Shimano Cardiff 301A vs Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag

The selected categories are different, score metrics vary from category to another.

Shimano Cardiff 301A

Multireels

34.80 out of 100

Value for money3.5 out of 5

Quality classMedium

Durability3.69 out of 10

Ergonomics6.38 out of 10

Gear ratio5.8:1

Maximum drag5kg / 11.02 lbs

Weight252g / 8.89oz

Line retireve per crank61cm / 24.01 inch

Ball bearings4 A-RB + 1 RB

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelMultireels
Price range~ €88.60
Is saltwater resistantNo
Spare spoolNo
Reel size301
Handle typeDouble handle
Drag typeStar drag
Handle orientationLeft
Line capacity monofilmm/m: 0.25/285. 0.30/235, 0.40/40 lb/yds:12/230, 14/180

Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag

Spinning

57.30 out of 100

Value for money3.5 out of 5

Quality classMedium

Durability3.74 out of 10

Ergonomics2 out of 10

Gear ratio6.0:1

Maximum drag2.5 kg - 5.51 lbs

Weight315 g - 11.1oz

Line retireve per crank88 cm / 34.65 inch

Ball bearings4 Shielded Stainless Steel

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelSpinning
Price range~ €99.33
Is saltwater resistantNo
Spare spoolNo
Reel size2500
Handle typeDouble handle
Drag typeRead drag
Handle orientationLeft, Right
Line capacity monofilmm/m: 0.18-290 / 0,20-240 / 0,25-160 / 0,30-105 lb/yds: 6-200 / 8-140 / 10-120

Conclusion

Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 301A, offering significantly better performance in gear ratio (6.0:1) and line retrieve per crank (88 cm / 34.65 inch). While Shimano Cardiff 301A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano Cardiff 301A and Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag?

Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag

A fast gear ratio of 9.6 out of 10 (6.0:1), means the reel is built for speed and it's perfect for active retrieves, and quick follow ups
A drag rating of 6.38 out of 10 (2,5 kg - 5.51 lbs) gives you steady control and it's perfect for most freshwater fish and light saltwater action
8.3 out of 10 (88 cm / 34.65 inch) in line retrieve, means it picks up line fast, very handy when chasing quick fish