John G

I have handled the new Curado at DSG. I do like the way it palms better than the 1500. If I can scrounge up enough money before the end of December, I might get the 6.3:1 from Japan Tackle while it's on sale.

I am debating getting the new Scorpion or the older XT1500. I regretfully sold my 1500's a while back and here I am either buying some more or the new Scorpion. They will be primarily used for inshore fishing.

Nice looking collection of Shimano's. Please tell me, if you were forced to sell one, and both reels were in perfect condition and assuming they are used for the same purpose, are you selling the Curado 200E or the new Curado?

Loomis MBR843IMX or NRX803C

Tips -By the best that you can afford. Sunline Sniper FC is a good reasonably priced FC. Before you make your first cast, tighten up your reel a little bit more than normal. FC does not have the same casting characteristics as mono or braid and on a loose reel, it uncoils on the spool like crazy. I think that my initial problems with FC was trying too light of a jig or bullet weight with FC. I went with a little bit heavier weights and it helped a lot. A lot of people reccomend KV Line and Lure Conditioner to help make FC more manageable.

I have.I have had 30# PP break a couple of times from shock when throwing a 3/4oz Zara Spook. All it takes is a hard enough cast where the lure comes to a stop in mid air and there goes your exspensive swimbait.

I saw this morning that they are out of righties. This guarantees that I will not be getting one.

Shorter rods are very capable of getting very respectable distance too. The shortest rod that I use on a regular basis is a 5'10" Loomis Smallmouth Topwater Rod and that rod will sling a Super Spook Jr a long ways with braid. IMHO, the line and lure are more important to distance than rod length.

There are some nice looking pairs in that Thread!

You can count me as one of the guys that prefer buying JDM reels. In some cases they are nicer and in some cases they are not. An example of where the USDM reel is nicer than than it's JDM counterpart is the Curado 200E vs the Scorpion XT1500. The Curado 200E has an aluminum drag star and the Scorpion's is made of graphite/plastic. I told you about the non warranty because it is something to consider. I don't consider it when buying a JDM Shimano because their reels are very reliable and if they do need a repair, it should not be much anyway.

Thank you!

I know that I will. I bought my first 802 on your recommendation and I thank you for the advice! Do you recognize the lure on the bottom set up? I haven't got to use them yet but they look sweet! Thanks!

Thank you!

Finally got a set of twins! NRX802C's with Conquest 50's. One for 1/4oz jigs and one for soft plastics.

The Hookup Tackle Rep Sample.

I like it but I never use it. I will start using it this coming summer. They make a 2500 and 2500S. The S is the shallow spool model. My 1000S has a shallow spool. I don't know the exact amount of line but I know there is not much on there even with 10# braid. The 2500 has a knob like the one on my 1000. Just so you know, if you do go the JDM route, there will be no warranty coverage for your reel should you need it. I personally don't worry about things like that as I know it comes with the territory. Check out Shimano Japan's Rareneium page. http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/product/reel/2816

I am only addicted to Conquest 50's. LOL Trust me Hootie, I do not have the money! With Christmas next Thursday, I don't think my wife is going to front me any more money considering a NRX802C was delivered yesterday.

I was looking at these yesterday. The USDM version and the JDM version. It looks to me like the USDM version is a better looking reel with a better looking drag star. If I had $300.00 to spend right now, I would be tempted to buy my first Daiwa.

If you like silver and black, you should check out the Shimano Rareneium CI4+ 2500. I believe it is the JDM version of the Stradic and it can be had for just over $200.00 at Japan Lure Shop or Digitaka. The pic below is my 1000.

My oldest reel is my first baitcaster. My dad bought it for me in 82 or 83. Neglect and abuse from when I was a kid make this reel not very desirable to use. It still functions but it's not very smooth.

Uni

Neither was I until I seen it in person!

An Antares HG that palms like a Curado 200E and one that palms like a 50E.

And the Scorpion XT1000 is smoother than the Curado 50E. I don't know how the Chronarch 50E compares to the CU50E, but the XT1000 is noticeably smoother than the CU50.