Future Of The Curado

[The Rooster]

I couldn't say whether the G is made as well as the E or others before it, but it seems solid enough. Like someone else said, it just doesn't have the wow factor that I felt with the E. I'd for sure choose a Citica E over a Curado G. A hundred times over.

[EvanT123]

Shimano knows what it's doing, and if they drop the ball the just fix and move on (speaking with nearly 20 years of working with Shimano and their products in cycling, snowboarding, and fishing) .

I think that is a very good point. I think the main problem shimano has with the g series is a perception problem. I'm sure it's a great reel but when compared to previous interations and what's available from other companies it just never took off. Another thing to consider is we are in a recession and shimano is in the business of making money. They are a publicly traded company that being said their #1 goal is to increase shareholder value. One would guess by moving production to a country where the cost of labor is cheaper this is what they were trying to accomplish. Again compared to previous gens and other companies offerings this plan back fired. Like was mentioned above I don't think they can go back to a e style because that would be a total admission of a mistake. So here shimano maybe forced to innovate and provide the consumer with something of real value. I maybe wrong about all this but it will be interesting to see what's in store.

[upnorthbassin]

Why are people constantly saying the g is made with lesser materials? Malaysian 6000 series aluminum is the same as Japanese and American ... likewise NOWHERE is there any data saying they use different or lesser quality brass, polymer, or steel between e and g reels... bearings are the same as the e series, just fewer which is understandable for the lower price. for $160 ($130-$150 often) there are few reels that compare.

Shimano knows what it's doing, and if they drop the ball the just fix and move on (speaking with nearly 20 years of working with Shimano and their products in cycling, snowboarding, and fishing) .

2 less bearings and they are no longer the same AR bearings I beleive (this also changed the description of the bearings on their website too). Plastic drag star too which is less expensive than aluminum. Some people have said there is differences in the fit and finish but I don't have any evidence of that and I'm no reel expert anyways. Sure the reel is $20 less but it also has at least $20 less in parts. It's not a lesser value overall than the E, it's just a different reel for a different amount of money. You get what you pay for.

 

And as far as the $150 price point...there are more contenders than there used to be. You can get a Lew's Tourney Pro for that price, a Pinnacle Optimus XLT, a Revo STX, and many others. If they are better or worse...that is subjective...but they are competition that wasn't there in the past and they are gaining in popularity. Not many other companies are taking features out of one of their flagship reels and selling it for a few bucks less. Shimano did and people are complaining. I bet they'll listen and change things up on their next go.

[webertime]

The Curado is not their flagship... it's their f150/Camry reel.

Plastic drag star and 2 bearings ... I will sign over the deed to my home to anyone that has lost a fish b/c of a plastic drag star (B series was plastic too so was the 50e.)

Take the name off of it at $160 (Revo STX is $200) it's a fine reel. I buy performance per$$$ not names.

The one good thing about the e series fanaticism ... I sold my 4 for enough to get a Zillion, 4 Advantages, and a Gen 2 STX. Love it...

[Capt.Bob]

The Curado is not their flagship... it's their f150/Camry reel.

Plastic drag star and 2 bearings ... I will sign over the deed to my home to anyone that has lost a fish b/c of a plastic drag star (B series was plastic too so was the 50e.)

Take the name off of it at $160 (Revo STX is $200) it's a fine reel. I buy performance per$$$ not names.

The one good thing about the e series fanaticism ... I sold my 4 for enough to get a Zillion, 4 Advantages, and a Gen 2 STX. Love it...

I could catch fish on a buble pack Caenan @ about $60,00, and not loose fish. I aint upgrading a Curado B,D, or E to buy one. As said they don't cut price and give you a better Curado! Probably why you didn't replace yours with G's, nobody wants to trade down!

2 less bearings and they are no longer the same AR bearings I beleive (this also changed the description of the bearings on their website too). Plastic drag star too which is less expensive than aluminum. Some people have said there is differences in the fit and finish but I don't have any evidence of that and I'm no reel expert anyways. Sure the reel is $20 less but it also has at least $20 less in parts. It's not a lesser value overall than the E, it's just a different reel for a different amount of money. You get what you pay for.

 

And as far as the $150 price point...there are more contenders than there used to be. You can get a Lew's Tourney Pro for that price, a Pinnacle Optimus XLT, a Revo STX, and many others. If they are better or worse...that is subjective...but they are competition that wasn't there in the past and they are gaining in popularity. Not many other companies are taking features out of one of their flagship reels and selling it for a few bucks less. Shimano did and people are complaining. I bet they'll listen and change things up on their next go.

