Shimano Curado vs's ?

[Bobcat45]

Here's my question for you guys that use baitcasters alot. Prefferably people who have the curado and also other reels. I planned on buying a curado this year but the price jumped up 80.00$ I hear alot of people love them. Is there other reels that you feel are just as good of quality that are still in that 100.00 to 125.00 dollar range. Or do you feel that its worth paying the extra coin for the curado. I've looked at alot of reels but for me its hard to tell in the store if there good quality or not. Thanks Bobcat

[Ralph Wiggum]

Go with the Shimano Citica. It's basically an improvement on last year's Curado. The Curado for 2006 is a totally different (and pricier) reel. The Citica is very comparable to the previous Curado SF models.

[kslipsinker]

The Curado is now a $200 reel that was redesigned and totally new this year. It is available in a 5.3 and a 7.0 retrieve ratio. The Citica is a new model in the $120 range, which is where the old model Curado used to be.

I own last years Curado 200B with the 6.3 ratio and a 200 Superfree that is also a 6.3 ratio. Both are great reels that have been flawless for me.

There is another new Shimano called the Cruix, that is about $100. I have no personal experience with any of the new models.

[Hookmaster]

I bought a Team Daiwa Advantage 153HST (super tuned) since I like the magnetic brake that the Shimano's haven't had for a while. It's 6.3:1 gear ratio and casts very well which is what I bought it for. A Daiwa guy at the Sportshow said it was supposed to compete with the Curado, then Shimano redesigned it. The Daiwa cost $140 at Cabelas. It's a nice reel. Check it out.

[Bushwacker]

I have four Pflueger Presidents and I love them. I have a 2004 Curado SF and a couple of Curado B's, but my favorite reels are the Presidents. Very smooth, great drag systems, and easy to adjust the brake system.

[Gus]

I was in your same position this spring. I went with the Shimano Citica and I am really impressed with this reel. I have last years Curado SF and it also is a great reel. They both feel nearly identicle to me. I will buy another citica to go with my next combo. Pfluggers feel very nice but what I've been told a few times over is that they will not last as long as a shimano. (not trying to start an argument here, this is just what I've been told by fellas working at Cabelas, Gander etc).

[Fish Head]

I have a Curado (not the new version) and a Pfluger Trion. I love the Curado! The Trion is good, but not as nice as the Curado.

Just last night I purchased a Quantum Energy PT. I believe it was last years model. It was regularly priced at $159.99 on sale for $97.99 at Gander Mtn. Does anyone know anything about these?

[berfish]

I would look at the Pflugger Trion for $99 or the President. Very smooth reels. Have handled heavy hooksets using power pro line. I used to have a curado then the drag broke after a half a year fishing the same way.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Go with the Citica and be ahppy. its an awesome reel, if you dont like the $120 price tag, which its worth every penny, go with the Cruxis(wich is pretty much last years curado)... for $99.. the Citica replaced last years Curado SF... but with better gears.

[Bobcat45]

Thanks guys for the info. You've all been helpful. I probly won't make to the store this weekend. But I will be looking soon and comparing. One question though. Do you know if the new Curado & Citica Have the same body and that the gears and guts are different. Or are they different bodys. Thanks again. Bobcat45

[Deitz Dittrich]

I am on the shimano prostaff, and can answer that question.. The body is different on the Citica over the old Curado.. Only becuase the new Citica has the HEG(High Energy Gears) vs the old regular gears.,., Please trust me when I say the New Citica is a better reel than both the old Curado and the old Curado SF... Its the same gear ratio and other than that, pretty much the same specs as the old curado sf.

[andy j]

Quote:

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go with the Cruxis(wich is pretty much last years curado)... for $99.. the Citica replaced last years Curado SF... but with better gears.

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Deitz,

I had heard this also, (that they had the same guts) and contacted Shimano directly to confirm but they would not verify it with me, I know you are a Shimano Staffer, what did you hear? Thanks, Andy

[Deitz Dittrich]

on paper the older Shimano SF and the Citica are very similar reels. The insides and frame are not exact as they have added the HEG(High Energy Gears)to the Citica. The HEG gears give you more power, and less fatigue in a long day fishing. Head to head if I had the chance to buy a brand new Curado Sf(last years model)and a Citica.... I would buy the Citica.