Stradic CI4 2500 vs Patriarch 9530x

[tracker01]

The Shimano Stradic CI4 2500f and the Pflueger Patriarch 9530x spinning reels are about the same size and are in the same price range. Any thoughts on these reels? Anyone have both? TT did a review on both of these reels awhile back and they have been out for awhile, so there should be some more "on the water" info out there.
Thank you.

[PancakeFace22]

I have the 30 size Patriarch and my dad has a Stradic 2500 Ci4, and I have spent a good bit of time with each one.

The Patriarch is actually a little smaller than the Ci4. It is probably closer to what a 2000 size Shimano would be.

The Ci4 is a smoother reel, and I went through every Patriarch my local Gander Mountain had to pick out the smoothest one when I got mine. The Patriarch is still really smooth, but it isn't that same buttery smooth feeling that Shimano reels tend to have. The handle turn does feel noticeably heavier on the Ci4 because of the gear ratio, but it doesn't bother me at all.

As for line management, the Ci4 has definitely given less problems than the Patriarch, but all Shimano spinning reels seem to have excellent line management. I have cleaned and relubed the Patriarch's roller bearing a couple of times and it seems to spin very freely, but it still generates much more line twist after a day of fishing than the Ci4. Both reels are loaded with fluorocarbon and I always close the bail with my hand.

The Patriarch feels lighter in hand, but it is almost so light that it will only balance out a couple of the rods I have tried it on. The Ci4 is still much lighter than something like a normal Stradic FJ though.

If I was buying one of them right now, my choice would definitely be the Ci4. Both are very nice, but I just prefer the feel of the Ci4 and the excellent line management.

[tracker01]

Thanks PancakeFace22, good stuff.

[vinnieb729]

I had a Patriarch 9525 and 9530 last season. They are crazy light and mine were really smooth...That being said, I sold them for Shimano's. I find the fit and finish on Shimano the best around...until the higher end Daiwa's are considered.

I replaced the 9525 with a Stradic FJ 1000. The Stradic FJ is very smooth and feels very solid. The weight isn't bad in the 1000 size but is higher in the 2500 size compared to the Stradic CI4 and the Patriarch.

I replaced the 9530 with a Sustain FG 2500. It's really really nice and buttery smooth...plus pretty light. The reason I avoided the CI4 was some issues I read about online regarding quite a bit of flex in the graphite body. Even the new Saros is supposed to be made with a graphite 200 times stronger than the CI4 called XGT7. Also the few I've messed with at local stores were not as smooth or quiet as the Stradic FJ. The CI4 Doesn't have X-Ship either.

If the extra weight doesn't bother you, the Stradic FJ 2500 is what I would get over either of the two you mentioned. Or you can glance at a certain site online and get a Sustain FG 2500 for $265 to your door.

If $200 is your limit you could check out a couple of the Japanese sites and import a reel in your price range. There have been a few topics on that recently too.

[cndbasshunter]

Good call on the stradic fj and sustain.

[tywithay]

I had both of the reels mentioned as well. I ended up selling both and keeping my Stradic FJ's as well. The Ci4 is a nice little reel, it's smooth and light; but feels just a little weak to me under loads. The Patriarch was smooth out of the box, but developed a tick during oscillation and ended up feeling more sloppy than the Ci4. I also felt that both of the reels were almost too light for most rods, unless you're using a 6'3" rod or something along those lines. I ended up going with the FJ as it balanced better, felt much smoother and more powerful...plus I think it's better looking. I also got lucky and picked up a Sustain FG for $210, for that price it's easily the best value and a better reel than the FJ as well.

Out of the 2 choices given, I'd take the Ci4 though.

[finebar4]

I have a 9535 and a Sustain FE2500 and use both quite regularly. The Patriarch is on a Lami LSJ 781 that has been stretched out to 6'10" and is a match made in heaven. The pair is the lightest weight setup I own. I have to say after fishing this combo a bit, I am pretty hooked on it. The Sustain is well.....it IS a Sustain. Strong and buttery smooth. Being the FE, it is a lot heavier and it resides on a heavier rod, but it is still one of my go to's. Between the 2 and IF it includes a light rod, I would be inclined to stick with my Patriarch.

[78Staff]

I went back and forth over this same choice for quite a while...wound up going with the Ci4 mainly because it balanced better on my St Croix 69MLXF. The Patriarch was "too light" imo. Both are solid though, hard to go wrong with either choice I think.

[Nytron]

CI4 is better, it lays line perfectly. It has a higher gear ratio, so more IPT. More drag pressure. The patriarch is good too, on paper its a very similar reel to the CI4. The retrieve feel is smoother on the patriarch. The CI4 design forgoes using magnesium, so less maintenance if you fish brackish/salt water. The ergonomics on the Patriarch are not quite as good as Shimano, the patriarch I fished had a sharp edges (e.g. screw protruding near the bail arm, which was quite abrasive).

The CI4 is the better reel overall.

[Snyder Rods]

The Shimano reels are legendary for their toughness. And may be more refined in some areas.

The Patriarch is lighter, smoother, and more sensitive, however.