The new Shimano Stradic FL saltwater spinning reel is the latest edition to a line of some of the best saltwater spinning reels that, for generations, have served as a benchmark by which all other reels in its class are measured.
For years, the Shimano Stradic FL has set the bar for innovation and performance at its price point, and the Shimano Stradic FL continues this tradition by putting flagship-level performance in the hands of anglers at a price never thought possible.
Technical Specifications Chart: Shimano Stradic FL
| Specification | Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reels |
|---|---|
| Model Range | 1000HG, 2500HG, C3000HG, 4000XG, C5000XG |
| Bearings | 6+1 S A-RB stainless steel ball bearings |
| Gear Ratio | 1000HG: 6.0:1 / 2500HG: 6.0:1 / C3000HG: 6.4:1 / 4000XG: 6.2:1 / C5000XG: 6.2:1 |
| Retrieve Rate (in) | Varies by model, please refer to the manufacturer’s website for specific retrieve rates |
| Max Drag (lbs) | Varies by model, please refer to the manufacturer’s website for specific max drag values |
| Line Capacity (Mono) (yds/lb) | Varies by model, please refer to the manufacturer’s website for specific line capacities |
| Line Capacity (Braid) (yds/lb) | Varies by model, please refer to the manufacturer’s website for specific line capacities |
| Line Retrieve per Crank (in) | Varies by model, please refer to the manufacturer’s website for specific line retrieve per crank values |
| Weight (oz) | Varies by model, please refer to the manufacturer’s website for specific reel weights |
| Drag Material | Cross Carbon Drag |
| Gear Material | Hagane cold-forged drive gear |
| Body Material | G-Free aluminum body |
| Rotor Material | X-Ship aluminum rotor |
| Spool Material | Cold-forged aluminum spool with line capacity rings |
| Handle | Aluminum handle with EVA or Septon grip, depending on model |
| Reel Handle Position | Interchangeable (left or right) |
| Anti-Reverse | Super Stopper II anti-reverse bearing |
| Saltwater Rated | Yes |
| Price |  Check Today’s Price |
Is the Shimano Stradic FL reel worth buying? Yes
The new Shimano Stradic FL model – the successor of the Shimano Stradic FK model– keeps the same identity as the robust and reliable reel. Here are some reasons why you should buy this reel.
Super Smooth Rotation!
Now driven by Shimano’s MicroModule II cold forged gear, anglers can experience unprecedented smoothness and power transfer. Internal components are tuned to the highest tolerances possible with Shimano’s Silent Drive technology.
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The latest Shimano Stradic FL will carry forward the majority of the Shimano technologies that have made the Stradic series what they are today. The Hagane Body, Hagane Gear, X-Ship, and the G Free Body have all found their place in the new series. These technologies help make the Shimano Stradic FL a strong, durable, and uncompromising reel.
Latest Version
Never satisfied with good enough. Shimano always finds another way to improve your fishing experience. Introducing the new Shimano Stradic FL, the product of continuous evolution. Now with Shimano’s micro module two cold-forged gear, you’ll experience a rotational smoothness and power transfer never before achieved in a reel at this price point. Couple micro module two with a silent drive that fine-tunes internal components to the highest tolerances possible, and you’ll agree that the new Shimano Stradic FL approaches flagship-level performance.
Extended casting reach
If casting distance is a priority for you like it is for most anglers, the upgraded long stroke spool will offer anglers increased casting reach due to the improved line flow from the spool. C3000 4000 and C5000 models come equipped with Shimano’s cross-carbon drag system designed to endure and conquer the most blistering runs from the most powerful fish.
Featuring Silent Drive and Micromodule Gear II, Stradic reeling performance now approaches the flagship level. For the first time in Stradic’s class, Shimano has implemented a Long Stroke Spool for better-improved casting distance. Ranging gear strength and adopting X PROTECT water resistance have further improved durability. Perfect for a wide variety of fishing applications, Shimano Stradic FL is built to upgrade your time on the water.
Saltwater Compatible Reel
Shimano’s ex-protect water repellent coating and specially designed water channeling labyrinth construction ensure a lifetime of top-level performance by stopping water penetration and key areas without adding a heavy rotational feel. Experience for yourself the benefits of continuous evolution with the all-new Shimano Stradic FL.
Along with the Hagane Gear, this means that winding is silky smooth, and pristine silence has been achieved. X-Protect has also been added to the Shimano Stradic FL, giving the reel a superior level of waterproofing performance without impeding the rotation or lightness of the reel.
