Has anyone picked up one of the new CI4+ reels? Looking at getting a 2500-3000 for artificial setups on a 7' St. Croix Mojo Inshore ML/F. Someone turned me on to the Ballistic because of it's magsealed bearings. Repairs and maintenance on the Daiwa would have to be shipped off. The Shimano I could maintain at home. I don't fish much- I don't own a boat or kayak so I don't enjoy freshwater fishing. I get down to Port A for 3 weeks a year or so but I fish 16-18 hours a day when I'm there. Any input on which reel and why?

I wouldn't take a stradic to the coast, it's not made for the salt.

Get a Shimano Baitrunner or Spheros, that's what they were made for.

Or a Stella if you have $$$$$$$$$$$$$

Stradic's are saltwater rated. I can't tell you how many bay fisherman and guides I've heard of that use these. Just wondering if anyone has tried the new model out and how it compares to the Ballistic.

Not according to Shimano:


Shimano saltwater spinning reels

not saying they won't work, I have several and got rid of all my other spinning reels but I don't go to the coast. I just bought a used one that was used around salt water the line roller had to be replaced, this is what normally fails in the salt. The inside was a mess from salt and sand but cleaned up ok. They will work but are not sealed as well as the actual salt water models. Since buying a new one why not get a salt water rated model? I believe the Saragosa is actually the salt water model comparable to the Stradic.