TackleTour

I was on JapanLureShop today and noticed they had the standard Exsence as well as a Ci4+ version which was pretty much half the price. What are the differences in the reels except for the material they are built with? Has anyone used both and can compare them?

I believe the biggest difference is the frame materials. Magnesium vs composite

I pulled the trigger and have a ci4 exsence on the way now actually

Once it gets in I can compare to my regular exsence

It should make a fine reel.

I don't have either reel but I have an older exsence lever brake.

I believe the CI4 is similiar to a ci4 stradic with a different colour scheme and some minor parts changed.

I have both. The CI4+ is basically like a Stradic CI4+ and Sustain had a baby and the baby came out with the best features of both (CI4+ frame for lightness and the internals of the Sustain for smoothness).

The regular Exsense has magnesium frame with the same internals as a Stella FI.

The aesthetics of the two reels are different too. The CI4+ has a dark carbon with some matte black look and the regular Exense has a complete matte black look.

I just received my Esence and am not impressed when compared to my Stella's. It is not as smooth and balanced in the rotor as well as the spool being a composite material. A very nice reel, but just lacking in my eyes for the price point.

I will give it some time and see if my opinion changes.

Blacktail 8541 wrote:I just received my Esence and am not impressed when compared to my Stella's. It is not as smooth and balanced in the rotor as well as the spool being a composite material. A very nice reel, but just lacking in my eyes for the price point.

Interesting. I was impressed with the Exsense. The Stella I ordered is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. Now I'm super excited to get it. Not that I will be fishing anytime soon. It's supped to be between - 15 and - 30 tomorrow.

Untitled by https://www.flickr.com/photos/157337786@N05/, on Flickr

it feels good, didnt wow me right out of the box though. my stradic ci4 probably feels better.



i will compare to my stradic ci4, exsence later on today side by side to be accurate.

it at least has a cool look going for it, but the stradic ci4 might be better......


Weighs 6.9 oz

My spooled up 3000 ci4 Stradic is 7.1oz

Excense 3000 full of braid is 7.2oz

Is the spool on the CI4+ a composite material also?

yes spool is a composite material

also i the spool lip is different than excense and stradic, it doesnt have as hard of a material around the lip.


i still prefer the regular excense over this reel but it is significantly more $$$$

Thinking of picking up an Exsence Ci4+. Does any one know if there's a substantial difference between the C3000MHG and the 3000MHG? The chart on Japan Lure shop just says the gear ratio is 6 and 5.8 respectively and the C3000MHG is 10 grams lighter.

May want to watch this review of the Stradic vs the Exsence Ci4+.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RGfSr6m-bY

After watching the linked video I will most likely be going with a stadic for my next spinning reel.
I have 3 high end reels already and can not see myself laying down the coin for such a small enhancement.
It will be a Stella or stradic.

HobeyBaker wrote:I have both. The CI4+ is basically like a Stradic CI4+ and Sustain had a baby and the baby came out with the best features of both (CI4+ frame for lightness and the internals of the Sustain for smoothness).

The regular Exsense has magnesium frame with the same internals as a Stella FI.

The aesthetics of the two reels are different too. The CI4+ has a dark carbon with some matte black look and the regular Exense has a complete matte black look.

Are the Sustain and Stradic internals actually different? I just thought the Sustain had an extra bearing or 2 and maybe some aluminum here and there...