New 2016 Stradic CI4+ vs 2016 Vanquish thoughts?

[Hanover]

About to order a couple of reels and found my way here.

First time poster. Love the info on this unique forum.

Shimano has totally overhauled the 2016 Stradic ci4+ and the Vanquish. They both borrow features from the higher end reels and are incredibly light. The Vanquish has the micro module gearing system borrowed from the Stella, the CI4+ does not

I searched the forum but was unable to see any views in regards to the new Shimano CI4+ vs the JDM Vanquish. I saw the thread on the 16 Vanquish vs the 14 Stella and saw some interesting comments there. Bottom line was it was now “like a lightweight Stella” but not quite as robust.

I will be fishing mostly inshore/back bay plugging for stripers with a St. Croix Avid 8’6 medium heavy rod with 20# braid. The rod weighs 5.4 oz.

Thinking about pulling the trigger on the Vanquish 4000XGM. My budget is not an issue. I have no problems servicing my gear (thanks to headband magnifier I wear for my failing eyesight )

Any thoughts on the new Stradic CI4+? At half the price of the 2016 Vanquish, has it closed the gap on the higher end reels as to making it a viable option vs the Vanquish?

Or for those that have fished both in reel world situations, is there a “feel” or robustness to the new Vanquish that distinguishes head and shoulders above the new and improved Stradic CI4+.

Thanks in advance.

[DammitKhoa]

Welcome to the forum!

If money was not an issue, the vanquish is by far more refined. Smoother and lighter. I've got the new 4000 sized CI4+ and oddly, it's not as smooth as my old 5000FJ.. but to be fair, that older reel was polished and tuned. In terms of durability, both will take on anything that'll come your way for quite some time. The new CI4+ is an improvement over the 2nd generation and a huge improvement over the 1st generation, but I wouldn't consider it an A+ reel.

After holding my friend's vanquish, although it was in a smaller class, you can immediately notice all the fine tuning Shimano put into the reel. Super rigid and smooth. Go with the vanquish if money isn't an issue.

[robchik04]

I have the JDM Stradic 2500HGS CI4+ FB and Vanquish 250XGS and everything DammitKhoa says is spot on. Get two Stradics or one Vanquish

[arrowslinger1]

I have the new ci4 and several new twinpowers
The twinpowers are noticably more refined
If the vanquish is better than the twinpower I say definitely get that!!

[jpmoney]

I happen to have a '16 vanquish C3000XG and the new 2016 stradic Ci4+ 2500FB. I would agree with the above, and IMO the vanquish is definitely in another league in terms of smoothness and overall refinement over the new stradic Ci4+. This could be attributed to the micro module gearing and magnesium frame on the vanquish. I have fished the vanquish for a whole season and I'm super impressed with it. I didn't get a chance to extensively fish the stradic ci4+ but in my short time with it I can say it's a good value for the money and doesn't disappoint. Obviously if you are trying to make your purchase decision mainly on value for the $$ I think the stradic ci4 is a great choice and a very solid reel. If money isn't an issue and performance is the most important factor for you then hands down get the '16 vanquish.

[Hanover]

Thank you all for the insight. Exactly what I was looking for.

I have a Vanquish on the way.

[CesardeRooij]

Thank you all for the insight. Exactly what I was looking for.

I have a Vanquish on the way.

First want to thank you all for all the info and it is such a learning forum.

How does the Vanquish hold? Still content with it?

Can't make a decision also :-)

Thanks a lot and with kind regards,

Cesar

[DammitKhoa]

Hey Cesar,

I've seen many positive reviews from people who have fished the vanquish extensively and still love it. Shimano is one of the leading manufacturers when it comes to gears. With their cold forging technology, it'll last for years to come.

I think the inital impressions still hold- the Stradic Ci4+ will take any abuse thrown it's way. With the vanquish, it'll take that abuse and then do a victory dance. It's about the little joy in every turn of the reel. It's got quality, great aesthetics and imo, that "it" factor. If money is not an issue, go with the vanquish.

[BRONZEBACK32]

Excsence?

[Bootytrain]

Theres a new Vanquish variant now http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/product/reel/5027

[BRONZEBACK32]

Theres a new Vanquish variant now http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/product/reel/5027

I seen that, they are in a smaller size.

I will be ordering a Exsence from Japan next week I think, if everything works out the way I hope..

I have a Vanquish 12 that has been amazing, still going strong and is super smooth, smoother then any of my baitcasters

[mysteryang]

I have a Vanquish 12 that has been amazing, still going strong and is super smooth, smoother then any of my baitcasters

Oh...I love my Vanquish 12 also!

[BRONZEBACK32]

I have a Vanquish 12 that has been amazing, still going strong and is super smooth, smoother then any of my baitcasters

Oh...I love my Vanquish 12 also!

Got my Excense and it blows my Vanquish 12 away...

[karirick]

Wow really? I have to get a couple of those then.....

[mysteryang]

I have a Vanquish 12 that has been amazing, still going strong and is super smooth, smoother then any of my baitcasters

Oh...I love my Vanquish 12 also!

Got my Excense and it blows my Vanquish 12 away...

Dammit. Been eyeing the exsence 17 spinner for a while now. It might have to be my next purchase.