Reel deal

BB · December 08, 2012, 07:15:25 PM

So are the new Curados g series junk or what?The guy at my local tackle store talked me out of buying one which surprised me.Says it's nothing but a green citica from prior models,I love shimano but this has taken the wind out my sails

Pro Reel · December 08, 2012, 08:35:59 PM

I wish it was a green Citica E or even a Citica before that, it's not even that. I would say that after having service several of these G reels, that the Citca E was a lot nicer reel than the Curado G. They basically took the caenan reel assembly line that was producing the graphite bodied Caenan reel and started producing a similar reel in an aluminum frame. To me, there are several things about the insides of the G reels that just resemble a cheap kids toy. I now suggest that if you want to buy a Shimano casting reel, then the Chronarch E is the lowest model that i would consider worthy of serious users.

BB · December 08, 2012, 09:36:55 PM

Roger that ,it felt cheap in my hands,was what I was thinking,the chronarchs do feel really nice though thanks for the advise

Mike Cork · December 09, 2012, 03:27:29 PM

I'm kind of surprised by your thoughts on the G Model? I know many didn't like them and didn't give them a chance after the initial reviews. I know you've got experience with them thought.

I find that the G is doing very well. IMO it's the old greenies with a smaller lighter frame. Parts are very similar to that of the Greenies of yester year and we all know how durable those reels were.

Now I have not tore into an abused G model and have only dealt with my own, that are well taken care of. So far I like what I see. I expecially like that they have found a way to make the price more comfortable to the wallet. The big question will be durability.

This all comes from someone (me) that absolutely does not believe that you need ten bearings in a reel to be good.

I have no problem recommending the Curado G

Mike Cork · December 09, 2012, 03:29:24 PM

I should add a disclaimer that I've been defending the Shimano decision on this model since it came out.. And I shouldn't they don't pay me, slip me a discount, nodda I just personally like the reel.

Pro Reel · December 09, 2012, 07:30:32 PM

I also have no afiliation with them or any brand. I personally use the E50, the Calcutta, some original CU 200's, several shimano spinning reels, some abu reels and some daiwa reels.
I myself was upset with the original choice to change the name of the Curado E to the Chronarch E. I wish they had just raised the prices across the board and kept all the E reels including the Citica E which was was a heck of a good reel. Thats not what they did, they started producing the Curado G on the Caenan assembly line. Now, I agree with Mike 100% on bearings, if everything else is built right and the bushings are of good quality, then they don't matter. 2 to 3 would be enough for a great reel. What I have seen in the Curado and Citica G reels that have been sent to me though has nothing to do with parts that are related to bearings. It's clutch's that are built out of a different material than they used in the past. Some sort of light gray plastic thats much softer than the white nylon of superior quality. It's sloppy fit of parts that had a much better fit on the E model reels such as the bar that keeps the sidecover from falling off when it's open. That bar now goes into a hole thats not a tight fit and when loose it just flops around. It's also little things like the way they used E clips to attach the nose cone instead of a screw. It's the stamped metal clucth pawl that might be fine but just looks cheap compared to other shimano clutch pawls. It's the fact that they had a need for a nylon spacer to fill in an area between the the pinion bearing and the clutch that used to be a lot more precise in the E models and only needed a very thin metal washer to space the bearing from the clucth. It's the bulky looking handle that reminds me of much cheaper reels. IMO, It's all of those things combined. Notice, I never said it was junk or that it would fall apart, it just doesn't remind me of the quality that shimano is known for. I would much rather use my CU 200 reels.
Everyone please remember that these statements are my opinion and i admit they could be influenced by my disapointment with what shimano did with a lot of reels this year. If the Curado G was called the Caenan G, i might not be quite so harsh on it.

Pro Reel · December 09, 2012, 07:48:32 PM

Oh Wow, I forgot to mention the plastic grommet that holds the clutch spring. Thats always been a metal grommet or straight into the frame on quality reels. WTF were they thinking with that?

BB · December 09, 2012, 07:49:24 PM

What bothers me about the deal is I'm thinking when buying a curado it's going to be at least on par with prior models.I think they upset the curado and chronarch users through some clever marketing.This reel isn't what I expect from the curado name and I don't need to fish with it to say that.Good news is I love this Chronarch even though it's a downgrade for that model it's only 20 bucks more than the curado e was so I can deal with it.

LgMouthGambler · December 10, 2012, 05:22:23 AM

I dont think there is anything wrong with the G. Time will only tell of its performance and longevity, but Shimano has never disappointed in the past. Everyone was upset when the E series came out syaing it was not as good as the D, and prior models, but look how that turned out. I have used the G, and know people that are using it and are very satisfied with it. I will be buying one in the future to add to the arsenal.

