Need Spinning Reel Recommendations

[heyitzpetah]

I recently purchased a graphiteleader corto L 6'10 for trout /crappie fishing throwing small mini jigs and plastics. Now I need a reel to pair with it preferably a 1000 size reel around 200-300 dollar at the highest. The past few days researching reels have made my head spin more or less. I could use some suggestions to steer me in the right direction for a reliable, smooth, lightweight reel that can match well with my rod. I would also prefer high gear ratio if possible. Thanks!

[earthworm77]

Shimano Ci4 Stradic 1000

[Allsorts]

Based on the outstanding reviews the 2019 Stradic is getting, it would be worth looking at a JDM shallow spool variant like the 1000S, C2000S or C2000SHG. Once bearing upgrade kits are out you'd have an amazing reel for well under your budget.

[heyitzpetah]

Yes, thanks fellas. The stradic ci4 is at the top of my list. I've been hearing mix reports about low vs high gear ratio for ultra light. Which would be preferred for mini jigging and light soft plastics?

[Trout Bloke]

New guy here, mainly fish for trout with light jigs.

If you are a Shimano Stradic Ci4 fan then check the Shimano Cardiff CI4+ 1000s (slow retrieve) offered on the JDM sites. This reel has 9 bearings, tuned drag, cork handle and shallow spool, designed for the troutist. I have one on order and also have a couple Stradic Ci4+s.

On the Daiwa JDM side there is the new 20 Luvias LT 2000S and the Ballistic 1000 FW LT. The 20 Luvias has an almost cult like following and the JDM retailers are selling them as fast as they receive them. I plan on ordering one soon so I can join the club too.

I like slow retrieves for micro or mini jigs, keeps the jig in the strike zone easier.

[Alphahawk]

Yes, thanks fellas. The stradic ci4 is at the top of my list. I've been hearing mix reports about low vs high gear ratio for ultra light. Which would be preferred for mini jigging and light soft plastics?

For jig fishing I would get a low ratio reel. Now.......you can get a Ballistic FW 1000S-P at a 4.8 ratio. You can also get the 2020 Luvias FC LT2000S with a 5.1 ratio. Here is the deal. I bought 4 Ballistic FW LT1000S-P for $216. I added 4 bearings for $32....I added a Zaion knob for about $15 being all in on the reel at $247. At that price I got a great deal. But that seller upped the $216 price to $333.....not such a good deal now. Digitaka has the Ballistic at $265. The 2020 Luvias sells for $276 at Digitaka and it simply blows the Ballistic out of the water for $11 more...it’s not even close.....I had one on preorder and just did a initial impression of the 2020 on my youtube channel. The 2020 Luvias weighs in at 150 grams.....10 grams lighter than the Ballistic. For me at the price points it is a no brainer......the Luvias is a far better reel at just a few dollars more. I’m waiting on HedgeHog to put out the bearing kit for it....have a 35mm handle and Zaion knob coming.....going to be one sweet setup.

Regards

https://youtu.be/16S57uBeHpw

[heyitzpetah]

New guy here, mainly fish for trout with light jigs.

If you are a Shimano Stradic Ci4 fan then check the Shimano Cardiff CI4+ 1000s (slow retrieve) offered on the JDM sites. This reel has 9 bearings, tuned drag, cork handle and shallow spool, designed for the troutist. I have one on order and also have a couple Stradic Ci4+s.

On the Daiwa JDM side there is the new 20 Luvias LT 2000S and the Ballistic 1000 FW LT. The 20 Luvias has an almost cult like following and the JDM retailers are selling them as fast as they receive them. I plan on ordering one soon so I can join the club too.

I like slow retrieves for micro or mini jigs, keeps the jig in the strike zone easier.

Thank you for the input I will take a look at the cardiff and the luvias

[heyitzpetah]

I will take a hard look at the 2020 luvias now, with that kind of endorsement. How close is the 1000 vs 2000 size for daiwa because I personally would prefer a smaller/compact reel with a shallower spool.

[Alphahawk]

I will take a hard look at the 2020 luvias now, with that kind of endorsement. How close is the 1000 vs 2000 size for daiwa because I personally would prefer a smaller/compact reel with a shallower spool.

The one disappointing thing about the 20 Luvias is there is no 1000 series......there is one sold in the USA but it has a deep spool.....and commands a $100 premium over the one sold in Japan. If it helps any of the Daiwa RCS LT 1000 spools will fit. I tried it out with one of the Ballistic FW LT 1000S-P spools. I would much prefer the 1000 series spool. The 20 Luvias holds 150m of 3# test. But it is not that bad as it is a long cast spool. I love the physical size of the 2015 Luvias 1000 series.....as well as the Ballistic FW LT 1000 series. But the 20 Luvias 2000S feels so light in the hand. If the eBay seller were to drop his price back to $216 for the Ballistic I certainly recommend it.......and I have to admit.....if one just has to have a 1000 series reel the Ballistic FW LT1000S-P will not disappoint.....even at the Digitaka price of $265 or so.

Regards

[heyitzpetah]

I will take a hard look at the 2020 luvias now, with that kind of endorsement. How close is the 1000 vs 2000 size for daiwa because I personally would prefer a smaller/compact reel with a shallower spool.

The one disappointing thing about the 20 Luvias is there is no 1000 series......there is one sold in the USA but it has a deep spool.....and commands a $100 premium over the one sold in Japan. If it helps any of the Daiwa RCS LT 1000 spools will fit. I tried it out with one of the Ballistic FW LT 1000S-P spools. I would much prefer the 1000 series spool. The 20 Luvias holds 150m of 3# test. But it is not that bad as it is a long cast spool. I love the physical size of the 2015 Luvias 1000 series.....as well as the Ballistic FW LT 1000 series. But the 20 Luvias 2000S feels so light in the hand. If the eBay seller were to drop his price back to $216 for the Ballistic I certainly recommend it.......and I have to admit.....if one just has to have a 1000 series reel the Ballistic FW LT1000S-P will not disappoint.....even at the Digitaka price of $265 or so.

Regards

Much appreciated and detailed response. I may wait for a hopeful price drop on the ballistic.

[Trout Bloke]

Much appreciated and detailed response. I may wait for a hopeful price drop on the ballistic.

I almost bought a Ballistic FW LT but changed my order after I learned it did not come with Mag Seal.

If you wade fish or fish from a float tube a sealed reel might be a better choice. The new Luvias comes with Mag Seal (salt water rated) and the Shimano Cardiff C'4+ comes with CoreProtect which help with water resistance.

[StymoDe]

very few here mentioned Daiwa Theory or Caldia LT. I have a Theory 2506H and it is a decent reel, personally I like it better than my Stradic Ci4+. I think Caldia is one of the first reels changed to LT series and is considered one of Daiwa popular mid-priced small reels (not in NA of course lol). Caldia LT has the 1000S-P model which I'm interested.

anybody ever tried them?