Chronarch Ch200E7 Or Ci4+

[CheckedOut]

Moving my PQ to a new crankbait rod and going to get a new reel for all around use. Spinner, TRig, Jigs on a Duckett Micro. I have it down to these 2, Shimano Chronarch 200E7 or the CI4+. Which would be the choice of the shimano users out there?

[rockchalk06]

Me personally and keep in mind I run all Shimano reels now, I'd go with the E6 or E7. I am still kinda leary on the new Ci4+. Nothing has convienced me or lead me to think its not a good reel, but the E series has proven itsself and had plenty of time to work the bugs out. The Ci4+ is still fairly new. Just my opinion.

[OnthePotomac]

I am dealing with the same question, but the several reviews I have read on other forums by users of the new Chronarch have all been very positive.  I have had three Curado 200E7's (now the Chronarch 200E7) for a couple of years and I am trying not to let this cloud my decision.

[rabidsquirrel]

I've been meaning to post a link to a review of the CI4+ on this forum, but I keep forgetting... Your post just popped up on my google feed, so I'll post it here. Maybe it'll help you decide. 

 

http://cartwrightrealtyfishingteam.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/chronarch-ci4-151hg-reel-review/

[lmbfisherman]

Basically have the same experience as the quick review from the link.  I did get my casts further out than my Curado E7 and Chronarch E6 (same range around 10 feet further).  Most of all I like how it feels like a 50 sized reel with more line capacity & casting/reeling is a real treat, very SMOOTH!  (I own 4 size 50 reels as comparison).  I understand though your opinion about it being new and not tried/true, but I trust Shimano doesn't want to destroy its reputation as a long lasting reel.  I have full confidence that it will last a very long time. 

[DelcoSol]

I was in the same boat and after doing much research and seeing them in person I went with the Ci4. From all of the reviews I have read from people who have actually fished the reel have nothing but positives to say. Now to be clear I just got it on sunday and it is snowing here so I have not used it. The biggest thing that sold me was the fact that its lighter than an E and is about the size of a 50 series but has the extra line capacity. Now another fact to be clear on is that I have not fished another Shimano other than a G series curado and a Canean. I feel like most of the negative remarks on this reel are from long time Shimano purist who are not willing to embrace new technology. They're dead set on how it compares to their other reels just on feel rather than giving it a try. Like what was stated above, does anyone really think Shimano is going to put out a crap product? Even the hate on the G series Curado is only because it was different. It doesn't mean its a bad reel. Not as nice as an E, yes, but crap, no. 

 

Who knows, I may end up hating it and go back to Lews but I can at least say I tried it out. Unfortunatley old man winter is delaying my opinion until some time in March. My advise is go see them in person with an open mind. Hold both E and Ci4 in hand and make your choice that way. 

 

Sorry if it turns into another Shimano hate thread. 

[rockchalk06]

I don't think it will turn into a hate thread. At least that wasn't my intention. I want to get one really bad and still may pretty soon to bite the bullet, but I've been burned pretty bad in the past without letting the bugs get worked out. 

 

I agree with you on the G series DelcoSol. 

[kschultz76]

I'm in the same boat, trying to decide what new reels to try. Have 4 PQs that perform well, but aren't super refined and biggest issue is their weight. Once I put them on a Donyns rod and Megabass rod I can really feel it.

So I ordered a Daiwa T3 1016 from TW since they're on a massive clearence. Really wanted to try the Magforce 3d braking. But after holding it, just not sure about it. Other contenders for me are the Chronarch CI4, Chronarch E and Tatula. But loving my Shimano spinning reels really has me leaning towards the CI4 and returning the Daiwa.

[DelcoSol]

PQ on a Megabass? Talk about putting all of the money into the rod  The thing that turns me off on the Daiwa is the weight. You wouldn't think that one ounce would be much of a difference but after holding even the 200E7 vs the Ci4 it was night and day. I am used to a Lews Tournament pro which is aroud the 6.5 oz mark so I know I didn't want to go heavier. 

[bass1980]

Agree with Delcosol to a point. I also think a big factor is aluminum vs CI4 materials. If your into traditional aluminum reels anything but aluminum will be a no no. Just like all the Daiwa guys love that loves the Zillion hates the T3 Zion.

Even with graphite side plates aluminum body just feels better. I try to keep an open mind. Understanding it will feel different and to just live with it. If it was me Id take the Ci4+ over the E. I owned three E's and have cast the CI4 a few times. Casting and smoothness ci4+ hands down. Duel brakes is a bonus. Sometimes I feel like two brakes is not enough and three is too much. Ci4 should take care of that.

Ci4+ will be my next reel. I just had to pass on it to hop in the T3 sale.

[tomustang]

I already gave my opinion on the E vs CI4+ several times, I think the biggest factor everyone forgets is that you're trying I compare two different reels with a $70 gap in between them. You could even look good enough and get two used E's for the price of one retail +

They are both nice, the E's are tested in time and the + is going strong right out of the gate. Pick your price point and enjoy, you won't be disappointed with either.

