Opinion Needed...used Curado For Sale Locally

[BridgerM]

A used Curado 51E popped up for sale locally. I contacted the seller with a few questions about use, servicing, if its taken a swim, etc. no response yet.

 

He is asking $70 which seems like a good deal to me. especially if i can get it for 50-60. there were two pics in the ad. It looks used but not trashed.

 

I've never bought a reel used before and never owned a Shimano. what would I be looking for aside from functioning parts, cast ability, no weird sounds, etc? My thinking is that even if it had to be cleaned/serviced it would still be a great deal.

 

What do you all think?

 

 

 

[BridgerM]

Also, I know little about shimano reels. This is one of the smaller models correct? I was thinking it would go well with the 6'6" M Vendetta rod i got last spring.

[Jrob78]

It looks rough.  I can't tell if that's just dust/dirt or if he drug it behind his truck.  A scratched up body doesn't mean much but it is an indicator of how he treats his stuff.  I would proceed with caution.  Most parts are cheap, if the spool is ok and it functions properly it is probably worth it, even if you have to put a little money into it.  Personally, I would probably keep looking.

[kickerfish1]

First that is an excellent reel. The 50 sized platforms are great performers. They are certainly one of my favorites. I have 4 from the curado to the core. Would never sell any of them.

Form the photos the reels shows some signs of exterior wear and tear. I would assume the inside may be a bit sketchy unless it has been maintained. Requesting maintenance info would be a good place to start. Also, it may not hurt to ask if the reel has any issues that he knows of. If possible ask to "test drive" it if you are skeptical as this should help bring potential problems to forefront.

These reels retailed for about $200 when new and were cleared out for about $140-$160. He has it priced fairly IMO unless there are glaring problems with it. Worst case scenario is you buy it for $70 and discover it needs to be professionally serviced. Mike at DVT does outstanding work at a fair price. You could probably be into the reel no more than $100 or a touch more with shipping costs.

[Hi Salenity]

Just buy it it's a great deal!

[tomustang]

Looks like the handles are mushy and it has a lot of boat rash, still $70 is a deal.

[Bankbeater]

The question I would be asking is how often it was used.  By the looks of it, it got used pretty much. 

[Insanity]

Might not have got used as much as it's looks just carried every time. Lol

That looks like one of mine after a year. That's why I don't buy high dollor reels. Truck bed rash and being gathered up with other rods in one hand puts a hurting on the looks of one.

I'd be weary he has had it a while, why sell now? Unless he thinks it's on its last leg. Key word would be thinks. It might just need a good cleaning. Or he doesn't even no how to use it. Been cat fishing with it. Lol

I'd buy it. Should be able to buy every part for it as many as they made and sold.

[new2BC4bass]

That is a lot of scuffing, but most look to be very shallow.  Scratches on lip may be from hooking his lures there.  As already stated, these are excellent reels.  I know I love mine.  I feel $70 is a very fair price, but if you can talk him down even more, then it would be even better.  DVT gives bassresource members a 10% discount, and does excellent work.  I would buy it as long as the cosmetic condition doesn't turn you off.  A $70 price gives plenty of room for having a professional go thru it.  Who knows....you might like it well enough to get it repainted. 

[Paulasaurus]

I say go for it. And like you said make an offer and see if you can get it for a little under $70 which will make the deal that much better. I recently picked up a Chronarch 201e5 from a local seller that said he took the reel apart and had issues upon assembly but it still functioned. I got it for $50 and while there is some marring where the guy tried to pry the side off instead of removing the proper screws its an excellent reel and i've already taken it apart and serviced it and other than some noise from the anti reverse pawl its a fine reel with just some cosmetic defects. But as always check it out in person and inspect it as best you can before you hand over the cash.

 

Good luck!

[BridgerM]

Im going to see it this afternoon. He said its only been used about 5 times, that he preferred to use spinning gear on outings. Never submerged. I don't mind cosmetic wear so much, as long as its solid internally. I'll find out soon enough if ill be joining the shimano team. thanks for the encouragement and advice everyone

[Hi Salenity]

If you don't buy it get me his number and I'll buy it and pay him to ship it to me

It's a steal at $70!

[Arv]

I'd test drive it first if local. As long as it's not unusable I'd definitely go for it

[lmbfisherman]

Just buy it it's a great deal!

Same here.

[BridgerM]

Well I bought it. It has some scrapes and stuff but looks good overall. It could use a good cleaning and oiling. Doesn't look like its been used all that much. Just like its been knocked around during transport and collected dust. Barring any surprises, I think i got a good deal. Now i just need to spool some line on it and give it a throw.

[iabass8]

the reel is extremely easy to service and for 70$ that is one heck of a deal for that reel. even if there are a few parts that need replacing it's pretty inexpensive. just make sure the spool isn't cracked and the worm gear is in good shape. if you don't like it i will gladly buy it.

[BridgerM]

I had some 12lb mono not being used so I spooled it up to test it. I was able to cast and flip a 3/8oz sinker with relative ease and accuracy on a 6'6 M Vendetta. Reel felt smooth and quiet. Only had one backlash. I grabbed my other bc setup, older quantum accurist ac500 on a quantum tour classic 6'6 MH, to do side by sides. I could flip more accurately and consistently with the new setup vs the quantum which is the only bc setup i've used. way lighter too. Awesome!! I am definitely keeping this one

 

Now I only have about 5 months to wait until I can actually catch a bass with it. Plenty of time to figure out how to clean and lube it

[Jrob78]

Sweet, glad it worked out for you!

[Shane J]

How to clean and lube it? That's easy, just send it to Mike at DVT. Except for cosmetically, it'll come back better than new.

[Fishes in trees]

You know that the 51E is a left hand crank, right?  All Shimano reel numbers that end in 1 are left hand cranks.

[bass1980]

Ummmm why wouldn't he know? He posted pics of it and used it already.

[BridgerM]

Ummmm why wouldn't he know? He posted pics of it and used it already.

LOL.

 

You know that the 51E is a left hand crank, right?  All Shimano reel numbers that end in 1 are left hand cranks.

 

 I did know this reel was left hand retrieve, having seen the pics in the ad.

 

However, I did not know the significance of the 1 in the model numbers. Thanks for pointing that out.