Shimano Stradic 2000 and 4000 spinning reels

[Koes]

I fish walleyes and bass 50+ days a year and am thinking about replacing all my Swedish made Zebco Cardinal 4 reels with Shimano Stradic reels in either the 2000 or 4000 models. I would appreciate any comments on which of these two Shimano reels would be closest in size and balance to my Zebco Cardinal 4 reels. Also, how are these Shimano reels in cold weather when it is 30 degrees or less like in early season walleye fishing? Any comments will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Koes

[tbomn]

I am not sure about the Zebco reels you are talking about, but the 2000F Stradic is the best walleye reel I have ever used. I use both the Stradics and the Symetres in the 2000F models, on 6'6" and 7' rods, for rigging and jigging and couldn't want anything else in a reel. I don't use anything heavier than 8lb test line and these reels are perfect for that, although the 2000 is rated for up to 10lb. The cold weather doesn't seem to bother either the Stradic or Symetre, I use 1000F series for ice fishing and have never had a bit of trouble with the cold.

Hope this helps,
Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[Starfish]

I think the Cardinals you're referring to are ABU Garcia, not Zebco. But I think you would love the Stradic 2000. The 4000 is a little large for most walleye jigging, but it's a great reel for steelhead and topwater bass fishing. The 2000 balances perfectly on my 6'6" Loomis, but I think you might want to look at a 1000 for smaller rods. All the Stradics are the best spinning reels I've ever used.
Good luck!

[ND]

The Stradic,Symetry,and even Sahara in the 2000 size are good all purpose reels.They all have close gear tolerances.
I haven't worn out any yet.They have been used from pink salmon to smelt and many other fish in between.
Choose whtever your pocket book can bear...The 4000 size for walleye is a little large.
Good luck.

[Bob G2]

Ahhh, the Zebco Cardinals! What a classic reel. IMHO, I would try to get them fixed, because there is not another reel that I new that came close to being the "perfect" reel. With my treasured Cardinals, the eventual problems were with the leather drag discs wearing out. However, some better reel repair places, such as Coren's in Chicago, were able to come up with some quality replacements.

For general information, Abu Cardinal, when first introduced to this country, was initially licensed to Zebco. This gem of a reel was two tone, a light green and grey. They were metal, but lightweight. They probably had one of the best rear drag systems. Like a fine piece of machinery, they were built in Sweden. The Garcia ended up taking over distribution in this country, and that is when they started going downhill. However, the original reel I believe, is still being manufactured and distributed in Europe by Abu. I still have a European model, which strangely enough, sits in the box, never used. Kind of like a treasure instead of a tool.

Your choice of Stradics is a good one. By todays standards, they are a good choice. But will it hold up the 20+ years that your Zebco Cardinals held up...? My Stradics and Symetres have been good servicable reels, but recently, I have had the drags (front drag system) go a little south on a few of the spools. My 2000's do double duty on smallmouth/walleye and steelhead, hmmm, guess which species is trashing the drag.

[Backwater Eddy]

I use Shimano Stradic reels in -30 and they work fine. I fish a lot of early spring an late fall walleye in cold wet weather and I reach for my Shimano's first.

The whole "S" series is excellent in all weather in my experance.

BE...><,>

[Jim Corey]

I agree that the Cardinal line went downhill after moving out from under the Zebco name. The only old reels that compared as far as the drag systems went were the old metal D.A.M. Quicks made in Germany. I also use the Shimano Symetres and Stradics and am very happy with them. I don't think that they will give you the 20 year service that the Cardinals did. I have 2 Symetres thet are entering their 5th season and the anti reverses are getting a little sloppy. The 4000 Stradic is good if you want to spool any of the Fluorcarbons in 12# test. The smaller reels just won't handle the heavier Fluorocarbons. For Fluoros 10# or less, mono lines, and braids, the 2000 Stradics are an extremely fine reel.By the way, the D.A.M. Quick reels are still being made and are distributed by Dan Gapen here in the U.S. I haven't used the new ones but plan to try one this season.I got away from them years ago due to the weight of the all metal reel but the new ones, with new materials, should be exceptional reels if the drag systems compare with the old ones.

[WAeyes]

I also use the Shimano Stradic 2000 reels. I just dont think $100 will buy you a better overall spinning reel. At 9.5 oz the 2000 is very light and will accomodate most of your fishing situations with 6lb to 10lb mono test. I fish mostly at night for walleyes so I need something I can rely on without seeing it. I have not had any problems with it during colder temps., but I have not icefished with it. In my opinion there is absolutely nothing smoother for a 4 ball bearing reel.

[bob oh]

Since you like the Cardinals why not take a look at the reels from Abu Garcia...they have some great reels and they have made great reels for a long, long time. They have some new ones this year.
I have some Shimanos I like, but I am always being told that if I polish and lube them they will really be smooth - my Abu reels are smooth out of the box!!
Bob