Eric, I'm in a unique position to help you. Have a older stradic 2000 a brand new one, and an Okuma epix ef-30 too! The older stradic has 1 problem, the line tends to jump out of the roller bail-guide during a fishfight. Burning the line and marking-up the reel. Looks like Shimano has addressed this with the new model, replacing the plastic with an improved metal part. As for the Okuma it's 1/2 the $$ and in my view is an ok reel, compared with the stradic it feels a little heavy with a smooth but thicker rewind. Almost as if the stradic has a lighter oil in the crankcase. If $$ is not an issue, I whould go with the new model Shimano it's very sweet!