Originally, I had only 2 reels in mind: the Daiwa Tierra 1500 and the Shimano Saros 1000F. I have a Saros 3000F, so I already know that this is an excellent reel. The Daiwa was a really nice reel and the bail trip action was a lot easier and smoother than the Shimanos. For most anglers, this is a non-issue because we close the bail manually, but it was just a sign of the quality of the reel. However, the Tierra was quickly ruled out for me because it was too big and heavy for the ultralight application I was aiming for. I may get one in the future for a med-light set up though. I hope Daiwa starts making a smaller size reel in the future for the ultralight enthusiasts.
Next was the Saros 1000F. When I held this reel, I was almost certain that it was the one. It is light and very smooth and the right size (small) for my ultralight rod and line. There was a price tag attached to it and it read $103. I was amazed to see how low it was priced, even for a "sale". So, just out of curiosity, I asked the clerk if the Stradics were also on sale, and she said "yes" and handed me the Stradic. The tag on it read $124. Wow! So for less than what I was prepared to pay for the Saros, I could get the Stradic. I thought about it for about a half-second and then I said "I'll take the Stradic" I couldn't even find a better deal (incl. shipping) on ebay.
Stradic vs. Saros: I actually like the looks of the Saros more. I don't like the darker color of the Stradic's spool. It has a slightly higher gear ratio for faster retrieves. In smoothness, I would rate them about even. The main reason I chose the Stradic is because of the way the Saros lays the line on the spool with its slow oscillation design. Because of my plan to try some 8-10 lb. braid in the future, I don't think the slow oscillation will be a good system for it. I fear that the line will dig into itself. The Stradic has the Aero Wrap II system which is supposed to optimize line lay for longer casts. It is a worm gear driven system.
Stradic vs. Tierra: If Daiwa made the Tierra in a 1000 size, I would jump on it. It is a super smooth reel and I love the unique blue finish. I also like the air bail (thicker than Shimano's) and the trip action.
The Stradic is the perfect size and is almost equal in smoothness. It has the new Paladin gear durability system for longevity. It has a waterproof drag which is also super smooth. It has a much faster gear ratio (6.2:1) vs. Daiwa's 4.7:1 This really does make a difference when you are on the water. My Daiwa Exceler feels so slow compared to my Shimano Saros. I don't know why Daiwa continues to use this slow gearing. The Stradic has a maintenance port on the body of the reel. You just unscrew a little plastic screw and then put a few drops of oil in there whenever you feel the need. Pretty cool. This shouldn't take the place of a regular breakdown for cleaning and lubing, but it helps for a quick tune-up.
Shimano and a few others are now wising up and using a direct screw-in handle. This is a much better system than Daiwa's where you have to screw on a little cap on the opposite side to secure the handle. I can't believe that they are still using this system. The Shimano system is so much better. No slop in the handle and I know it has to be a lot more durable.
There's Boy Scout Island in the background. I wasn't catching, so I got bored and took pictures. The one piece bail eliminates sharp edges that can damage line.
Gotta keep it all SHIMANO! Got an insane deal on this rod too!
I caught a few Barracudas last week, but this is the first Lake Wilson fish I caught on this rod and reel. Small tuc.
Conclusion: So far, I am really happy with my reel. I have had no problems with it at all and it has served my needs perfectly. Hopefully, it doesn't freeze up when wet like the old Stradics! Right now I have 4 lb. line on it, but I will put some 2 lb. line on it soon and use it with my Cabela's XML ultralight rod to see how it really works as my true UL set up. I have had no line twist or other line management problems. I guess it's due to the design of the line roller. For anyone looking for ML spinning reels, take a look at the Saros 2000F, Stradic 2000FI, or Daiwa Tierra 1500. For anyone looking for a nice reel for UL fishing, check out the Stradic 1000FI.
