What size spinning reel do I need? Mainly for drop shot.
I'm leaning towards Shimano stradic. Any other model I need to consider? $150 range.

Lews builds a new one $129 12 ball bearing and a 6-2-1 ratio

I use a 200 series

I just got a new Stradic 2500FK last week and all I can say is WOW! I have another rig with an Abu Revo SX30 and like it too. The new Stadic is unbelievably smooth and solid. Some guys go up to a 3000 or 4000 series saying it causes less line twist but I haven't had a problem. My mainline is 12 lb. Sunline SX1 braid and a 7 lb. Sniper fluoro leader on the Stradic and 20 lb. PowerPro braid mainline and a 8 or 10 lb. InvizX fluoro leader on the Abu. The Abu is around $150. the Stradic is closer to $200.

I think you'll like the Stradic, especially if you get the ci4 plus. I like the 2500 size. I use 2 different setups for dropping, a 2500 and a 3000. Good luck!

I have a 7'1" Loomis GLX with a 1000 stradic that is LIGHT, I use 6 lbs line on it, amazing.

2000S / 2500S in a Shimano or 2004 / 2506 in Daiwa. Order from Japan to get the shallow spool option along with a cheaper price due to the currency exchange rate.
You can pick up that new Stradic FK 2500s or 2500HGS(high speed model) for about $150 to your door.
If you really want light, go with the CI4+ from Shimano or the Zaion construction from Daiwa.

I'd only add that a Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500 series would be tough to beat. It is light, super strong with its proprietary gearing, a great drag system, super water tight so really very low maintenance requirements and, of course, it casts like a dream.

For drop shotting finesse style, I'd recommend 10 lbs. braid with either a 6 or 8 lbs. fluorocarbon leader.

I might get the new Stradic FK in a different size and I'd also like the finesse size for really light lines for pan fish.

*** If I could suggest one change, the only one I can think of for the various Shimano spinning reels is how nice it would be if the arbor had a hole for holding line eliminating the need some of us have to put backer on it before s braid mainline goes on.

Brad

The Shimono line of spinning reels cannot be beat. They are the best especially when it comes to line management. However I don't think you would see all of the qualities of a stradic if you were only dropshoting in fresh water. I use the Sahara and symmetry 1000 series to fish vertically for crappie and I have caught many big bass up to 7 lbs with these reels.Save some money and buy 2 or 3 reels for what you would spend on a stradic. If you want to see what a stradic can handle go to the coast and catch a couple nice reds. You will be amazed.

2500 and 3000 OK, 4000 way too big! I have tried them all.

Stradic 2500FK , yes

I have used/owned 2500 size Shimano's and Daiwa's, a couple of BPS similar sized reels (Johnny Morris and Pro Qual.) and this year I opted to try the new Abu Garcia Orra Power Finesse. It is a 35 size and I absolutely love this reel and it retails for just $99! Best drop shot/finesse reel that I have ever used.

http://www.abugarcia.com/abugarcia-reels...nn/1347797.html

For quite a bit less money than the Stradic, I have used Shimano Sedona for years in the 2500 size and they are great! I have a the next one up in price too(can't remember the name it is green) but not much difference in performance. Drags are good(important for light line) and they are smooth!!

2500 and 3000 most companies use the same bodies for both reels just different spools.

2500