1simplemann Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 I've been hearing some good things about the Stradic ci4 plus. Looks like nice reel. But the thing is I hate the color red. I really dislike red equipment. Just a personal preference. Anyway I mentioned this to another guy and he said that shimano has two reels, the rarenanium and the exsence. Both in colors that I prefer. Only available in Japan but available on e bay. I found them but it hard to compare them with their American line. I'm looking for a 3000or 4000 size reel for kayak fishing. Strikers,blues and inshore flats fishing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennysnook Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 Who cares about performance. It is black, buy it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kchang016 Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 The Rarenium is a Stradic ci4+ the only thing different is the color. Both have same internals and same drag output. That's why the price is the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kchang016 Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 And the Excense is super light. Even the 4000 size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildcard777 Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 getting jdm reels repaired is a pain but there are some interesting choices. HLMA143 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoosterSeeker Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 Something to consider when buying internationally. If you have to send something back for any reason, the shipping cost can be a killer. (not to mention all of the Customs paper work that you get to fill out) I am still trying to get two broken Shimano travel rods back to the U.K. for a refund. Both rods are toast. The cost was just over 300 for both. So far the cheapest way to send them back looks to be U.S. Mail at around 60 bucks. Lowest FedEx rate? More than the cost of the two rods. Keith   Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1simplemann Posted April 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 Ok let's see if I have this right. The rarenium is basically the same as the Stradic. The exsence is an even lighter version of the rarenium? Also it would be very expensive to send back for repair. That part is the risky part but how feasible is it for local guy to fix and maintain on the regular stuff like bearing replacement, bail spring replacement etc. With care and regular maintenance a high quality reel should last for years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennysnook Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 My first post was a bit richard but it is not a wise choice imo to buy on color only to get the same reel with service issues. If you are just looking a bearings and general maintanence then there are no issues but if something happens you are screwed. It is hard enough to find parts for older domestic reels. I own a few twin powers that I bought because they were the intermediate option between sustain and stella at a sustain cost at the time. I tried to sell it recently after owning 6 years and couldnt give it away. That said, my twins only ever needed roller bearings and general service within that timeframe and I would buy again despite value loss. To me they are worth more, just dont buy because you dont like red trim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1simplemann Posted April 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 My first post was a bit richard but it is not a wise choice imo to buy on color only to get the same reel with service issues. If you are just looking a bearings and general maintanence then there are no issues but if something happens you are screwed. It is hard enough to find parts for older domestic reels. I own a few twin powers that I bought because they were the intermediate option between sustain and stella at a sustain cost at the time. I tried to sell it recently after owning 6 years and couldnt give it away. That said, my twins only ever needed roller bearings and general service within that timeframe and I would buy again despite value loss. To me they are worth more, just dont buy because you dont like red trim.Well,iguess I should just get a Penn Conquer and fish it till dies. Then buy another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1simplemann Posted April 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Anyone else with experience with Japanese Shimanos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennysnook Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Yep, that is exactly what I said. You should buy the exact same reel with a different color, lose the warranty, pay $30 to ship it back, and then pay for parts. If not, save it for five years and sell it for half of what the stradic is selling for. Thats the best choice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kchang016 Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Ok let's see if I have this right. The rarenium is basically the same as the Stradic. The exsence is an even lighter version of the rarenium? Also it would be very expensive to send back for repair. That part is the risky part but how feasible is it for local guy to fix and maintain on the regular stuff like bearing replacement, bail spring replacement etc. With care and regular maintenance a high quality reel should last for years. Â I cannot comment on the excense. It is quite more costly than the rarenium. I am just saying its light because my friend has one and the vanquish bio master sw. He loves JDM shimano reels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CityFisher Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 I have a shimano biomaster 4000 sw and a shimano excence ci4+ 3000. Got both a little over a month ago and love them. Take care of your reels and learn to do some light servicing yourself and you'll be good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumichog Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 The Stradic FJ 5000 is only 1.5oz heavier that the Ci4 4000 and comes with more capacity, higher max drag, more speed, stiffer frame, and complete saltwater safety. It's a real gem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Jon Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 I'm almost certain the main gear in the stradic ci4 is the same as the Stella while the rarenium is cold forged alloy, the rarenium does come with a spare spool though. Also the stradic ci4 has a much faster retrieve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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