Size and weight to start with. Also while they are both 6.something : 1 reels, the Citica feels more powerfull and can crank deeper running cranks, big bladed spinnerbaits, and other baits that pull hard with alot less effort thanks to Shimano's HEG gearing. Tierra has more bearings, but by no means is smoother than the Citicas, both cleaned and lubed the Citica will outcast Tierra with the same baits ,the same line on the same rod, and will keep casting better with less maint. The Shimano's 6 pin VBS is simple, set 2 on and forget it........forever, unless tossing very very light stuff, then you might only have to put 1 more brake on. The Mag brakes on the Tierra are better than no brakes, and better than Abu's mag brakes on the Revo SX, and the older STX, but they are still Mag breaks. I have to fiddle with them way to much depending on lure weights, wind, what type of cast I am doing (pitching, roll casting,skipping, etc etc....) and forget anything less than 3/8s oz with the Tierra, even with my trained thumb it's an adventure at best, I regularly cast 3/16 oz with the Citica. Drag is smoother and more reliable on the Shimano. It seems like with the Tierra I either have to lock it down, or have way to little, not much middle ground. The Tierra has 2 things I like about it better than the Shimano, the longer handle, and the ability to pop the thumb bar up with my thumb after a pitch or cast to have the reel instantly engaged, insted of havign to turn the reel handle on the Citica.
ww2farmer I don't own either reel but I like your break down. Nice post. To Smallmouth Bassin I'm a Pro Qualifier and a Carbonlite user which I love my 2 reels. I do favor my Carbonlite over my Pro but for $79.94 for the Pro I think is a great deal, giving I paid $99. for mine
