My son had asked for an Okuma V-system for Xmas, but the guy at the tackle shop talked me into a Shimano Stradic.  When I got it home and went through it, the Stradic seemed more like a $29 reel than a $119 reel.  I did not like what I considered a shortcut on the handle (same aluminum handle found on $10 reels), and there was a significant amount of play/wobble on the spool.  I ended up returning the Stradic and getting my son the V-system he wanted.  His V-45 is easily the equivalent of the $400 Shimano's.

I have to say that the Epixor is easily the equivalent, and might even better the Stradic in build quality.  10 bearings, zero back play in the gearing, superb spool with no play/wobble, high quality handle, and smooth as silk.  Although it has a graphite body, versus the aluminum body of the Stradic, out of the box it's a winner.  While I don't know how it will hold up long term, it's amazing to think I could buy nearly 4 Epixor's to one Stradic.

Cost is about $6 more than the old ones were, so I assume they will run maybe $6-10 more at retail.

Trim-Tab and I are heading out to exercise our Epixors shortly......

Glad you like 'em......

chumhead