Citica 100 or 200?

[cjac]

Hey guys,

Going to pick up a new Citica this weekend thanks to a big-box retailer and their promos and a manufacturer rebate. Already got a 5.0:1 ratio for cranks in the 200 Citica, looking for a 6.2:1 version to put on the 6'8" x-fast med action Avid.

What's the better option, the 100 or 200? 200 has an extra bearing at 4+1 versus the 100 at 3+1, but it also weighs 2.5 oz. more. Line capacity of the 100 is more than enough at 120/12, so what's the preference? I have both in the old greenie Curados, and I am torn to be honest. I know the Citica is essentially tho old 200 SF, but what about the 100? I know both have the whiffle spool.....

I do muskies so I'm used to a bigger reel in my hands, but flicking a set-up that weighs next to nothing is nice too.

Spend my money.......what would you steer me towards?

Thanks, Chris

[Grant Pearson]

I am in the same boat as you as far as liking to target muskies as well as bass, am, too, am used to the bigger sized reels. That being said, I would tend to lean towards the 200. My reasoning behind this is as follows: In late spring/early summer when both muskies and bass open up, I find that since early season muskies like smaller offerings, I can use my bass set up for both bass and muskies. All you need to do is change lures. With that being said, I like to have a reel that's lighter, yet is powerful enough that it can withstand the power of a muskie surge, yet is small enough and "delicate" enough if you will, to change the offering and start bass fishing without changing rods. IMO, the 200 will still be small and light enough for bass, yet can withstand the powerful runs of the musky. Plus, the extra line capacity definitely a plus, though I've never had a fish of any species empty my spool. In essence, you could get away with the 100, but I know I enjoy the extra ball bearing, and like knowing that the larger size (200 for example) can handle the abuse that a 'ski can and will dish out, and is still not necessarily "big enough" to be a musky reel.

that's my $.02 and my opinion.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Hey C- Whats up?

I think its really all a personal pref thing. Some like the smaller reel in their hand, some, like lighter reels...

Although they are the same gear ratio- the 100 will pick up about 1" per handle turn less, which can be a good thing at times, and a bad thing at times, yet probably not noticeable..

You also noticed that the 200 has one more ball bearing... And where that ball bearing is or isn't does make a difference.. In this case, the 200 has the extra bearing in the gear housing part, where the 100 has a bushing in the same place... if you look at the schematics for both, they are pretty much the same give or take some small changes where some parts are and or go to fit into the smaller frame.. but on the 200 it lists part #31 a ball bearing next to the drive shaft retainer... On the 100 there is #3756 drive shaft bushing, next to a slightly different shped drive shaft retainer...

All said in done.. what fits your hand better.

I have big hands, I like the 200's better.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Along with one less bearing the 100 size doesnt have HEGs and doesnt have a whiffled spool.

Ive got no complaints about the 200s im running and was ready to pull the trigger on a 100 but found a better option. I got to play with the 100s at work and they seemed very nice. Though im not sure how the deep spool and bearing would affect pitching/casting when actually on the water.

You're looking for strictly bass? Either size would work. For both bass and 'skis a 200 would probably be better suited.

[mshs1]

Individual taste and preference. I have a 100 fits my hand and the fish I target, but I don't target muskies. I used it in Alaska --landed a 20 pound king-in that case I would have wanted a 200.

[cjac]

Thnks guys, sounds like y'all are like me, kinda on the fence. Either way, it's a win/win is what it sounds like. I'm looking at a strictly bass combo, so the 100 will work but the issue I have is picking up a bass rig after using the muskie stuff just feels foreign in my hands! They're so light I feel like I'm swatting mosquitos! I have a Scorpion 50 (Japanese Chronarch) and love it, so I'm leaning 100...but I also do fish waters with muskie so the extra line cap. of the 200 is tempting. Flip a coin I guess....

Deitz: All is good, hope the same goes for you! Finished mounting all the LED lights you saw me getting, it's sweet! Those sled edge mount LED strips are really nice, lights up the holes nicely. Actually heading out this evening to chase some crappies.

Happy New Years to all, Chris

[katoguy]

I am also in the market for a new Shimano (the $50 rebate makes the decision a little easier on a $200 reel), but I still want the best price, of course. It looks like the Curado's are price-protected as every price I find on-line is the same.

cjac, where did you find the best deal?

Thx.

[cjac]

katoguy,

You are going to find the same prices everywhere, $120 on the Citica and $200 on the Curados, $250 for the Curado 300 DSV. Any deals on top of that come from retailer discounts/credit card promos, etc.

I'd encourage you to consider the Citicas, $90 after the rebate. Essentially the old Green Curado SF. I've asked around a bit and most will say that it's hard to go wrong with the Citica.

Chris

[katoguy]

I am trying to slowly upgrade my reels. I have quite the collection so it takes time. I got a Calais 201A last year. I would like to stay with the higher end.

It looks like American Outdoors (FM sponsor) has the best pricing, but I don't know if Shimano will honor the rebates through them. (Are they an Authorized dealer or reseller?)

Thx.

[cjac]

Yes, they are a FM sponsor.

Chris