WTF?!? (What The Finesse)... Shimano Sustain with an Edge
Introduction: The majority of us who are first generation bass fishermen cut our index fingers on spinning gear. Casting gear, however "conventional", was just too mysterious and unorthodox to learn without a mentor to guide you in your training. Spinning gear is just easier to conceptualize mechanically and requires less effort and concentration to use - at least initially. Additionally, at a lower end, dollar for dollar comparison, (where most people enter bass fishing tackle department), spinning gear is just a better value. Case in point? Given the choice, I'd much rather use a $99 spinning reel than a $99 baitcasting reel.
If not for that "EVA" foam handle i'd be on this reel. Great review Cal. I had the chance to fiddle around with this reel and it is very solid and smooth, and\\\not to mention that it matches well with most outfits.
Get your kids hooked on fishing, and they'll never have any money for drugs or alcohol.
spw wrote:How does it compare with the Stradic CI4?
Not as light, but a more solid, connected feeling reel. A bit smoother, and more refined. As for how it feels when a fish is on, I cannot comment, but in hand, it does feel like a better reel.
spw wrote:How does it compare with the Stradic CI4?
I have the 2500CI4 and the 3000FG. Obviously the 3000 feels a bit heavier with the bigger spool, plus it's just a heavier reel overall; though it isn't really noticeable on the right rod. The FG feels much more solid and connected when you're reeling and with a fish on the line it feels more powerful and smoother. At higher speeds my CI4 seems to have a tiny bit of wobble, you don't get that at all with the Sustain. Biggest bass I caught on the FG was only about 2 lbs so I didn't get to really test out the drag, but with 8lb Pline I had no doubt in my mind I would get the fish in. I like the EVA knob on the Sustain a LOT better than the knob on the CI4. Still not a huge fan of EVA knobs, but this one is more comfortable to reel with. The Sustain is just an all-around more refined reel from looks to performance. Biggest downfall is a $300+ (though you can find them for $250ish at the right place) reel with no spare spool and a crappy reel bag. For the money, I wouldn't say it is worth spending $329 for the Sustain when you can get the CI4 for $199, since the CI4 is already a good reel and you save $130 that you could put towards a nice rod (maybe a Crucial, they're around that price). If you can get one of those $250ish Sustains, it is absolutely worth the extra cash though if you want a better looking, better performing reel.