I don't think the fit or finish is any worse than the other Shimano models, and you hit the nail on the head, They cheapend up a current model, along with others, and even if some don't think this is their flagship model, it was their top seller. I said it before and you said the same thing, when you cheapen a model it doesn't matter how much you drop the price, "MOST" buyers especially previous owners are going to abandon you. If they don't do it and do it right their will be many that will be hard to get back. They are going to do the same thing with the Saros, Symetre, and Sahara, as they were cheapened up big time with the new models, I don't know what they are thinking but a lot of other manufacturers are doing the same thing. There are a lot of people who don't care about quality as long they don't raise the price, I do.

[Hooligan]

I laugh at the notion that the G is junk. I've spent hundreds and hundreds of hours with the G series reels in my hands and have yet to have a single issue. The notion is laughable at best. Those "reviews" that are negative have come, I'm willing to bet just as the majority of those in this thread, from people that have spent no time with the reel at all.

I've got 15 on rods, along side E series Curado and Chronarch, and have been just as happy with my G reels as all the others.

It's a bunch of naysayers saying nay. That's all, nothing more. There are other good reels out there, there's no doubt of that, I have many. But this whole thing is just ridiculous.

[BassThumb]

People tend to exaggerate a little when complaining about the G-series or raving about the E-series. If you equip either of them with upgraded bearing and keep them clean and lightly oiled, they're both excellent reels for the money.

 

The G-series is a slightly cheaper model, both in price and performance. The G-series costs about $20-25 less than the E-series in it's heyday (cheap avg. online prices), so the consumer should be willing to accept a small decrease in quality without losing their minds over it.

[Capt.Bob]

I think a lot hear have posted to an overly defensive mode for Shimano. The thread isn't about if the G is good bad over priced or even if it performs as good. There has been a proven fact the the Curado G has cost Shimano many sales. The fact that this happened is the result of introducing a new series in this model that was CHEAPENED and so was the price. The people who use these reels has spoken and it is clear to Shimano that their are some who don't care if the real is better as long as it works properly. BUT It is also clear to Shimano that they have lost a ton of sales to other reel companies because their are a huge following that do expect the next model to be built with better component's and be a noticeable increase in performance. Those are the facts and anyone who has been on any forum that pertains to fishing is well aware of those facts.  I for one don't buy reels because there is anything wrong with the over 25 that I currently own, I buy them because I can, and because I expct my next purchase to be built better with better parts along with better performance, and am willing to pay a little more for the next one than zI did for the one I am looking to replace (upgrade). As far as if Shimano cares who and howmany sales drop with the next reel I am not sure, but I personally think they do, and will see a much improved Curado when and if they ever introduce a new model. if not I don't care if they sell 2 for the price of one they  are currently selling, I will look for more performance and bling elsewhere. I also believe J Francho was correct in his post and probably has pretty good information when he said there were good things to come from this company. After all they didn't work so hard to get to the top to start loosing sales on any models they sell.

[solo_bro]

I think a lot hear have posted to an overly defensive mode for Shimano. The thread isn't about if the G is good bad over priced or even if it performs as good. There has been a proven fact the the Curado G has cost Shimano many sales. The fact that this happened is the result of introducing a new series in this model that was CHEAPENED and so was the price. The people who use these reels has spoken and it is clear to Shimano that their are some who don't care if the real is better as long as it works properly. BUT It is also clear to Shimano that they have lost a ton of sales to other reel companies because their are a huge following that do expect the next model to be built with better component's and be a noticeable increase in performance. Those are the facts and anyone who has been on any forum that pertains to fishing is well aware of those facts.  I for one don't buy reels because there is anything wrong with the over 25 that I currently own, I buy them because I can, and because I expct my next purchase to be built better with better parts along with better performance, and am willing to pay a little more for the next one than zI did for the one I am looking to replace (upgrade). As far as if Shimano cares who and howmany sales drop with the next reel I am not sure, but I personally think they do, and will see a much improved Curado when and if they ever introduce a new model. if not I don't care if they sell 2 for the price of one they  are currently selling, I will look for more performance and bling elsewhere. I also believe J Francho was correct in his post and probably has pretty good information when he said there were good things to come from this company. After all they didn't work so hard to get to the top to start loosing sales on any models they sell.

