MediumHeavy

Multiple new reel (and rod) releases this year. Wouldn't be surprised if the Citica and the Chronarch also get updates. It would be unfortunate if the Curado, their workhorse reel at an affordable price point for many years, jumped out of that price bracket. So, maybe they are going to release a new reel to compete in that highly competitive price point to compete with the Tatula? You'd think they'd keep the Curado name there, but as long as that reel is a good one that is fine with me. However, if they move the Curado above $200 I would most likely just get the Chronarch Ci4+. I have one already and it's awesome.

Considering all the reports on a few other forums of people seeing them when reps bring them to shops and such, I can't believe a pic hasn't surfaced. Good job on keeping that ship tight! I can't wait to see the darn thing. And I'm curious what other reels and rods they're going to introduce. Assuming a new Citica?

Got limited use with mine since I got it kinda late in the season, but it's a great reel. Very solid, very smooth. Definitely flush the bearings after you get it, they come packed with grease. It casts light baits very well, even better than my Curado 50E. Another option if you want to save some cash would be to get a Chronarch 50E. The Ci4+ is awesome, though. Jury is out on the durability of the Ci4+ material, but I doubt it's going to be a problem. I have no experience with the Abu GArcia, though.

Unless he was just trying to divert speculation about it being based on an older frame (Rev B?), bantam1 has said that the profile of the reel is a new retooling not based on another frame. He might have just meant older frame, which would be fine by me. If it's the Chronarch Ci4 or Metanium frame style but made of aluminum, I'd like that. At any rate, I'm beyond excited for this. I'm not as hateful or dismissive of the G series, but if they want to make a better reel for around the same price, I'm all for it. I'm very fond of my Chronarch Ci4+, though. So, I'm hoping it comes in a standard 150 size or have a 50 size option available.

Put some Power Pro Super Slick 8 in 20lb on your reel and problem solved. It's the quietest braid I've ever used. Even the 50lb I have on some casting reels is pretty quiet compared to other braids. 832 is quieter than most, but if it bothers you, try the PPS8S. The noise doesn't really have an effect on your fishing that I'm aware of. I don't mind the sound. As far as tangling around the eyes and stuff, it can be really annoying but the benefits of braid outweigh the hassles. I tried spooling up a casting reel with fluoro recently and it had been a while. I couldn't believe the difference. I took it off later that day.

I've got out a couple times with my reel and it's awesome thus far. Fish haven't been biting, or at least not what I'm throwing at them, but in terms of casting it is just a pleasure. It's all-around a very smooth reel and comfortable to palm. Seems sturdy and quite rigid. It won't get a proper workout until next season, since the weather here is starting to tank and I don't do well in the cold. Hoping I can get out one more time and catch one with it, though.

The weather here is being really uncooperative, but I keep going out to the yard to cast and try out different brake settings. Thus far, the Chronarch CI4+ is a pleasure to cast. Really anxious to get it near some water for a real test.

Pretty vague, indeed. I would think someone who was about to start tournament fishing would already have an idea of what a decent reel might be. Especially if they know enough to come to the forums to ask. Not trying to be rude, just an observation given what little info has been stated. All of that aside, lots of good info thus far, particularly from DVT. Also, re: the Mettle... I wish I had known about those when I started to get back into bass fishing.

Easily the greasiest bearings I've ever flushed. Got them properly oiled and took it out to the yard. Again, effortless casting. Could sling a weightless T-rigged Z-hog my normal casting distance with hardly any effort. Messed around with the brakes by leaving only one on and it was backlash city, even with the outside dial turned up to 6. That's no fault of the reel, of course. My thumb just isn't that educated. Next time I get out, I'll turn three brakes on and see how that is. For now, it's set with two on and the dial a couple clicks under 4 and it's perfect for me. One thing I did notice, was that the spool bearings weren't identical. The brake side and spool tension side were different. One was darker and had a different kind of shield on it. This is the most expensive reel I've ever had, so I don't know if that's something that happens the higher up the scale or not. Or maybe it doesn't matter? I'm still undecided whether I like it more than my Curado 50e, in terms of value. It's definitely a tad smoother and the braking system seems great. I'm excited to get out with it and do some fishing, that's for sure. The weather here in PA is being uncooperative, but maybe I'll get out on one of these cool, damp days coming up and give it the real test.