Next-generation fishing experience
An evolution in Casting, Reeling, and Durability, Shimano Stradic FL brings anglers into the next generation of fishing. Featuring Silent Drive and Micromodule Gear II, Stradic reeling performance now approaches the flagship level. For the first time in Stradic’s class, Shimano has implemented a Long Stroke Spool for better-improved casting distance.
Ranging gear strength and adopting X PROTECT water resistance have further improved durability. Perfect for a wide variety of fishing applications, Shimano Stradic FL is built to upgrade your time on the water.
Built For Heavy Use
Couple MicroModule Gear II with Silent Drive, which fine-tunes internal components to the highest tolerances possible, and you’ll agree the new Shimano Stradic FL approaches flagship-level performance.
The Stradic C3000, 4000, and C5000 models come equipped with Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag system, designed to endure and conquer the most blistering runs and the most powerful fish.
Fully Waterproof
To protect your investment from the elements, Shimano’s X-Protect water repellent coating and specially designed water channeling labyrinth construction work to prevent water intrusion and preserve that out-of-the-box effortless rotation for the life of the reel without adding the rotational resistance commonly felt in sealed reels. Equipped with a heavy-duty Cross Carbon Drag system, the Shimano Stradic FL is poised to be tested against the hardest pulling inshore species.
Long Stroke Spool
Introducing the Long Stroke Spool offers enhanced casting capabilities by decreasing the frequency in which your line changes direction while coming off the spool, creating less turbulence going through the guides and resulting in longer, smoother casts. From the lake to the back bays and beyond, the Shimano Stradic FL proves itself to be a worthy addition to the Stradic legacy.
Features Review: Shimano Stradic FL Reel Has All The Upgraded Features
Hagane Body
The HAGANE Body is a metal reel body with high rigidity. The body stiffness and impact resistance virtually eliminate body flexing. The result transforms the angler’s actions directly into cranking power. It’s efficiency through strength.
It is made of highly rigid metals such as aluminum and magnesium. Weight has been greatly reduced while reel flexure, warp, and distortion have been eliminated, allowing for smooth reeling with little power loss.
HAGANE GEAR
With amazing strength and durability, the HAGANE Gear is at the very heart of the reel. Shimano, through the application of state-of-the-art technologies, gives you the long-lasting smoothness and pleasure that you feel when you first use a reel, over and over again. No cutting work is applied to the teeth of the drive gear.
Instead, the entire surface is calculated in minute detail by a special 3D design and then formed by Shimano’s cold forging technology. The result is assured resilience. It’s the fruit of Shimano’s inexhaustible pursuit of durability; the strength and power of forged metal continue to represent the fundamental concept of Shimano reels.
Hagane Gear has become the cornerstone of many of Shimano’s finest spinning reels. With Shimano’s own precision cold forging technology, the new Shimano Stradic FL has improved gear durability and is equipped with a newly designed Hagane gear with equivalent strength to the upper model.
X-Ship
Now in this Shimano Stradic FL review section, we will talk about its latest X-Ship technology because it provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. This means the gears will stay in the same position under the heaviest loads.
The added benefit is that friction between the spool shaft and gear is eliminated. This will enhance the casting performance of the reel with lighter lures and allow for longer casts.
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These bearings have been through the same process as our A-RB bearings but feature shields on both sides of the bearings that reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the bearing’s rotation.
AR-C spool
The spool has been lightened with Shimano’s original processing technology in order to balance the two goals of “without trouble” and “extending flight distance.” The special shape of the spool ring ensures the best line release.
CrossCarbonDrag
This drag material provides a wider range of drag settings and the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.
G-Free Body
Technology has been developed to shift the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod. By moving the center of gravity closer to the angler’s hand position, the G Free Body helps to reduce fatigue and enhance casting comfort.
X-Protect
6 times more resistant than Core Protect, X-Protect utilizes a labyrinth (maze) structure and water-repellent treatment to prevent water from entering the inner areas of a reel.
One-Piece Bail & Long Stroke Spool
The Long Stroke Spool has longer strokes compared to conventional spool designs. This long-stroke specification results in greater casting distance.
One-piece bail allows the line to travel unimpeded to the line roller. Its seamless design reduces friction and the chance of tangles or cuts to the bail arm.
SilentDrive Technology
The latest evolution in the Shimano Stradic FL range brings anglers into the next generation of fishing. This evolution brings with it improved casting, smoother reeling, and increased durability. The newest addition is the Micromodule Gear II, an upgrade on the drive and pinion gear surfaces means that reel noise is reduced as the gears work much smoother, and the SilentDrive technology, which reduces the smallest of clearance gaps and wobbles within the gearing system.