 

 

Amen,  I knew this topic would have great points, if we don't address these issues in the open, Shimano will think its ok to downgrade reels and people will buy them because of their name. If the H series comes out it has to outdue  the E series and the Abu Garcia Revo STX with its 20lbs drag.

[War Eagle 44]

I agree 100% Capt. Bob, it doesn't matter if the G series isn't as bad as people think it is, it only matters that the perception is they're bad so it certainly costs them sales. Like I said earlier I know someone who works for them and he tells me that the new series of Curado's and Chronarch's for 2014 will be much improved. I also think Shimano cares and realizes they made a mistake with the direction they went with the G series and are in the process of correcting it right now. 

[sarcazmo]

In 2014 we will see a new Curado and Chronarch. I'm not an "insider" or anything like that I just happen to know someone who works for Shimano. This is all I know as of now, I don't have any info on what they are going to look like or specs of any kind. Good news is they are going the right direction with both series quality wise. 

No offense, but if you have no info on specs or anything how do you know they are getting better build quality?>

[*Hootie]

Can you say PSYCHIATRIST.....I knew you could....sheesh!!!!!

Hootie

[War Eagle 44]

No offense, but if you have no info on specs or anything how do you know they are getting better build quality?>

Because the guy told me, he wouldn't say anymore than that but stressed that point.

[solo_bro]

lol some top secret high speed low drag stuff lol

[BronzeChaser]

I've got a few e series curados and a citica, and although I don't own a g series, I have handled them and I just didn't get the same feeling in my hand as I do with the e series. It's important to me for the reel I'm holding to have a strong, sturdy feel to it, and the g did nor give me that feeling. I'm not saying they're a bad reel, and I'm not talking down to shimano, I love their reels and always will. But for full price I would take an e over a g any day. I am, however, very excited to see what they have for 2014 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Glad round Garcia's don't change...70 yrs and rollin

[iabass8]

On 3/30/2013 at 11:42 PM, sarcazmo said:

No offense, but if you have no info on specs or anything how do you know they are getting better build quality?>

There's also been a lot of talk/spoilers given that a curado "upgrade" is going to happen in 2014. nothing definite about the curado specs though.

[barroncooper]

i hope the next ones have the micro gearing that the calcutta has

[Capt.Bob]

Glad round Garcia's don't change...70 yrs and rollin

Those reels have had many changes on the insides over the years, but there has never been a reel change in how smooth they are. they just feel the same as they did XXyears ago. I have two that are over 30 years old and they still work like new, but new was never smooooooootttthhhh,,,,,,, but the durability is proven.

[The Rooster]

I laugh at the notion that the G is junk. I've spent hundreds and hundreds of hours with the G series reels in my hands and have yet to have a single issue. The notion is laughable at best. Those "reviews" that are negative have come, I'm willing to bet just as the majority of those in this thread, from people that have spent no time with the reel at all.

I've got 15 on rods, along side E series Curado and Chronarch, and have been just as happy with my G reels as all the others.

It's a bunch of naysayers saying nay. That's all, nothing more. There are other good reels out there, there's no doubt of that, I have many. But this whole thing is just ridiculous.

I'm one of the naysayers who was not bowled over with the G reel. I felt it in the store but I DID NOT use it or buy one. However, I do not feel I have to spend time using one in order to give a fair opinion on it. I'm not giving an opinion on its fishability, I'm giving one on the reel as a viable product that sells well and makes money for the company that made it. That's what they care about, is just how well it sells. They care how well it fishes (as part of their sales strategy) also so people want to buy it, but mostly they just care about how well YOU THINK it fishes so that you do buy it. But if there's something about it that makes people care less for it than some other reel, even unrelated to fishability, then they care about that a whole lot more. Obviously there is something, or we wouldn't be having this discussion.

Bottom line, experience with it or not, it's a consumer product first and a fishing reel second, and Shimano's sole aim with it is just to make money....period. In order to sell well, it has to impress people to want to buy it. If it doesn't sell well, regardless of reason, then it is a bad product, no matter how good it actually is on the water.

All you guys laughing at those of us who haven't used one but still had something to say about it anyway, I think we'll be the ones laughing in the end. We didn't buy this generation, while a lot of you apparently bought plenty, and spent a lot doing so. But it seems we were the voice that Shimano ultimately listened to in deciding to redesign the reel this early into the current series' run though. When the next generation of reels comes out better than these now, the naysayers will be waiting and not have a boat load of devalued G's to get rid of at that time. And the next one better be all that and more, or the nays will be heard again.