[kschultz76]

PQ on a Megabass? Talk about putting all of the money into the rod

Well it's just an Orochi XX so in same ball park as a Dobyns Extreme. It was a reel I already had, but that's one reason I'm in the market for lighter more refined reels!

[bootytrain]

If you are open to it you can get a 13 metanium for about 300 shipped. Micro module, magnesium frame and handle plate, x ship, 6 pin svs. But if you are dead set on one of the chronarchs then the ci4 all day. Its shimano Americas latest technology. X ship, svs infinity with external adjustment. I have a citica E which is a nice workhorse reel but it doesn't really stand out in any way. All my other reels outcast it and are smoother. I don't imagine the chronarch e would be that much better than the citica e.

[War Eagle 44]

Agree with Delcosol to a point. I also think a big factor is aluminum vs CI4 materials. If your into traditional aluminum reels anything but aluminum will be a no no. Just like all the Daiwa guys love that loves the Zillion hates the T3 Zion.

Even with graphite side plates aluminum body just feels better. I try to keep an open mind. Understanding it will feel different and to just live with it. If it was me Id take the Ci4+ over the E. I owned three E's and have cast the CI4 a few times. Casting and smoothness ci4+ hands down. Duel brakes is a bonus. Sometimes I feel like two brakes is not enough and three is too much. Ci4 should take care of that.

Ci4+ will be my next reel. I just had to pass on it to hop in the T3 sale.

The CI4+ only has one type of brake, centrifugal. The dial on the outside of the reel only moves the brake drum closer or further away from the brake blocks therefore creating more or less friction.  

 

 

 

If you are open to it you can get a 13 metanium for about 300 shipped. Micro module, magnesium frame and handle plate, x ship, 6 pin svs. But if you are dead set on one of the chronarchs then the ci4 all day. Its shimano Americas latest technology. X ship, svs infinity with external adjustment. I have a citica E which is a nice workhorse reel but it doesn't really stand out in any way. All my other reels outcast it and are smoother. I don't imagine the chronarch e would be that much better than the citica e.

The new Metanium has CI4+ sideplates, only the frame is magnesium. I just received my Metanium XG last Monday.

[bootytrain]

The CI4+ only has one type of brake, centrifugal. The dial on the outside of the reel only moves the brake drum closer or further away from the brake blocks therefore creating more or less friction.  

 

 

 

The new Metanium has CI4+ sideplates, only the frame is magnesium. I just received my Metanium XG last Monday.

My xg should come in tomorrow, I'll check it

[bass1980]

War eagle you are correct on that.

[War Eagle 44]

War eagle you are correct on that.

I knew I was, that's why I didn't understand his post about "checking" on it. Some guys just refuse to believe something unless they prove it to themselves.

[MarkH024]

The new Metanium has CI4+ sideplates, only the frame is magnesium. I just received my Metanium XG last Monday.

Did you get a chance to fish it yet? 

[bootytrain]

I knew I was, that's why I didn't understand his post about "checking" on it. Some guys just refuse to believe something unless they prove it to themselves.

Chill out dude, I was going by what Shimanos website says, and yeah, I go by my own findings if I can, hence I'm going to check once my metanium comes in today.

[CountBassula]

Me personally and keep in mind I run all Shimano reels now, I'd go with the E6 or E7. I am still kinda leary on the new Ci4+. Nothing has convienced me or lead me to think its not a good reel, but the E series has proven itsself and had plenty of time to work the bugs out. The Ci4+ is still fairly new. Just my opinion.

 

this!

[War Eagle 44]

Did you get a chance to fish it yet? 

No, the weather has been bad here the last couple of weeks. Yesterday would have been a good day but as life usually goes other "more important" things prevented me from going. I'm excited about trying it though just because the feel of the retrieve is so different from any other reel I've owned. The MM gearing might not make that much of an actual difference with a fish on or a high resistance lure but it sure feels good when playing around with it.

 

 

 

Chill out dude, I was going by what Shimanos website says, and yeah, I go by my own findings if I can, hence I'm going to check once my metanium comes in today.

You can check all you want, side plates are still going to be CI4+.

[bootytrain]

Bantam1 confirmed the handle side plate is magnesium. So you can speculate all you want, its still magnesium lol.

[War Eagle 44]

I stand corrected and I apologize to you sir. 

[rabidsquirrel]

BTW - I've had this reel (Chronarch Ci4+) for a while now, and I've even landed a pretty good sized pig with it. It is a great reel. It is the best baitcaster I've ever used up to this point. If you are considering purchasing this reel, you should buy it. You'll be glad you did. I am. I want a few more...

[Wbeadlescomb]

I've got a few curado 200g's and a chronarch 200e7 and another e7 I got a deal on that's coming in the mail. I can't tell the difference in the two reels while I'm actually fishing with them. Other than one is white and the other green.

I'm sure the new ci4 is awesome but I don't have much experience with it. I don't see how you could go wrong with any shimano baitcaster in the $150 and up price range