Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Reels are the hottest topic for TackleTour. Everyone wants to know what the latest and greatest is and how they compare to the old guard. What's the best for light stuff, or what's your suggestion for heavy cover. Do we really need different retrieve ratios? It's all in here.
Post Reply
bl8ant
Angler
Angler
Posts: 26
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2014 11:27 pm

Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Post by bl8ant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 6:36 pm

After disliking the distinct, almost isolated and hollow feeling associated with carbon based (Ci4) Shimano casting reels, I'm left wondering if carbon based spinning reels like the new Miravel exhibit the same symptoms.

I switched my Chronarch Ci4s and Aldebarans out for metal framed Curado MGLs and prefer the more connected feel and am wondering if people who also feel this way with casting gear have noticed the same thing with Shimano spinning gear.

Thanks in advance!

User avatar
LowRange
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 4784
Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2016 9:18 am

Re: Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Post by LowRange » Mon Dec 05, 2022 12:18 pm

Stem flex is the big issue with composite spinning reels. I don't know how the Shimano reels do but the Fuego had this issue. I think the hollowness come from palming the reel and cranking under load. Not something I imagine occurs much in a spinning reel.

reason162
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 752
Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2015 6:39 pm

Re: Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Post by reason162 » Mon Dec 05, 2022 4:41 pm

LowRange wrote:
Mon Dec 05, 2022 12:18 pm
Stem flex is the big issue with composite spinning reels. I don't know how the Shimano reels do but the Fuego had this issue.
There's no stem flex in the ci4+ or zaion spinners, but they also don't feel as refined as similar price point alum reels.

karirick
Platinum Angler
Platinum Angler
Posts: 1000
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:33 am

Re: Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Post by karirick » Mon Dec 05, 2022 4:52 pm

I notice flex in plastic reels; but I look for it and can't ignore it.

Finally just this last month got my dream spinning reels.

2 3000 Excense and 2 Shimano Stella FK's.

Love the feel and zero flex of metal reels and made in Japan even better.

The light weight of Zaion is great and works perfect; but I just don't like the feel/thought of non-metal spinning reels.

reason162
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 752
Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2015 6:39 pm

Re: Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Post by reason162 » Mon Dec 05, 2022 6:23 pm

karirick wrote:
Mon Dec 05, 2022 4:52 pm
I notice flex in plastic reels; but I look for it and can't ignore it.

Finally just this last month got my dream spinning reels.

2 3000 Excense and 2 Shimano Stella FK's.

Love the feel and zero flex of metal reels and made in Japan even better.

The light weight of Zaion is great and works perfect; but I just don't like the feel/thought of non-metal spinning reels.
I agree on metal vs Zaion/ci4+, but you're not flexing a Vanford or Ballistic. Those stems will break before they flex, and it's not a consideration in freshwater bass fishing at all.

karirick
Platinum Angler
Platinum Angler
Posts: 1000
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:33 am

Re: Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Post by karirick » Wed Dec 07, 2022 8:23 pm

Yeah I hear you.

Grab the handle and rock it side to side and it flexes the stem/reel; but with more than normal torque you'd ever do while fishing.

Good to have options for sure.

bl8ant
Angler
Angler
Posts: 26
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2014 11:27 pm

Re: Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Post by bl8ant » Thu Dec 08, 2022 4:18 pm

Thanks for the replies, not palming a spinning reel is a good point. It was flex that was bothering me in the casting reels but a much more difficult to quantify feeling of hollowness. For all I know it may have even had something to do with how well or poorly the material transmits certain frequencies.

Bothered me enough that I sold my Aldebaran and replaced it with a Curado 70 MGL, a reel I don't notice a hollow feeling with.
Last edited by bl8ant on Sat Dec 10, 2022 8:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
LowRange
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 4784
Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2016 9:18 am

Re: Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Post by LowRange » Thu Dec 08, 2022 4:42 pm

If you want a super solid feeling Curado 70 then that's the 17 Engetsu. It's a black and red Curado 70 with micro mod gears and and a thick aluminum handle side plate. Very solid feeling little reel.

bl8ant
Angler
Angler
Posts: 26
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2014 11:27 pm

Re: Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Post by bl8ant » Sat Dec 10, 2022 8:03 pm

It's my understanding the Curado 70 MGL has micro module gears.

User avatar
LowRange
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 4784
Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2016 9:18 am

Re: Do Ci4 based Shimano spinning reels feel hollow?

Post by LowRange » Sun Dec 11, 2022 8:03 am

bl8ant wrote:
Sat Dec 10, 2022 8:03 pm
It's my understanding the Curado 70 MGL has micro module gears.
Yep but it has a composite handle side plate. The thick aluminum one on the Engetsu really adds to the solid feel of the reel when winding.

Post Reply