JPD0144 · December 10, 2012, 10:58:52 AM

Quote from: Pro Reel on December 08, 2012, 08:35:59 PM
I wish it was a green Citica E or even a Citica before that, it's not even that. I would say that after having service several of these G reels, that the Citca E was a lot nicer reel than the Curado G.............I now suggest that if you want to buy a Shimano casting reel, then the Chronarch E is the lowest model that i would consider worthy of serious users.

Totally agree ... been a die hard Shimano user for years ... pretty much have owned/fished/tuned/serviced (personal collection) almost every model produced in USDM and JDM market since mid 90's. This new "G" concept of Malaysian made Citica/Curado is no where near the refinement and quality of past generations in my opionion. With the exception of the Citica D in the 200 platform which was Malaysian also (100 Citica was Japan as was all D platform Curados 100/200/300). The Citica 200 D had right componets but was wrong on tolerances (origin issues) ... I think that Citica was so so but still maybe better than the "G" platform (although G plams better/lighter) Just my experience with the "G" so far. But if its working for ya thats all that counts !!

Mike Cork · December 10, 2012, 01:58:09 PM

Quote from: Pro Reel on December 09, 2012, 07:48:32 PM
Oh Wow, I forgot to mention the plastic grommet that holds the clutch spring. Thats always been a metal grommet or straight into the frame on quality reels. WTF were they thinking with that?

Humm I must have missed that? Only been in mine a couple times for a quick look and oil dab. They'll be getting a complete tear down this month and I may have more opinion on them. I'll have 10 months of pretty serious use on them.

I didn't realize that the Citica D model was a Malaysian? Interesting that it needed at service bulletin for the worm gear tolerance

I haven't had any issues with the G curados as of yet.

bass78 · December 10, 2012, 02:30:21 PM

I have had a curado g series for about a year now and love mine. I fish around 30 tournaments a year plus and the practicing that I do, have had no trouble at all. Only time will tell but so far it has been awesome ! I have a 1 curado g series, 1 curado e series, 2 citca g series , 2 citica e series. You can tell the difference in them but I would still put them up against any other reel for equal money !

JPD0144 · December 10, 2012, 03:01:24 PM

I did get a bad taste of Malaysian made reels when the Stradic spinning and the Citica 200 (not just for the line guide but for shere refinement) were made there. I was a happy when the Citica E hit Japan again and was very noticeable.

I just hate to see the Curado and Citica both go there as they have been such good work horse reels for over a decade now.

In all fairness Shimano has won me over on the Malaysian Stradic FJ again as it does seem like a more refined precision tool than some earlier releases from there and reminds me more of the older Japan models. On a side note though time will tell if it still will feel/fish the same after years of use.

Lets hope that down the road in a couple of years we still hear some of the same positive of the "G".

Mike Cork · December 10, 2012, 03:13:50 PM

Agreed about the G's durability. The old greenies (CU) are amazing and still burning up the lakes today

Just not quite as low of a profile.

Pferox · December 10, 2012, 05:26:35 PM

I don't own many Schimanos, but know that some plastics are good, sometimes better. and I trust the design people at Schimano are savvy enough to know when to use what.

They are rust resistant, self lubricating, some are better than steel in certain applications.

Don't shoot down a product because of plastic.

Poor tolerances, and wrong composites that deteriorate is a problem. But that could be tooling errors when setting up the new lathes, molds, or other tooling or even a bad materials vendor. Lack of product testing can be an issue also, but I am very surprised that Shimano would risk tarnishing the reputation that they have worked years to build over shoddy parts and workmanship.

I don't know how long they have been making reels in Malaysia, but I can bet that problems will get straightened out as quickly as they can.

kidd · December 11, 2012, 08:27:33 AM

I'm thoroughly confused now. So if I were going to buy a shimano do I get a citica now or is the curado ok? I know where a pile of the older curados are so would that be best? I use revos exclusively now and have begun switching to generation 3s however I don't like how the new premier fits in my hand. The STX is great though but I'm interested in shimano.

JPD0144 · December 11, 2012, 09:21:58 AM

As a safety till all the "reviews are in down the road" my recommendation would be to buy the Chronarch E's or source out used in excellent condition or new Curado and Citica E's.
You cant go wrong with any of those three. In the E series citicas are running $75-85, Curados $125-$150 and Chronarchs about $165-$175.

Or spoil yourself with a Core 50mg7 $295-$305 or the 100mg7 arournd $315-$325

I am however happy to hear what Mike and Bass78 had to say so far on their G's.
The couple I have dont get too pounded on with the options I have in my roatation so they see limited use. They seem to be putting theirs to use lol !

