Shimano Stradic FM Spinning Reels

TackleDirect’s Take on the Shimano Stradic FM Spinning Reels

Over the years, TackleDirect has found the Shimano Stradic series of spinning reels to be one of the most popular series of spinning reels that we have ever carried. It has always been known for providing premium construction, performance and a sleek aesthetic at a price point that makes it an incredible value for inshore saltwater and freshwater anglers alike. In our opinion, you will not find a better all-around series of light tackle spinning reels on the market within this price range in terms of performance, durability, weight and premium technologies that help set the reel apart from its competitors. The all Shimano Stradic FM Spinning Reels take another step forward with the addition of Shimano’s XfinityXross for additional gearing efficiency and durability, InfinityDrive to provide additional cranking power while under a load, a Duracross Drag System for buttery smooth performance and an Anti-twist Fin added to the underside of the roller to prevent line management issues. This series of spinning reels ranges from the 1000 up to the 5000 that covers the needs of most freshwater and inshore anglers.

TackleDirect’s Top Choice for Light Tackle Anglers

If you are a light tackle inshore or even nearshore angler targeting redfish, striped bass, weakfish, speckled trout, flounder, blackfish (tautog), snook, small tarpon and more we strongly encourage you to take a look at the 2500, 3000, 4000 or 5000 sizes depending on your given application. The main difference between the sizes within the Stradic FM lineup come down to each model’s line capacity, gear ratio, drag capability and overall weight.

The ST1000HGFM is the smallest Stradic FM reel within the series and is ideal for freshwater and ultra light inshore applications. THis reel holds just under 100yds of 10lb braid, offers a 6:1 gear ratio that brings in 25in of line per turn of the handle and puts out 7lbs of max drag while only weighing 6.5oz. This size Shimano Stradic FM excels when targeting panfish, trout, small bass and even some inshore species on ultra light tackle.

The ST25000HGFM is the smallest Stradic FM reel we would recommend for inshore anglers looking for as light of an inshore reel as possible at only 7.8oz, while still holding around 150yds of 10lb braid, a 5.8:1 gear ratio that takes in 34in of line per turn of the handle and a max drag of 20lbs. We have found the 2500 size to be a great option for inshore anglers targeting weakfish, flounder, redfish, schoolie striped bass and more.

For technical inshore anglers targeting slot redfish, schoolie striped bass and more, the ST3000XGFM is the most popular model within this series as it offers an impressive blend of line capacity by holding roughly 200 yards of 10lb braid, a 6.4:1 ratio that takes in 37in of line per turn of the handle and capable of putting out 20lbs of max drag while weighing in under 8oz. The 3000 size stradic has consistently been a top selling reel since we opened our doors back in 1997.

The ST4000XGFM is the next step up that offers additional line capacity at around 230yds of 15lb braid, a 6.2:1 gear ratio that cranks in 40in of line per turn of the handle, and a slightly higher max drag at 24lbs while weighing less than 10oz. We have found this to be the second most popular size within this series of spinning reels over the years.

And then there is the STC5000XGFM, which is very similar in overall size to the STC4000XGFM, however it has a larger, deeper spool capable of holding around 260yds of 20lb braid and an upgraded ball handle for additional power and leverage while only weighing just over 10oz. This is a great option for bull redfish, striped bass, snook, small tarpon and more. We have also found this to be a great option for nearshore anglers targeting yellowtail snapper, blackfish (tautog) and more.

Why Should You Upgrade to the Shimano Stradic FM?

The previous generation of Stradic Spinning Reels, the Stradic FL, was a great option however the newly redesigned Stradic FM builds upon the Stradic’s longstanding history of continual innovation and excellence. The main differences between these two series are the additions of XfinityXross, InfinityDrive, Daura Cross Drag System, and an Anti-Twist Fin on the underside of the roller. It may not sounds like much, but each of these features helps to take this series of spinning reels to the next level for unrivaled performance at its price point. While the Shimano Stradic FM series of reels are manufactured in Malaysia, they still provide the premium construction and performance we have come to expect from higher end reels like the Shimano TwinPower and Stella series of spinning reels that are manufactured in Japan.

Shimano Stradic FM Spinning Reel Technologies:

• Anti-Twist Fin: This feature on the underside of the roller helps to prevent tangles and offers improved line management.
• Dura Cross Drag: Incorporates premium materials to provide additional durability that will last roughly ten times longer than felt for years of trouble free use.
• G-Free Body: Reduced weight and improved ergonomics allow you to fish all day long with ease.
• Hagane Body: Full metal body construction that prevents the frame and gear to come out of alignment while under a load.
• Hagane Gearing: Cold-forged gearing that Shimano is known for that provides industry leading strength and durability for years of ultra-smooth performance.
• Infinity Drive: Reduces torque, which in turn provides easier cranking power while under a load.
• InfinityXross: An all new technology that provides greater gearing efficiency and durability.
• Long Stroke Spool: Provides better casting performance and efficiency that helps to improve casting distance and reduce the chance of wind knots occurring.
• MicroModule II Gear: Industry leading design that further provides smoother operation that anglers have come to expect when fishing a Shimano Stradic.
• One Piece Bail: Eliminates the chance of your line tangling for worry free operation.
• S A-RB Bearings: Undergo the same anti-corrosion process as Shimano’s A-RB Bearings, with the addition of shields on both sides of the bearings to reduce the possibility of salt, dirt, or other foreign objects inhibiting the bearing’s rotation.
• Silent Drive: Less vibration and noise while casting, which further results in a quieter and smoother overall operation of the reel.
• X-Ship: Provides less friction between the spool shaft and main gear, which provides increased casting performance and overall durability.

Shimano Stradic FM Reel Features:

• Approved for use in Freshwater and Saltwater: Capable of handling any light tackle application and environment.
• Cold-Forged Aluminum Spool: Yields excellent strength and durability for top end line management.
• Machined Aluminum Handle: This interchangeable handle was designed with strength and durability in mind.
• Precision Engineering: Precise and meticulous attention to detail typically not found in reels at this price point.
• Smooth Retrieve: Near perfect gear meshing for a buttery smooth retrieve that holds up after multiple seasons of use.
• Waterproof Sealed Drag: Provides additional durability and drag performance in the harshest saltwater environments.

Upgrade Your Spinning Reel with the Shimano Stradic FM from TackleDirect

If you are in the market for a new spinning reel, we at TackleDirect would highly encourage you to take a look at the newly redesigned Shimano Stradic FM Spinning Reels. They are a premium option for all light tackle anglers who are looking for high end performance at a great value. If you are looking for professional advice on which size Shimano Stradic to go with, or want to find the best rod to pair up with your new reel, do not hesitate to reach out to our product experts who have fished this series of reels extensively. Or check out all of the professionally curated Stradic FM spinning combos that we have already put together to take the guess out of what you need to catch like the pros.