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?

Ci-4. wash it when you get done like every other reel you've fished the salt with.
Stay away from that magseal garbage.

Shimano said the same thing. As popular as this reel is (there are multiple guides in TX and FL I know of that exclusively use these for themselves as well as their clients), I'll stick with it and stay away from the Daiwa. I've used a friend's 2014 model CI4+ and it was great. Just wasn't sure if anyone had picked up the new 2016 model yet.

I bought a Stradic C3000HG yesterday along with a Loomis E6X 7ft inshore rod.
The guy recommended the C3000HG over the Ci4 as it had magnesium parts which salt is corrosive to.
I rinse everything off with fresh water of course.. I just took his word for it, he had plenty of both so I doubt he was trying to steer me for personal gain.

I'll probably stick with the CI4. Do you have experience with that specific model GLoomis rod? Which power/action did you get and what do you plan on using the setup for?

Sure.. No experience with it, just spent about 2 weeks going around checking out rods
Trout and redfish mainly
This rod just felt "right"
http://www.gloomis.com/content/g-loomis/us/en/home/conventional/rods1/saltwater/E6X_INSHORE.html#