Stradic FJ or Sustain FE 2500 Reel

[Jackson 53]

Assuming relative prices were similar, which of these 2 reels would you prefer in the 2500 size?

The new FJ Stradic has X Ship i.e. a second bearing to support the pinion gear and the run out FE Sustain has a spare spool and was a (supposedly) higher quality reel than the superceded Stradic FI.

Any comments or feedback would be appreciated.

[Midnight]

I have the 2500 FJ and love it. Got 300m of 6lb braid onto the spool. It is a joy to use.
I haven't used the Sustain, so I'm sorry I can't give you a comparison.

Cheers,
Myles

[Yellowjack]

Mate definitely the FJ, I recently got a 1000fj for bream and i can not speak more highly of it.

I think almost all of my new reels in the future will be fj's


Cheers,
Jack

[Screamin Semen]

I spent the extra and got the Stradic Ci4 2500, they are beautiful little reels and they are so light at 200gms. Got 2 from overseas on ebay for $170 each shipped...check them out.

SS

[Jackson 53]

Hi Myles, Thanks for the feedback. What type of braid did you spool up with - 300m of 6lb braid on a 2500 reel is great!

Regards,
Peter

[leonp88]

As suggested, have a look at the Stradic ci4. Forgive me I haven't looked in any detail at the FJ so can't compare, but the ci4 is a great reel (I have one in the 2500 size). Nice and light and quite smooth (without spending another 5-600 to get a Stella).

Great price, SS! I would be tempted to buy another one at that price.

Cheers

[Screamin Semen]

Great price, SS! I would be tempted to buy another one at that price.

Cheers

Yes I was very happy with the price so I got 2...the sellers name is jjh-estore but he is away until the 18th....he charges $42 to Express ship it but once you combine shipping it works out to $47 total for both.

[Mossy247]

Mate definitely the FJ, I recently got a 1000fj for bream and i can not speak more highly of it.I think almost all of my new reels in the future will be fj's
Cheers,Jack Agreed, FJ's are an awesome reel, I got myself a 3000 for bay fishing loaded with 250 meters of 11lb PE braid. Great reel and can handle the bigger fish I got my PB snapper and Rainbow Runners offshore on it.
Just a questions SS if they require warranty replacements or that are they not covered in Australia? I thought that was shimano's deal if importing their products you can't really do much about it if they crap out? please clarify if you know. Thanks.

[tunaticer]

I would be opting for the FJ as well and put the extra cash saved towards other fishing gear. Essentially both the Stradic and the Sustain will do exactly the same job equally as well, except the Sustain will drain your pocket substantially more.

[Screamin Semen]

Agreed, FJ's are an awesome reel, I got myself a 3000 for bay fishing loaded with 250 meters of 11lb PE braid. Great reel and can handle the bigger fish I got my PB snapper and Rainbow Runners offshore on it.
Just a questions SS if they require warranty replacements or that are they not covered in Australia? I thought that was shimano's deal if importing their products you can't really do much about it if they crap out? please clarify if you know. Thanks.

I highly doubt it has the warranty in Australia, I know you can send it back to the seller if you must....I know if the reel was DOA it will be replaced or refunded by the seller immediately although I have never seen a DOA reel before though, I also have never had to return a reel for warranty my whole life...if something goes wrong it is usually a $10-$20 part (drag washer etc) and happens way after warranty ends anyway, still comes in at way less than the aussie price for a reel ($70 less approx per reel) even if you do have issues.

Cheers SS

[Midnight]

Gday Peter, it was some fancy Japanese braid as recommended by the boys in the tackle shop, it was not cheap, but it ties knots beautifully and casts equally well. I will find the spool and let you know.

My normal domain is 8kg and up offshore fishing, so I went with the expertise of the local gurus for this outfit. I went for the full 300m spool, as I would like to use the 6lb outfit to catch the odd tuna or Mahi Mahi when the opportunity presents.

I did look at the Ci4 a while back, and they are very nice, but I can't really see a lot of difference in day to day use.

Cheers,
Myles

[Jackson 53]

Many thanks to all who have provided their feedback. I was hoping for a comparison between the old model Sustain FE (not the new Sustain FG which retails for about $100 more than the Stradic FJ) which is available for not much more (as a run out model) than the new Stradic. I don't believe that the new Sustain FG offers enough improvements over the new Stradic FJ to justify the premium in price.

The Stradic CI 4 is considerably lighter but shares the same internals as the old Stradic FI's (which were great reels). I own two FI Stradics in the 1000 and 4000 sizes which have been great workhorses for me. As weight reduction is not my primary consideration I was looking to buy a Stradic FJ and like the feature of the X Ship configuration available on the new Stradics.

[Timbo12]

Check out the biomaster 2500fb - quality little reels and can be had for about the price of a stradic delivered (hint ebay)

[malby]

Since no one else has weighed in on the Sustain I will let you know that I have one and it is amazing!! I also own a Daiwa Sol and rate the Sustain as good if not a tad better (but upgrade the drag on the Sol as I have to a Carbontex and there's nothing in it). All my mates love my Sustain and when I'm not using it someone else is usually asking so my mates rate it highly also. As for the comparison side of things the new Stradic would be excellent undoubtedly but for a few bucks extra I would choose the Sustain esp as you get the extra spool. By the way, I have an older model Stradic 8000 FH which is the last model made in Japan and like it better than the new ones with propulsion management etc which I have tried so if possible try it out at the shop first. Personally I prefer the Daiwa's though mostly as they are 5:1 and better for soft plastics in my opinion as I prefer the slower retrieve. Just my thoughts but either way you'll have a reel you'll love.

[Jackson 53]

Thanks Malby. There was always a $100 premium for the Sustain FE over the Stradic FI's but I have found an FE for about $20 more than the Stradic FJ.

I think I will get the Sustain FE which also has an extra spool not available with the new Stradics.

[malby]

No worries Jackson. Let me know how you find it? I'm betting you won't look back.