFan round "Winn-type" ball knob upgrades made all the difference. I've done this ball knob upgrade on quite a few Shimano Vanford and Tsunami Evict reels now. All users report much better ergonomics.

The carbon handle arm is not required - this knob can be direct-fitted onto any Shimano, Daiwa or Tsunami small spinner. A terrific upgrade that can be done to any small spinning reel. $14 Shipped. A best buy. Oh, and did I mention its a natural on a small bait caster as well?

Vanford 3000F with factory handle arm:

Ballistic LT2500D w/custom carbon-fiber handle arm:

Tsunami Evict 2000 w/factory handle arm:

My prized OG Zillion Coastal w/100mm carbon-fiber handle arm:

 

[CaptFP]

VERY COOL!!!!!!!!

 

[flounderbound]

Great looking handles,Lep. Where did you get them?

 

[Leprechaun]

AliExpress. Look for the EKFan store on there.

 

[flounderbound]

Thanks,Lep

 

[george]

@Leprechaun So I bought the Stradic FL 2500. Aside from a Stella I had years back, I've had good success with Shimano. After seeing all of Pete and Mikes blinged out rigs, I decided to order the power handle and dig into this new trend.

 

[george]

 

[george]

I set it up to use down south. I was in Florida last week and the red tide was too bad for saltwater fishing. So I lined it with 15 lb Seagar Braid - grey and I can throw 1/4 oz a mile with it. I had ran to Bass Pro for the line as I was hoping for some Suffix 832. I think you'd be surprised at how empty and void of rods and reels they've had all year. They literally had no electronics or trolling motors in stock. But I have to say, I do like the line. No wind knots, and smooth as silk. I never really had a chance to put it to the test though.

So in order to save the line I bought an extra spool to bring home with me. Of course, I somehow brought the spool home but left the reel there!

Well I guess I'll have to buy another

 

[Leprechaun]

When I grow up, I want to be a reel tuner, just like you!