[Hooligan]

Shimano hasn't said anything about redesigning the Curado. There hasn't been any word of it anywhere except here in this thread. I have talked with Shimanoabout it and not a thing was mentioned; and it would have been at that point.

For the record, if you think the Curado G series hasn't sold, you're completely wrong. It is just as strong, if not stronger than the E series I. Terms of units moved. Moreover, it's been the general fishing public that has been screaming for ten years for their $150 price point Curado back. Those are the bread and butter of that category, and Shimano listened. The Curado target audience is not the Enthusiast, or those that claim to be. It is the weekend tournament angler and part time pro that needs to fill a stable with a quality, but reasonably priced reel. They've done it, and it is selling extremely well.

I love that so many have so much input on something they have no experience with, in either the business side or on the real use side. In those cases, they're completely baseless opinions, founded on nothing by speculation. It's irrational at best, ridiculous and over blown at worst.

I guarantee you 100% that Shimano has gained market share with the reintroduction of the Curado in the classic, historical price point; they've no lost it at all.

As for the future of the Curado I see it continuing to be a workhorse and venerable member of the Shimano line. It will continue to perform at the highest levels and meet the highest expectations of the most demanding anglers.

[The Rooster]

Shimano hasn't said anything about redesigning the Curado. There hasn't been any word of it anywhere except here in this thread. I have talked with Shimanoabout it and not a thing was mentioned; and it would have been at that point.

For the record, if you th

Think what?

What's been said here is by people who are supposed to have some kind of inside connection. If you just talked to them as Joe Shmo asking a question, I doubt they'd be forth coming. Remember when Bantam1 was posting here? He went to another site after leaving here and was posting pics of fish he had caught, at that time on the "as yet unreleased" G model then, but he went to the trouble to black out the whole rod and reel to conceal it until it was ready for release. They won't just own up to it.

[The Rooster]

Shimano hasn't said anything about redesigning the Curado. There hasn't been any word of it anywhere except here in this thread. I have talked with Shimanoabout it and not a thing was mentioned; and it would have been at that point.

For the record, if you think the Curado G series hasn't sold, you're completely wrong. It is just as strong, if not stronger than the E series I. Terms of units moved. Moreover, it's been the general fishing public that has been screaming for ten years for their $150 price point Curado back. Those are the bread and butter of that category, and Shimano listened. The Curado target audience is not the Enthusiast, or those that claim to be. It is the weekend tournament angler and part time pro that needs to fill a stable with a quality, but reasonably priced reel. They've done it, and it is selling extremely well.

I love that so many have so much input on something they have no experience with, in either the business side or on the real use side. In those cases, they're completely baseless opinions, founded on nothing by speculation. It's irrational at best, ridiculous and over blown at worst.

I guarantee you 100% that Shimano has gained market share with the reintroduction of the Curado in the classic, historical price point; they've no lost it at all.

As for the future of the Curado I see it continuing to be a workhorse and venerable member of the Shimano line. It will continue to perform at the highest levels and meet the highest expectations of the most demanding anglers.

I'm sure in the future it will, after they dump this one. It isn't just here that people complain about the current model, and it's more than a few. Do you recall reading such complaints about the E model? I read a very few in the beginning concerning it having graphite side plates over aluminum on the D model, but that quickly faded. It's been almost 2 years for this model and stuff like this thread keeps coming up. People aren't as happy with it, that's evident.

I'm not saying the public isn't asking for their $150 Curado back (I remember them being $120) but why would they when the Citica that followed the older, lower priced Curado, ended up being better, and costed about the same? Oh, it's the name thing again. Doesn't matter if it's better or not, it isn't a Curado. On that note, I've already talked about the name thing and tier identification that goes with it, but why is there such a hang up on that where people are concerned? I recognize that it's there, but I'm not one of them that does that.

[Hooligan]

Far from Joe Blow. We were in meetings for two days.

And the short reply was be a use I'm sitting in an airport typing on my phone and it randomly decided to post before I was done.

[Hooligan]

I do, and I remember the complaints about the D, and the Sf. The entire theory is based in the thought that they should have maintained the reel in the same format as the E, at the lower price. It just doesn't work that way. People continue to compare apples to walnuts with the G series reel, as such there are people unhappy about it.

Lastly I see far fewer complaints about the G series than I do about other reels, on the whole. It remains fairly isolated and generally is from the same few people. The number that are happy far, far outnumber those whom are dissatisfied.