Shimano Stradic FK Spinning Reel Review

Well, Shimano has done it again. In this Shimano Stradic FK reel review, we will explain why this is such a popular reel.

For those familiar with the legendary Shimano quality, it will be no surprise that this reel is quiet, durable, and beautiful while providing an extremely smooth retrieve rate of 31-41 inches.

The new Shimano Stradic FX comes in 5 models ranging from the 1000HGFX, weighing in at just 6.9 oz, to the largest 5000XGFK, weighing 11.3 oz.

There have been a few modifications to the legendary Stradic, which make it a bit better balanced and more durable, including adding several new seals to keep water from penetrating this beauty.

This year, the finish is slightly more polished in a nice platinum color than the traditional white.

At the foundation of this great reel is the Hangane precision technology that incorporates cold forged drive gear coupled with the X-SHIP pinion gear to ensure a perfect smooth gear mesh at all times, even under heavy loads like a bull red.

The Hagane body prevents flex during the fight while maintaining superb balance and keeps hand fatigue to a minimum after a long day on the water.

The Bottom Line

One of the best saltwater spinning reels under $200 for inshore fishing
It is a very smooth reel with a great smooth drag
High level of manufacturing quality throughout designed to withstand saltwater
Very strong Hagane body and gears for durability

The Shimano Stradic FK reel is available here, an excellent choice for fresh and saltwater.

If you are looking to step up a bit in quality and performance from something like the Daiwa Fuego LT or the Pflueger Supreme XT, then the Shimano Stradic FK is an excellent choice that provides a very impressive combination of weight, strength, and smoothness.

For the higher-end angler who wants a reel that can go from finessing the smaller species to holding up under the load of a large bull red or snook, I highly recommend purchasing this great reel.

The names “Shimano” and “Quality” go hand in hand regarding fishing reels. The new design is a bit more compact and angular, which apparently contradicts the key Hagane design.

The word “Hagane” originates back to the high-quality steel used to make samurai swords, which were legendary for their strength in battle. This means that your new reel is made of the highest quality metal components built to last the test of time.

Like anything, if it’s going to be around saltwater, you’ll need to care for your reel.

Features

Hagane Body

The high-quality Hagane body provides a level of durability and rigidity required to withstand unexpected shocks. While the entire body is not 100% metal, it is primarily metal, allowing for precision engineering, which leads to a smoother reel.

High-quality materials and engineering are common in larger, more expensive offshore spinning reels like the Shimano Stella Saltwater. Shimano seems to think applying this same quality to their smaller Stradic FK models makes sense, which is awesome.

Hagane 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

X-Ship combines features that work together to create much greater efficiency. By positioning the pinion gear close to the center line of the large-diameter drive gear, more power is transferred 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.

Coreprotect

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.

G Free Body

The center of the 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 = no forearm fatigue. This design was first utilized in the more expensive Shimano Stella.

Larger Stainless Steel Bail

The bail is something that can often be overlooked. The new Stradic FK uses a larger stainless steel bail with an increased opening vs. a plastic lever and incorporates a heavy-duty spring and metal bar, which gives a solid snap sound and feel when engaged.

At first, this takes a little getting used to as it does require a little more pressure on the handle to re-engage the bail. Personally, I like to flip the bail by hand, and I think that it adds to the longevity of your reel.

Propulsion Line Management

Cast aside all of the marketing speak. The Stradic FK does a good job with line management due to a well-designed spool, which they call the AR-C cold forged, incorporating a smooth lip design.

I have experienced very few line twists and wind knots. I think you will find this reel to be as good, if not better, than most other spinning reels you’ve ever used when it comes to line management.

Drag Quality

The Shimano Stradic FK combines felt and steel washers to provide ample drag. While you may not notice the difference right away with a smaller fish, once you hook into something sizable, you’ll instantly notice how smooth the pressure is throughout the entire drag range with no jerking or stuttering, which is so common in less-quality reels.

Features at a Glance

G Free Hagane Body
Hagane drive gear
X-Ship
AR-C cold forged spool
6 Shielded A-RB & 1 anti-reverse roller bearing
Front drag
Propulsion line management
Dyna-Balance
Fluidrive II
Power Roller II
SR-Concept
Aero Wrap II

A few of the other minor features that have been incorporated into the new Shimano Stradic FK are:

A newly designed line clip will make it easier to attach your line when it is not rigged.
Larger diameter drag knob, which makes it easier to adjust your drag, particularly if it is a cold morning and you have gloves on.

One of the things that people have been talking about (complaining about) is that Shimano removed the anti-reverse switch. While I agree that being unable to back spool in tight situations can be an inconvenience, this change was not done without any thought.

The anti-reverse bearing design has been completely reworked, reducing friction by over 25%. According to some, this new rotor design is 200% more rigid than the FJ model, which provides you with greater power when fighting larger fish.

At first, Stradic FK may be similar to several other reels in its price class, especially if you compare it to your favorite tackle shop. Once you get it out on the water and get a fish on the other end, you will very quickly see that under a load, the X-Ship makes a huge difference by helping to isolate the shaft and gearing, which reduces the overall stress.

This results in an incredibly silky smooth feel when retrieving a jerk bait through your favorite grassy flat water or reeling in your biggest catch of the day.

Pros

Hagane Technology – No flex
Hagane precision cold forged gear drives
X-SHIP gear system – Super smooth
X-Shield – 12 gaskets to keep water and grime out
Propulsion line management
High rigidity rotor

Cons

No anti-reverse switch
Some plastic parts
Cannot back-reel
New bail system

Shimano Stradic FK Alternatives

If you want something less expensive, I recommend you check out the Penn Battle II, which is still a quality reel but can be had for about half the price (typically $99) of the Shimano Stradic FK.

For a reel between the Penn Battle II and the Stradic FK, I recommend looking at the Pflueger Supreme XT, a high-quality reel that does not cost a fortune. The reel is made of high-quality materials such as magnesium and even incorporates carbon fiber into the handle to keep it strong and lightweight.

In Conclusion

The Shimano Stradic FK is a proven performer in this price class, from the serious hobbyist to the charter captain. This reel is sure not to let you down.

If you’re looking for a quality reel that will last you for many years to come and perform well with everything from your smaller species, such as trout, up to the bull reds, snookies, and even larger species, such as Tarpon with the 5000 series, then you can’t go wrong with the Shimano Stradic FK.

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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.