Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Review

Maybe you are familiar with the Shimano Stradic line of fishing reels and their variations.

What makes the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ different and worth the extra few dollars compared to the Shimano Stradic FK? Let us find out in this review.

The Shimano Stradic Ci4+ spinning reel was released in April of 2016 and has a few upgrades over its predecessor, the Shimano Stradic Ci4 spinning reel.

The most noticeable is the addition of Shimano’s X-Ship technology, which has a double-bearing supported pinion gear that leads to a much smoother retrieve, especially when cranking under heavy loads.

The Bottom Line

My favorite lightweight saltwater reel under $250 for finesse inshore fishing
It’s a very smooth reel with great drag for a smaller reel that can still handle large fish.
High-quality, nearly waterproof design.
It has a strong carbon body but is still stiff due to the X-ship pinion gear support system.

Check the pricing here if you have a mid-range budget and want an extremely lightweight spinning reel.

If you are looking for the Shimano C4i+, you have found it. Often, people will transpose the “i” and the “4” in the model number.

The Shimano Stradic Ci4+ is what I would refer to as a finesse reel, as it is super smooth and lightweight, just what I am always looking for in an inshore reel.

There are four models to choose from: 1000, 2500, 3000, and 4000 weigh in between 5.6 oz and 8.1 oz and have a drag range of between 7 lbs and up to 24 lbs on the 4000.

The drag is smooth as silk, and to top it off, it is water-resistant and has a wide range of settings with the micro-click adjustable drag knob. For me, there is no question the Shimano StradicCi4+ is worth the extra $30 over the Stradic FK. Let us dig in a little deeper to find out why.

Features

Let us dig into the features of this reel.

Magnumlite Rotor

The MGL, or Magnumlite rotor, is 25% lighter than previous designs. Due to having a better balance, it is much easier to start and stop your retrieve, which means that less inertia is required; thus you get that silky smooth feel that Shimano is already known for, but it is now taken to the next level.

G-Free Body design

The center of mass of the reel has been moved closer to the rod to improve the weight and balance in your hand. What this means is that you can feel the strike better and that you can fight the fish better.

Additionally, you will not tire as easily after a long day on the water, resulting in no forearm fatigue. This design was first utilized in the more expensive Shimano Stella and is available on the Shimano Stradic FK.

Advanced CoreProtect water resistance

CoreProtect provides you with 360-degree all-weather water resistance to ensure that this reel will last a lifetime if you take care of it.

One of the challenges with making a reel waterproof is that sometimes, this leads to a gummy feeling when you retrieve it; this is not the case with Coreprotect.

Super-light, strong CI4+ carbon body

This reel is INCREDIBLY lightweight thanks to its carbon fiber body, and it almost feels like it is not there. Typically, you can only get this light on a more expensive reel like the Shimano Sustain or Shimano Stella.

Cold-forged aluminum spool

These spools provide increased strength and durability over diecast aluminum or graphite spools.

Ultra-hard Hagane® cold forged drive gears

The Hagane precision cold-forged gears provide one of the smoothest retrieve experiences you will ever have, especially under a load.

X-SHIP provides a smoother and stronger precision gear system that places a bearing on the pinion. While this difference is not apparent when you are in the store under no load, it becomes apparent quickly once adequate pressure has been applied (a big fish).

X-Ship pinion gear support system

X-Ship combines features that work together to create much greater efficiency. Positioning the pinion gear close to the large-diameter drive gear’s center line transfers more power from the handle to the rotor.

The pinion gear is also supported by two Shimano A-RB roller bearings. This creates stability and minimizes pinion gear twist and rotor deflection in extreme situations.

6 S A-RB shielded stainless steel ball bearings

Shimano reels are legendary for being smooth, and thanks to 6 shielded ball bearings, that is the case with this reel.

These are the same as the normal ARB bearings, except that they are shielded on both sides to reduce the likelihood of any salt, dirt, or water penetrating and affecting the smoothness of the bearings.

Super Stopper II anti-reverse bearing

Shimano uses a one-way roller bearing that allows you to instantly set the hook without any back play in the reel.

Advanced AR-C spool design plus Power Roller

Cast aside all of the marketing speak. The Stradic Ci4+ does a great job with line management due to a well-designed AR-C cold-forged spool incorporating a grooved power roller. Personally, I have experienced very few line twists and wind knots.

The Power Roller has a special groove that reduces line twists by up to 50%. I think you will find this reel to be better than most other spinning reels you’ve ever used in terms of reduction in twisting and line management.

Features at a Glance

Magnumlite Rotor
G-Free Body design
Advanced CoreProtect water resistance
Strong CI4+ carbon body
Cold-forged aluminum spool
Ultra-hard Hagane® cold forged drive gear
X-Ship pinion gear
7-bearing system
6 S A-RB shielded stainless steel ball bearings
Super Stopper II anti-reverse roller bearing

The Shimano Stradic Ci4+ is designed with a few things in mind: durability, weight, and water tightness. Shimano has delivered on all these fronts, and the reel is extremely lightweight.

When paired with a great inshore rod like a St. Croix Mojo, St. Croix Avid, or G Loomis E6X, you will have a combo that will last you for years and will be able to handle everything from your smaller trout up to the big reds and snook that are so fun to catch and fight on lightweight tackle.

Personally, I fish with the St. Croix Mojo Inshore, and when I strap the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ in 2500 to it, I have a rod and reel combo that weighs in at less than 12 oz combined, and feels like it is almost not there.

With this combo, I can fish every artificial lure to live-line a shrimp and feel the fish hitting the bait due to the super lightweight carbon fiber body.

Pros

Lightweight
Rapid fire drag
Near waterproof
Smoothness

Cons

Higher price point
Small anti-reverse switch

Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Alternatives

Staying with the Shimano brand, I recommend looking at the Shimano Stradic FK, which will cost you about $30 less retail. The main difference between these two reels is the superior water tightness of the Ci4+ and the fact that the Ci4+ is about 25% lighter.

If weight and water tightness are not of concern to you, then the Shimano Stradic FK is an excellent reel.

For about half the price of the Shimano Stradic Ci4+, I recommend that you look at the Daiwa Fuego LT, which is very close in terms of weight and drag. I love the Fuego LT and fish this reel daily.

For the person who is on the budget but still wants a very lightweight reel, I suggest you look at the Pflueger Supreme XT, which is lighter than the Stradic Ci4+.

In Conclusion

The Shimano Stradic Ci4+ is an awesome reel that comes from a long line of predecessors in the Stradic family and keeps getting better and, in this case, lighter weight.

For most of us inshore anglers, lightweight, smooth retrieving reels with a strong and durable drag system that is near waterproof are what we want to have when we head out to the flats or our favorite fishing hole.

While this reel is in the midrange when it comes to price, with a retail price of $229, it will last for years if well taken care of and is sure not to let you down. I love this reel and will keep 2500 attached to my St. Croix Mojo Inshore for the foreseeable future.

Shimano 16 Stradic CI4+ Spinning Reel | Amazon

This reel is all Stradic: a smooth, powerful, incredibly durable reel that will easily match up to any quarry in freshwater, as well as inshore.

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David Edwards

David is a freelance writer. He enjoys fishing as much as you do. He understands the challenge to pick the best fishing rod or learning the lifestyle. He provides a detailed review of the available products in the market. He wants to ensure you make the right decision for your next shopping day.