Pretty effortless casting thus far, feels really smooth on the cast and retrieve, and that's without flushing the bearings or anything. I've got 2 brakes on and the dial around 4. Spooled it up with 50lb PPS8S. Gonna flush the spool bearings and play with it some more later.

Shimano is making the Metaniums and Antares available in the US, so they should fully support them. I think the 21st is the official availability. I just got a CH150 HG yesterday as well, but haven't been able to cast it yet. It's light and really smooth, for sure. Don't understand why people think it feels "cheap". It feels different in hand, because it's not metal, but it certainly doesn't feel cheap. Just different. I was also surprised by how much grease is on the spool bearings! Gonna test it alongside my Curado 50e today.

Which is the lightest? I read on here and other forums that the lighter the spool, the more "finesse" capability the reel has in throwing lighter baits. I don't throw anything terribly light because I have a spinning setup for that, but I do like to throw weightless T-rigged plastics a fair bit.

Just wondering if Magnumlite, A7075 and Duralumin were all the same material? I've seen different descriptions over the years and just wondering if these were all the same? How do you know what the lightest material is?

I have 3 Omens and they're awesome. I do have the 7'1" MH and it would be great for worms and jigs.

I've got a Curado 50e, 200e and G series and I was wondering if the $70+ dollars for these other reels was actually worth it. I know the reels are lighter and have refinements that you get when you move up the monetary scale, but when it comes to actual performance, are these reals THAT much better? I don't fish tournaments and do both boat and bank fishing and I've been pleased with all of those reels (yes, even the G series!). But I'm so curious about the next level and want to spend my money wisely if I go that route.

I have both the M and MH 7'1" *** black rods and I think you'd be happy with either one. I'd lean toward the medium if you want to throw stuff without a weight, but the medium heavy would also work. If you're fishing around heavier cover, go MH. The Veritas line is underrated in terms of power, but the Omens are pretty spot on I'd say. The M is probably your best bet, though. I've used it around some moderately dense lily pads with weightless texas rigged creature baits and 30lb braid and it's been fine. It may also depend on the reel. If you have a reel with a lighter spool, you could go MH.

Shimano, like Daiwa, have built a reputation for quality and a solid fan base over many years for the reasons J Francho stated. The same can be said for Shimano's other product arenas, such as cycling parts. Once you get to a certain level, the $100 price point (like many other companies), the reels are typically pretty good. That's a generalization, not taking into account personal preference, of course. But, like everyone said, hit the right sales at the right times, the flea market here, ebay, and of course when they roll out new product lines to replace others, and you can get reels at a discount. I don't know if they're replacing any current line, but Shimano does have some new reels for the US market to be unveiled in October.

Are those BPS cranking sticks composite?

I had no problem throwing Live Pointer 80's on 200 size Citica E and Curado E and G series reels with 12# fluoro on M and MH rods.

A Powell MH/F rod has been great with squarebills for me. 12# Sunline Super fluoro on a 7.0:1 reel.

Maybe there's a new Core on the way? And maybe a Citica or reel in sub-Curado price point? I think the Citica's were recently clearanced by Dick's.

I think it's worth it. It is less noisy and casts great. Feels like dental floss. Oh, and I've only tried the yellow thus far but the color doesn't come off on my fingers nearly as much as other braids. I use 30lb and it doesn't dig in too bad at all. I do like the sweet song of braid through the guides, though.

Sufix 832 is pretty good, but prefer PP Super 8 Slick. I use 30lb in yellow and color the last few feet with a green sharpie.

I don't like the white paint scheme, but I do like the bigger Septon knobs. I may just deal with the paint job and get a Chronarch 50e. Is there really a noticeable difference in lightweight lure casting versus a 200 size Curado/Chronarch?

That's the one I was looking at, actually. Beat me to it. Oh well.