hey mitch, don't know about the daiwa reels but i've got a stradic ci4 2500 and love it. if you shop around on flea bay you will find one under $200 overseas. i paid $179 plus $30 for postage. another reel i have that i run 4lb braid is a shimano twinpower 1000. it was around $300 from the local tackle shop and is an awesome light smooth reel for throwing plastics.