G-Free Body
G-Free Body technology has been developed to shift the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod. This has been achieved by moving the oscillation mechanism 19 mm up from the bottom of the reel to the top. By moving the center of gravity closer to the angler’s hand position, the G Free Body helps to reduce fatigue and enhances casting comfort.
Micromodule Gear II
The most advanced tooth design evolved from Shimano’s unique manufacturing technology. In our pursuit of the ideal tooth shape, we’ve redesigned the teeth of the gears right down to the tooth’s surface. Gear noise has also been reduced while improving reeling smoothness.
State-of-the-art gear tooth surface design and MicroModule Gear II are further advanced through Shimano’s exclusive manufacturing technology. The surfaces of the drive gear and pinion gear have been analyzed and updated from the ground up in pursuit of perfection.
Aero Wrap II
This two-speed oscillation system layers the line onto the spool in a crisscross pattern that reduces line-to-line friction for longer casts. Aero Wrap reels utilize a patented worm gear design to move the spool upward quickly and downward slowly to wind the line in a precise pattern, reducing friction, and giving smoother, longer casting ability.
Propulsion Line Management System
The most obvious component of the Propulsion Line Management System is the new Propulsion spool lip design. Through tens of thousands of casting tests and computer simulations, it has been determined that this new spool lip design provides longer casting distances than a standard spool lip design while preventing backlashes and wind knots from forming.
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Every piece has been carefully reviewed from the fundamental, whole-body design to the most intricate parts of the drive train, including the drive gear, Wormshaft, Wormshaft pin, and Wormshaft gear, and the smallest clearance gaps and wobbles have been eliminated to the highest tolerances.
The 1000 size uses a 1 set felt drag washer system, the 2500 size uses a 3 set felt drag washer system, and the C3000 sizes above use a higher grade 3 set cross carbon washer system with excellent wear resistance.
All Shimano Stradic FL reels models:
Shimano ST1000HGFL Stradic FL Spinning Reel: Technical Specifications chart
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Shimano ST1000HGFL Stradic FL |
| Type | Spinning Reel |
| Gear Ratio | 6.0:1 |
| Bearings | 6+1 (6 Ball Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing) |
| Line Retrieve per Crank | 30 inches (76 cm) |
| Weight | 6.5 oz (185 g) |
| Line Capacity (Mono) | 2 lb/270 yds, 4 lb/140 yds, 6 lb/110 yds |
| Line Capacity (PowerPro) | 10 lb/95 yds, 15 lb/85 yds, 20 lb/65 yds |
| Max Drag | 7 lb (3.2 kg) |
| Handle Side | Reversible (Left/Right) |
| Construction | Hagane Body, X-Ship, and G-Free Body |
| Brake System | Cross Carbon Drag |
| Technology | SilentDrive, Aero Wrap II, AR-C Spool |
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A finesse reel designed for light lure casting for bream and trout using fluorocarbon or braid. Weighing 6.5 oz, the Shimano Stradic FL 1000 matches perfectly with a 1-2kg or 1-3kg responsive graphite rod. Featuring 6+1 bearings and a smooth felt drag system with 7 lb of power.
Shimano ST2500HGFL Stradic FL Spinning Reel: Technical Specifications chart
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | ST2500HGFL |
| Line Retrieve | 35 inches per crank (89 cm) |
| Gear Ratio | 6.0:1 |
| Mono Line Capacity | 6 lb/200 yds, 8 lb/140 yds, 10 lb/120 yds |
| PowerPro Line Capacity | 10 lb/150 yds, 15 lb/145 yds, 30 lb/100 yds |
| Max Drag | 20 lbs (9 kg) |
| Ball Bearings | 6+1 |
| Weight | 7.9 oz (225 g) |
| Retrieve | Reversible (Right or Left) |
Key Features:
- Hagane Body: A cold-forged aluminum body that provides stiffness and impact resistance, virtually eliminating body flexing.
- X-Ship: A combination of features providing improved gear durability, increased power, and smoother performance.
- MicroModule II Gear System: Smoother and more efficient gear operation, thanks to improved gear teeth surfaces.
- Cross Carbon Drag: Provides smooth and consistent drag pressure across the entire drag range.
- Long Stroke Spool: Designed for improved casting distance and line management.
- SilentDrive: A series of small improvements that eliminate noise and vibration in the reel.
- G-Free Body: Shifts the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod, reducing fatigue and enhancing casting comfort.
