‘Vintage’ Shimano reel choice…..

[Reuben]

I’ve a hankering for a ‘vintage’ Shimano reel to pair with a 13ft float rod along the lines of my Accy Plus. The ones I’m looking at are:

Super 3000S GTM-RB
Stradic 3000M
Super Aero 3000GTM
Seido 2500 RA

I’ve not used Shims since the 90’s although they were my reels of choice apart from a 1657DM for the stick. Which of the above would you rate as best? Cheers.

 

[trotter2]

Like the older shimanos myself. It's a shame they removed the anti reverse on the front drag reels we would probably not be having this discussion.

 

[Reuben]

True. All the above are rear drag, though, out of preference.

 

[grey]

I would prefer the front drag because they're lighter and will suit your rod better - Stradic would be my first choice, especially if it's a single handle.

 

[trotter2]

Yes seen that. Older models are holding the money perhaps that's saying something.

 

[Ken the Pacman]

Original white Stradic every time for me
One of the best reels ever produced still have 3 of the 4000 model but currently use Daiwa's of various types all front drag.

 

[Reuben]

Original white Stradic every time for me
One of the best reels ever produced still have 3 of the 4000 model but currently use Daiwa's of various types all front drag.

So is the 3000M the original then?

 

[Ken the Pacman]

I think the original white version was a 3000 GTM and the later version was the M but we are talking 1990s here so I could be wrong.
To be fair there are better front drag reels in performance and weight now.

 

[Peter]

I think the original white version was a 3000 GTM and the later version was the M but we are talking 1990s here so I could be wrong.
To be fair there are better front drag reels in performance and weight now.

This is an original Ken.

 

[tipitinmick]

Sounds like we love the same sort of reels Reuben. Personally I’d go for the 3000 GTM. I only have the one but, I have numerous 3010 and 4010’s. I also still use an old 1647 for stick float fishing. Some say a marmite reel but, I love mine.

 

[grey]

I think the original white version was a 3000 GTM and the later version was the M but we are talking 1990s here so I could be wrong.
To be fair there are better front drag reels in performance and weight now.

You'll get reels that are lighter, and with slightly a better drag, and initially, they'll feel smoother too, but it is at a cost - the bodies roll and twist more, combine this with modern lightweight internals and majority of modern reels are designed with a relatively short life in mind.

The Stradics were designed for a lifetime of use. Modern Shimano's aren't.

 

[Sam Vimes]

So is the 3000M the original then?

That's the way the shallow "Match" spools are labelled (3000M/4000M etc). The deeper spools are simply numbered with the appropriate size (3000/4000 etc).

The proper name for the original rear drag reel is Stradic 3000GTM (or Stradic 4000GTM etc).
Mine are still going strong. The only signs of wear are on some of the letter/number transfers. I'm not really hard on my reels. However, they don't get used much these days. I prefer the slightly lower weight and greater diameter spools of more modern Shimano rear drag reels.

Don't discount the Stradic 4000GTM with the idea that it'll be significantly heavier than the 3000GTM. There's only a 6g difference (351g and 357g respectively) but the spool on the 4000 is 46mm across as opposed to 42mm. I feel that is of greater benefit than 6g less weight.

 

[TiggerXFM]

I have a few older shimano reels, mostly baitrunners though.
I do have one older match reel, a super x 2500GTM and I very much like it, however, I also have some later models, one of which is a front drag stradic 2500FJ which feels a more solid and robust build.
Regarding the drags systems, I prefer rear drag reels, especially the ones with the fighting drag.
I think I would opt for the latest shimano stradic rear drag reel rather than looking for an older version....jmo.

 

[floatfisher]

I have four of the silver coloured super aeros, two 3000 and two 4000 which I use for all my feeder fishing. Love them.

 

[davej1981]

Im still using an aero 3010 gtm with the fighting drag and double handle. Still silky smooth

 

[squimp]

What about the Aero Match 3 ?

Still my favourite trotting reel.

I use old Super GT4000 fighting drag reels for my lighter specialist fishing.

Both the above models use the same size spools -which really helps.