Video Review: Shimano Sustain FJ 3000 Spinning Reel.

Shimano has been so slow at delivering product this year I was kind of surprised when the new Shimano Sustain FJ Spinning Reels started showing up. Last time I saw them was at ICAST which feels like forever ago. So it was a happy surprise when I got the shipping notification that they were on the way.

The big question about the Sustain FJ is not how good it is but where it slots in between the Shimano Stradic FL and the Shimano Twin Power FD. It's basically $100 more than the former and $100 less than the later. So is it worth it? Should you get the Stradic and use that $100 for something else or should you go all in on the Twin Power FD? Here are some of my thoughts.

The Stradic FL is a fantastic reel. At the moment it's the best spinning reel of its kind at its price point. If you bought it, you would be very happy. The Twin Power is next level and adds a level of refinement that anglers who pay close attention to that sort of thing, and who it is important to will really appreciate. To me, the Sustain FJ has some of that Twin Power magic in it. It really does. I think the guys who are used to fishing the Twin Power will notice the difference between the Sustain and the Twin Power but for the guys who have never fished it will have a hard time distinguishing between the two.

So the choice really comes down to what you want to spend and what level of refinement you want. A Sustain FJ will give you an amazing fishing experience. I suggest you try one but if you opt for either the Stradic or the TP you will still have a blast on the water!