- Aero Wrap II: A worm gear oscillation system for uniform line lay and improved casting performance.
- One-Piece Bail: A seamless bail wire for reduced friction and increased durability.
These specifications make the Shimano ST2500HGFL Stradic FL Spinning Reel an excellent choice for both freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing, offering a smooth and powerful performance in a lightweight and durable design.
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A great all-around size for estuary and river fishing that suits a braided line from 6lb to 10lb, depending on the target species. Weighing 7.9 oz, the Shimano Stradic FL 2500 matches perfectly with a 2-4kg, 2-5kg, and 3-5kg responsive graphite rod. Featuring 6+1 bearings, a 6.0:1 gear ratio, and a smooth felt drag system with 20 lb of power.
Shimano Stradic FL STC3000XGFL Spinning Reel: Technical Specifications chart
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Stradic FL STC3000XGFL |
| Bearings | 6+1 S A-RB Ball Bearings |
| Gear Ratio | 6.4:1 |
| Retrieve Per Crank | 37 inches / 94 cm |
| Line Capacity (Mono) | 6 lbs/230 yds, 8 lbs/170 yds, 10 lbs/140 yds |
| Line Capacity (Braid) | 10 lbs/200 yds, 20 lbs/140 yds, 40 lbs/105 yds |
| Max Drag | 20 lbs / 9 kg |
| Drag Type | Front Drag, Cross Carbon Drag |
| Weight | 7.9 oz / 225 g |
| Handle Side | Reversible (Left/Right) |
| Construction | Hagane Body, G-Free Body |
| Technology | X-Ship, SilentDrive, MicroModule Gear II, Long Stroke Spool, Aero Wrap II |
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The Compact 3000 sizes feature the same body design as the 2500 size; however, the reel has a larger line capacity, making it ideal for fishing in estuary and inshore environments. Weighing 7.9 oz, the Shimano Stradic FL 3000 matches perfectly with a range of rod ratings from 2-4kg to 3-6kg. Featuring 6+1 bearings, a 6.1:1 gear ratio, and an upgraded Cross Carbon drag system with 20 ib of power.
Shimano Stradic FL ST4000XGFL Spinning Reel: Technical Specifications chart
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Shimano Stradic FL ST4000XGFL |
| Gear Ratio | 6.2:1 |
| Ball Bearings | 6+1 S A-RB Bearings |
| Line Retrieve per Crank | 39 inches (99 cm) |
| Mono Line Capacity (lb/yds) | 8/240, 10/200, 12/160 |
| PowerPro Line Capacity (lb/yds) | 15/280, 30/170, 50/150 |
| Max Drag (lb) | 24 lb (11 kg) |
| Weight (oz) | 9.9 oz (280 g) |
| Retrieve | Reversible (Right or Left Hand) |
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A 4000 size is ideal for a range of estuary and inshore environments, targeting jewfish right through to snapper. Weighing in at 9.9 oz and suited to using the braided line from 15lb to 20lb and is designed to match rods in the 3-6kg up to 4-8kg line class. Featuring 6+1 bearings, a 6.2:1 gear ratio, and an upgraded Cross Carbon Drag system with 24 lb of power.
Shimano Stradic FL STC5000XGFL Spinning Reel: Technical Specifications chart
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Shimano Stradic FL STC5000XGFL |
| Reel Type | Spinning |
| Gear Ratio | 6.2:1 |
| Ball Bearings | 6+1 (6 S A-RB, 1 roller bearing) |
| Line Retrieve per Crank | 105 cm / 41 in |
| Mono Line Capacity (lb/yds) | 10/240, 12/195, 14/165 |
| PowerPro Line Capacity (lb/yds) | 20/260, 30/235, 40/185 |
| Max Drag | 24 lbs / 11 kg |
| Hagane Gear | Yes |
| X-Ship | Yes |
| Hagane Body | Yes |
| G-Free Body | Yes |
| CI4+ Material (Rotor) | Yes |
| AR-C Spool | Yes |
| Long Stroke Spool | Yes |
| Waterproof Drag | Yes (IPX8 Rating) |
| Drag System | Cross Carbon Drag |
| Aero Wrap II Oscillation | Yes |
| Weight | 265 g / 9.3 oz |
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The Compact 5000 size features the same body design as the 4000 sizes but with a deeper spool to provide larger line capacity and a power handle knob for targeting hard-fighting species in the estuary and inshore waters. Weighing 10.4 oz, the Shimano Stradic FL 5000 matches perfectly with a range of rod ratings from 4-8kg to 5-10kg using up to 30lb braid. Featuring 6+1 bearings, a 6.2:1 gear ratio, and an upgraded Cross Carbon drag system with 24 lb of power.
