Stradic 4000FH

[2Rod]

Does anyone know if a reel handle assembly from a different Shimano reel will fit this unit?  I am searching for an all-metal replacement due to cracking of the plastic conical base on the RD 7990 handle assembly.

Thanks.

[alantani]

we need someone here that knows all of these spinners.  it certainly isn't me.  anyone?   

[Nessie Hunter]

Nope, work on a lot of them.   Just to many to know whats what.
Good chance many will fit.....??
Might try a shop and take measurements with you - or the reel itself?

[philaroman]

GREAT reel w/ crappy handle assembly & suspect bail-return mechanism!  Off the top of my head:

methinks, the Stradic FH handle has those 4 little divots where it meets the main gear, which has 4 little matching teeth (rather than a totally flat connection, like older models).  You can use older Stradic handles w/ the rosewood knob -- just add some sort of dense, compressible washer/liner, so the 4 little teeth don't wear down...  OR, just file the damn things off -- they don't do anything accept make older handles "incompatible".  The heavy nylon collars on old, honest Shimano handles DON'T CRACK!!!

an all-metal handle may be tough to find -- all-metal US-model handles tend to be direct drive (screw-in, rather than through-the-gear).  You may have to go JDM (Biomaster is the JDM better version of Stradic).  Alternatively, you may be able to upgrade to Sustain FD direct-drive gears/handle...  either way, it's EXPENSIVE!!!

if you're in the mood to SPEND (LOL), I have a very beefy near-mint Biomaster LS all-metal folding handle, but it has the smaller Septon(?) grip -- not the T-bar more appropriate for 4000-size.  Also, if you have a handle screw that's separate from the cover, I have the machined aluminum covers from SustainFA/TwinPowerXT that fit (no idea why the screw & cover on 2500FH are separate, while 4000FH schematics show the cheaper one-piece).

[2Rod]

After several conversations with Shimano customer service, I was told a handle assy from either a Sedona 4000FD (RD12854) or a Sahara 4000FD (RD12297) will fit this reel.  I am going to order the Sahara handle assy and will post confirmation that it fits the Stradic 4000FH when complete.

[philaroman]

I thought you wanted "all metal"

Shimano-North America CS reps will ONLY discuss US models & steer you toward products less than 5 years old, whenever possible.  They'll avoid anything from Shimano-Japan, like the plaugue -- it makes their inferior Malaysian/Chinese stuff look bad & they fear customer outrage over astronomical JDM prices.

there's no question that your reel can use 2500-4000 SymetreFI/SaharaFD handles -- the machined-aluminum arm is actually nicer than StradicFH (Sedona will fit, but it has a cheap die-cast arm). ALL these newer handles have cheap, brittle, plastic collars like your cracked original "conical base"; the grips are permanently attached & can't be easily replaced; and they're likely to wear out after several years of heavy use.

if you want DURABLE, you have 2 options: adapt an older handle OR pay through the nose for JDM parts (a new/mint Biomaster or Ultegra Advance handle would be a bargain for $60, IF you could find one)

[2Rod]

I would like an all-metal replacement, but, $60 is more than I am willing to pay to get my reel back in working shape.  Based on that, the Sahara handle seems to be my best option.

[philaroman]

the Symetre/Sahara handle ain't bad -- I'm actually using the 2500-size on my Biomaster, because it's lighter & simpler than the bulky all-metal original folding handle that I don't like...  I'm just resigned to the fact that the plastic collar can crack & the grip will eventually wear out.

get the Sahara for now & keep an eye on eBay for a busted Biomaster or Ultegra that looks like your Stradic (2003-models, I guess)...  or, Sustain 4000FD, for that matter.  With a few years to bargain-shop, you may well find one for <$60 & it will give you all kinds of goodies: upgrade handle, rotor/bail, spare spool(s), etc.  It's kinda' silly, but high-end "parts" reels often sell for the price of 1 major part & the rest is GRAVY

[2Rod]

After a couple additional conversations with Shimano Customer Service, I ordered an All-Metal (woo-hoo) handle assembly from a Shimano Stradic 4000 MgFA.  The part number is RD9153, and the cost was $34.  Winner!