Lightly Used Shimano Calais 200A vs. New Curado CU100D

[tigerbalm2424]

Any opinions? Looking to pick up a slightly used Calais for $200 and weighing it against a new Curado CU100D.

[Bushwacker]

I have a Shimano Antares Scorpion that is the same basic thing as a Calais, only the Japan market version. It is a very, very nice reel that works for almost anything, but it is noticably larger than a Curado 100D. So if you have small hand or like smaller framed reels that Curado would be the way to go. But if you are look at getting a $389 reel for $200, you are getting a lot of bang for your buck there. The Calais's are smooth as silk and have been Shimano's low profile flagship reel for years. If it is gently used I would go with the Calais in a second, but I know some people are put off by the 200 size.

[tigerbalm2424]

Thanks! Thats the decision maker. I want a smaller reel. Looks like some curados....

[Bushwacker]

Yeah, the 200 size Curados are about the same size as the 200 Calais. I really like the 100 size a lot better. My Antares is actually my biggest low profile that I own by quite a bit. Still like the reel, just would for sure get the 100 size in the future. If you can find a Calais 100 for around $200 you can get the best of both worlds.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Go with the Calais! I have one and it really isnt as big as the 200 citica, curado, cruxis. Its bigger than the 100 but it doesnt feel bulky as the new 200 sizes.

Are looking into a CL200A or the older CL200? I would try to negotiate a lower price if it is the older CL200 since it was clearanced out for 199.97 last year and you might still find a few near that price.

Heck, I think you can find the 200A selling for less than 300 right now.

[tigerbalm2424]

Ok, another quick question. I just stopped at a well know shop next to my work to pick up 2 curados. The individual who helped me stated that Shimano will not honor their rebate if the reel is purchased from one of their dealers at a sale price. Is this true? If its not, I am kind of mad because this guy was pushing me the whole time and dont think he really cared to help me out. So if I buy one from a store that is having a %10 off sale, so I pay $179 (10% off of 199), I wont be able to get the $50 rebate? Is this right?

Thanks!

[TonkaBass]

The rebate is only good if the reel is full priced. I was wondering the same thing, but if you buy it on sale and mail the reciept to shimano you wont get the rebate!

[tigerbalm2424]

Thanks!

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I would contact shimano directly.

Doesnt make sense to me. Shimano is still making the same amount off the reel regardless what the store sells it for, right?

[BassProAddict]

From online shopping, how can you tell the size of a baitcaster?

I mean it's easy for spinning reels (just go with the series number 750,1000,1500 etc).

Do baitcasters have numbers?

[tigerbalm2424]

 Originally Posted By: TurnUpTheFishing

I would contact shimano directly.

Doesnt make sense to me. Shimano is still making the same amount off the reel regardless what the store sells it for, right?

Yeah thats what I thought at first. All-American Outdoors is advertising a sale in the STORE SALES section that has Curado 101D's going for $172 on sale, but also states that the sale price is Pre-rebate and that people can still get the rebate after purchasing at the sale price. Guess I have to contact Shimano. Something doesnt add up.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Here is the deal my friends...To get the rebate you must pay full price. All shimano products are MAP(Minimum advertised price) and stores are not allowed to sell below the MAP, some call it price protection. Companies do this so that stores like Gander MTN, BassPro and Cabelas doesnt put every body else out of buisness.

At some sportshow events, big companies will sometimes close their eyes or more just look the other way, and buisnesses will sell the prodcuts at a discounted price but then give youa recipt for the full value so that you can get the rebate still. If I had to guess, that is what AAO is doing even though they are not supposed to. Shimano will allow store to sell below MAP if the item is discontinued and or a product which has a new model made. Which is not the case with the Curado that I know of.

[tigerbalm2424]

Clear as day! What I figured too.

THanks.

[Bushwacker]

 Originally Posted By: BassProAddict

From online shopping, how can you tell the size of a baitcaster?

I mean it's easy for spinning reels (just go with the series number 750,1000,1500 etc).

Do baitcasters have numbers?

Some companies have numbers on their baitcasters, just like spinning reels. Like Shimano has Curado 100, 200, and 300. It is still difficult to know exactly what size each reel is because models vary in shapes and sizes a little even within the company. Other than that, you can use the weights listed online to find how heavy a reel is, but without actually picking one up and playing with it, it can be extremely difficult to figure out the actual size of a reel. I am personally a Daiwa guy, and there are a two or three main shapes that they use, the actual size and feel is different for almost all of their reels. I order a lot of equipment online, but try see one of them in person before doing so. Anybody else have a way to tell the sizes without handling them?