Shimano Stradic FL model specifications:
|
Model Number:
|
Bearings: | Gear Ratio: | Line Per Handle Turn: | Weight oz: | Mono Line Capacity: | Braid Line Capacity: | Max Drag: |
| 6+1 | 6.0:1 | 30 | 6.5 | 2/270, 4/160, 6/110 | 10/95, 15/75, 20/65 | 7 | |
| 6+1 | 6.0:1 | 35 | 7.9 | 6/200, 8/140, 10/120 | 10/150, 15/145, 30/100 | 20 | |
| 6+1 | 6.2:1 | 40 | 9.9 | 8/240, 10/200, 12/160 | 15/230, 30/180, 50/120 | 24 | |
| 6+1 | 6.4:1 | 37 | 7.9 | 6/230, 8/170, 10/140 | 10/200, 20/140, 40/105 | 20 | |
| 6+1 | 6.2:1 | 40 | 10.4 | 10/240, 12/195, 14/165 | 20/260, 30/235, 40/185 | 24 |
Shimano Stradic FL Video:
My Experience and Reviews on Shimano Stradic FL Reel
Awesome reel
I own an older Stradic Ci4 2500 and a relatively newer 3000, and this Stradic FL makes me want to get one for every inshore or freshwater rod setup I own.
Caveat: I’ve only used it about 7 or 8 times now, but every other Shimano spinning reel I’ve owned has held up wonderfully, so I’d expect more of the same.
Pros – Long Casting, Nice Drag System, Very Lightweight, Looks Sharp as a Tack
Cons – None that I’ve found so far.
Beyond smooth
Experience with Stradic 4000XGFL
This new updated Stradic is the smoothest version Shimano has made so far. Stradics have always been a workhorse reel for me, and this new version is very solid and should hold up well fishing in saltwater. I, for one, am glad that Shimano has removed the anti-reverse lever on this new reel. I fish for speedy fish like Bluefin Trevally and Bonefish here in Hawaii and have never had use for the anti-reverse function on spinning reels. Removing the anti-reverse lever makes this reel a little more watertight, so I like the change. However, this Stradic is not totally waterproof.
Check Review on AmazonIf it gets submerged, it will leak. It does hold up really well getting splashed by surf while fishing in the break, though. I noticed there’s no longer an oil service port screw on the side plating. You need to take it apart if you want to oil this reel up. Be prepared to get yourself a set of micro Torx, small Phillips, and Torx drivers to take it apart. So far, so good. This reel has performed great and should see a lot of good years of action like my older model Stradics.
Affordable Price
Retrieval is smooth and powerful. I’ve already caught four redfish, a couple of trout, and some other fish on this reel. Two reds were 20″, and two were 24″ strong fighting fish. The reel handled it with no problem. I like to let the drag play the fish as much as possible, and it did a fantastic job. When one fish decided to run into some structure where I risked getting cut off, it was easy to tighten the drag and change his mind about his direction.
Best For Kayak Fishing
The finish is nice and cleaned up easily after a full weekend on the saltwater in a kayak. Being a kayak, reels get much more abuse than they do on a boat because you’re much more limited on space, and you sit right in the water, so it’s a good test for any reel. The retrieve speed is very nice and, again, super smooth. I can certainly feel the quality over even some other big-name reels I have.
Great material quality
Ideal For Both Inshore and Offshore
Pros
Great casting with braid and fluoro ( LS spool design). Great carbon drag on 3000-5000. I haven’t used 2500 down with the felt washers, so no comment. No anti-reverse switch and one-piece handle. Overall great value for what you are getting.
Cons
NOT sealed, so you are not using this for surfcasting to bluefish in rough surf—more for light surf, bay, or boat fishing. No anti-reverse, I put this in both because I personally do not like an anti-reverse switch (another port for water). Still, I know some people like it when they are hooking up their hook to their rod without messing with their drag or forgetting that lure at just the right length from the rod tip for a cast. Either way, that’s up to you.
Best purchase this year
I bought a new saltwater rod for the striped bass fall run. So I needed a red to complete the combo. I did large research and decided to buy the new Stradic. I couldn’t be happier with my new reel. It feels so smooth, but at the same time, it is really strong when dragging the fish. I’ll definitely recommend it! This reel is the best bang for the buck out there right now on the market. Shimano decides to add Shimano Stella parts to this reel and keeps it at a very great price.