On a side note ... On the Premier was it the side palming cover or the drop down gear box that didnt feel right when mounted to a rod ?

kidd · December 11, 2012, 09:36:25 AM

The gear box definitely.

JPD0144 · December 11, 2012, 09:52:14 AM

Quote from: kidd on December 11, 2012, 09:36:25 AM
The gear box definitely.

There seems to be some getting use to on the drop down from what I hear ... especially from guys rotataing Gen 2's and 3's on the front deck.
The Revo platform seems to have been a overall solid performing reel through the generations as a whole.

bass78 · December 11, 2012, 10:33:21 AM

Quote from: JPD0144 on December 11, 2012, 09:21:58 AM
As a safety till all the "reviews are in down the road" my recommendation would be to buy the Chronarch E's or source out used in excellent condition or new Curado and Citica E's.
You cant go wrong with any of those three. In the E series citicas are running $75-85, Curados $125-$150 and Chronarchs about $165-$175.

Or spoil yourself with a Core 50mg7 $295-$305 or the 100mg7 arournd $315-$325

I am however happy to hear what Mike and Bass78 had to say so far on their G's.
The couple I have dont get too pounded on with the options I have in my roatation so they see limited use. They seem to be putting theirs to use lol !

On a side note ... On the Premier was it the side palming cover or the drop down gear box that didnt feel right when mounted to a rod ?

I have the citica and the curado in the g series, there is nothing wrong with either one. Shimano still makes great reels. They took and added a bearing to the citica and took one away from the curado. I would still trust shimano over all others.

Down4ttown · December 11, 2012, 07:04:00 PM

Academy has the Curado G series for standard price but give you a free ethos rod with it. Just in case anyone was on the fence.

LgMouthGambler · December 12, 2012, 08:07:30 AM

I wouldn't worry too much about the use of plastic parts. If you think about it the Curado 50E had a plastic drag star, no problem. Also, if you know about handguns, most companies are going to plastic frames for weight and rust resistance. Many car parts under the hood are plastic too. Its a certain type of plastic, not just the plastic that your toy soldiers were made of, lol.

Pro Reel · December 12, 2012, 10:18:24 AM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on December 12, 2012, 08:07:30 AM
I wouldn't worry too much about the use of plastic parts. If you think about it the Curado 50E had a plastic drag star, no problem. Also, if you know about handguns, most companies are going to plastic frames for weight and rust resistance. Many car parts under the hood are plastic too. Its a certain type of plastic, not just the plastic that your toy soldiers were made of, lol.

All reels have plastic parts. There are places where it's good and places where it's not. The E 50 has a graphite composite drag star. Same as the Citica E. They are stronger than plastic but I still see several very month with one or more arms broke off. The parts in the new reels that have me concerned are areas that recieve a lot of stress and wear. I don't see it as a good idea to use plastic in those areas.

Fishwhittler · December 12, 2012, 02:08:18 PM

Quote from: Pro Reel on December 12, 2012, 10:18:24 AM
All reels have plastic parts. There are places where it's good and places where it's not. The E 50 has a graphite composite drag star. Same as the Citica E. They are stronger than plastic but I still see several very month with one or more arms broke off. The parts in the new reels that have me concerned are areas that recieve a lot of stress and wear. I don't see it as a good idea to use plastic in those areas.

Pro Reel, could you post any pics of the insides of the Citica G as compared with an E to illustrate what you're saying about the G's plastic internals?

I personally like my reels to have a lot of metal in them. Weight isn't a big issue for me, and I'd rather have the durability of aluminum. A plastic pinion yoke and levelwind gears are fine, but other than that I prefer aluminum.

hootiebenji · December 14, 2012, 10:25:49 AM

Quote from: Mike Cork on December 09, 2012, 03:27:29 PM
I'm kind of surprised by your thoughts on the G Model? I know many didn't like them and didn't give them a chance after the initial reviews. I know you've got experience with them thought.

I find that the G is doing very well. IMO it's the old greenies with a smaller lighter frame. Parts are very similar to that of the Greenies of yester year and we all know how durable those reels were.

Now I have not tore into an abused G model and have only dealt with my own, that are well taken care of. So far I like what I see. I expecially like that they have found a way to make the price more comfortable to the wallet. The big question will be durability.

This all comes from someone (me) that absolutely does not believe that you need ten bearings in a reel to be good.

I have no problem recommending the Curado G

Likewise, I have 2 Curado G series reels, and I love em. Now I know it's entirely possible they only made 2 good ones and I got them both. Yeah, that's it, that's what happened.

Hootie