Are Curados Really That Good?

[rbreedi1]

The reels are worth additional investment. Consider supertuning your Curado.

What do you recommend?

[roadwarrior]

Carbontex drag washers (pads) and Shimano Ceramic ABEC 7 bearings.

Mine were done by Mike at DVT. Some other additions would be bearings

in the handles and internal polishing.

[ColdSVT]

There is a reason that when someone says " green reel" people know they are talkin about a curado

Many many many boats have a curado on the deck. From recreational anglers to the most seasoned pros. The curado has been a staple in bass fishing since its ***.

I love my one curado e7...i wish i had ten of em!

[ROCbass]

It's funny this topic came up. I joined the forums around the same time the E series was getting ready to come out, and I remember having similar thoughts about everyone swooning over their Curados. I was just thinking the other day how it didn't seem like there was really that much hype about the new I series in comparison to how I remember it from back then. Back then it seemed like you just about got laughed off the forum for recommending anything but a Shimano. I think now there's a lot more choices for quality reels with other manufacturers emerging and stepping up their game. That combined with the perceived drop off in quality from the E to the G series when they tried to lower the price point maybe has caused some of the former die hard shimano guys to be a little more open minded about other brands and slowed the hype down somewhat, but they are great reels (I have a 200 e5), and  they still have plenty of fans.

[TrippyJai]

I'm one of those guys who hates the plastic drag star because I've broken one and I've seen people break theirs as well. More importantly, it's about the feel and the plastic star flexes a little bit which I don't like. I adjust my drag all the time so I want something that feels solid.

 

As for as duribility goes, all my Shimanos have held up great and I clean them once a year.

[WhiteMike1018]

I heard the new curados they announced at the classic expos are expected to be really good.

 

Tackletour has sort of a "preview" review on them but they havent tested it on the water yet. They look great though

[WdyCrankbait]

Curado was the first baitcaster for me that I could use well.  I have a family of E series, supertuned by DVT.  The VBS system is very foregiving to learn on.  Once you get it adjusted, "Forget about it!" you're ready to catch some bass!!!

[mjseverson24]

The curado is one of the top reels on bang for your buck category. This new curado I seems like it is the first time in a while that Shimano is bringing some technology advancements to the curado line up with the X-ship and the SVS infinity breaking system. The previous models (before G) were designed to be bulletproof rock solid performers. This new one looks like they wanted to out do daiwa by placing higher end features on the curado. I am very impressed with this reels specs and am looking forward to the on the water performance reviews. I am also looking forward to seeing what kind of answer the other top reel manufacturers come up with for the I series. ( the drag star is a non factor for me)...

 

Mitch

[John G]

If you don't like the drag star, you can replace it. I did what others have done and I replaced the graphite drag star on my 50E with a 200E aluminum drag star. I also added Scorpion XT1000 knob caps for a little more bling.

 

[plumworm]

I have 8 Curado bantam 101's. Bought the 1st. in "97 and last '04. Other than a yearly cleaning, they have never seen a repair shop. Still work like the day I bought them. I would say I got my moneys worth considering how much I fish. Same with the Stradic, 2 100s-3 2500s and 1 4000. last one purchased in '06. By the way, all were $120.

[thehooligan]

I've owned 3 201e7's, and 3 51e's. All amazing reels that led me to go higher in the chain to the core, conquests, and aldebarans. If I had a boat id probally have a few more curados rigged up, definitely the best workhorse reel for the money...

[Nick49]

It is fairly rare, but every so many years a reel comes along that even surprises the manufacturer.  Once serious fishermen get their hands on it and the reputation is attained, the manufacturer realized that "actual value" was much higher than their initial price point.  I think that is what happened in the case of the Curado E series.  At the time, an outstanding reel at a great price.  The Curados remain a fine reel, but now seem to be more in line with actual prices.  On a smaller scale I think this phenomenon is occurring with the BPS Pro Qualifier which is one of the best reels for the dollar.  IMO 

[down4ttown]

The short answer is simply..."does a bear **** in the woods?" 

 

The new Curado I series is the ****. best reel I have felt in the $200 price range. I would even venture to say in the $300 price range, but I will reserve my judgement as I have not fished with the new Chronarch. 

 

I own a Curado E series, a Chronarch E series, and a Curado I series. I have used them all for the same application at one point or the other. The I is by far superior to them all. 

[EvanT123]

My first bait cast reel was an abu garcia orra s; my second was a chronarch 200e7 and too be honest there was not alot of difference in the overall functions of them.

They both cast the same, felt smooth, and had good drags. Where the shimano won me over was ease of operation. When people say it's set it and forget it that is the honest truth.

With the other brand I found myself putzing with the cast control, brake weights and side plate. Not a problem with the shimano. I might have to adjust the spool tension but only if there was a drastic change in lure weights say 1/4-3/4

I'd look for a used e series or if you got the coin get the new one; it does look very nice. Anyways I had the same questions as you op and the only way to answer that question was to buy one.

[CYP]

Thanks for all the input.  I guess in a few weeks ill pull the trigger on one each of the new I series.  

[frogflogger]

great reels - my only complaint was mine got stolen - other good reels right beside them but they went for the curados

[Wbeadlescomb]

great reels - my only complaint was mine got stolen - other good reels right beside them but they went for the curados

Can you blame them?

[dam0007]

Curados are rock solid, they simply work. No extra bells and whistles. Just a reel that does exactly what its intended to do. Another thing about Shimano alot of guys dont take into consideration, you can almost guarantee you can get parts for it 10, maybe even 15 years down the road. With exception of Daiwa, other brands parts dont come as easy just a year or two down the road.

[J Francho]

Curado B, Curado E, Daiwa TD-A, Daiwa Zillion, Revo Premier Gen 1, are a few modern day reels that will always be a standouts. All are easy to maintain, bullet proof, and stood the test of time.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Curado B, Curado E, Daiwa TD-A, Daiwa Zillion, Revo Premier Gen 1, are a few modern day reels that will always be a standouts. All are easy to maintain, bullet proof, and stood the test of time.

Don't forget the all aluminum D series curado.

[Drewski73]

In a word NO! Theyre horrid. Everyone should immediately stop bidding on them on the auction site! Especially 50E's, those reels are a hazard to the poor fishermen using them. Stop buying CU50E's before its too late!

[smr913]

In a word NO! Theyre horrid. Everyone should immediately stop bidding on them on the auction site! Especially 50E's, those reels are a hazard to the poor fishermen using them. Stop buying CU50E's before its too late!

I was at my neighborhood Gander Mountain and they had a Curado 50e in box. The box look a little rough and had security wire around it so i didn't open it. Was a bit amazed that they could still be in a big box retail store. 

[buzzfrog]

def, not a one brand man but I love my chronarch, I am biding on several 50e, so yea stop bidding against me  lol