To Sell Or Keep? Old Bantam Curados. Greenies.

[Poolshark]

Hey guys. I have two spare brand new never used greeny curados that are in immaculate condition. I bought them when they were being discontinued years ago from a tackle shop that was closing down. My question is.... I am thinking of selling them to upgrade to a new curado I or chronarch e. But I'm having a hard time parting with them. The ones I've used all these years have been great to me. Does anyone own the newer curado I or chronarch, and if so, is the casting distance that much greater on the new reels? Enough to warrant selling both for one newer reel.

[Poolshark]

Less concerned with ergonomics and smoothness. Just casting ability. Thanks again

[Catch and Grease]

Just keep em'

At least I would.

[Lewi]

I would keep them and use them.  I still love using mine and hope to for a long time yet frogging! 

 

 

-Lewi

[HoosierHawgs]

In terms of the amount you will fetch for them, I would keep them. I don't know about the new ones, but I've seen one sitting on a combo w/a Falcon rod used for like $100, maybe less.. And it has been sitting there for a few weeks.. Just my 2 cents.

[Basswhippa]

Since ergo is a non issue, the answer to your question is as follows.

 

1.  If you find yourself casting 3/8 ounce baits or smaller, get the modern reel.  They are more capable.

 

2.  If you find yourself casting 3/8 ounce baits or more, keep the greenies.  They will leave the others in the dust due to their very heavy spools.

 

3.  If you really aren't as concerned about casting distance as your OP indicates, get the modern reel, as who cares about an extra 15 or 20 feet. 

 

One last thought, if you love your other greenies, parts will eventually get scarce and you over time you will lose them to attrition.  Keeping the new reels will keep you running greenies that much longer.

 

Decisions, decisions.

[fishballer06]

They're still brand new?!

I may be interested in one.

[Raul]

You won't need spare parts for those reels practically ever, they were built to last a lifetime, my first one is over a decade and a half old and now that I think about it it works better tha when out of the box. Besides you won't get much for them.

[Poolshark]

Thanks for the replies. The ones I'm using have some very high mileage. And they are still strong. Amazing durability. And aside from flipping and frogging, which I love, I rarely find my self throwing baits heavier than 3/8 ounce. That's what has got me thinking about trading up. But I'm pretty sure that I will just keep them and not look back. Between the two spares and the two I throw regularly plus my other reels. I won't need reels for a long while. They were exceptional buys years ago.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If you don't mind the larger profile, those are good casting bullet proof reels. They are excellent candidates for Super Tuning also. A tuned Curado B will outcast a lot of new stuff. 

[Poolshark]

I've never tuned a reel before, what do they do to it? Replace bearings? I'll have to do some research and find out. Interesting....

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Stock bearings are fine. Super Tuning is a process of fine polishing of friction points that affect free-spool. There are some resources on line or you can send it in here. If you do send reels be sure to include your BassResource.com screen name for a 10% discount. 

[Poolshark]

Does it effect the durability of the reel? I checked online and it seems it greatly improves casting distance. I might have to try it out.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Done properly, there are no ill effects on performance or durability. The real advantage on the water to improved free spool is the improved accuracy that results from easier casting. Added distance is just icing on the cake IMO.

[Josh Smith]

Shark,

Two thoughts.

1. You sell them and you will regret it.

2. Super tuning improves everything. Feel, smoothness, you name it. Fewer backlashes with less braking.

If you use all bearings (not bushings) and a light spool, they will cast lighter lures just fine if you have a rod that loads 'em right.

You might look at my recent posts about my Ambassadeur model Abu Garcias. Very similar to what you're looking at.

Josh

[Poolshark]

Josh I saw the post and those reels looked great. I own a couple of ambassadeurs myself and in like those reels a whole lot for spinnerbaiting and light inshore. I'm glad I posted before I sold them. Cause I found a much better option in super tuning them. How much does a quality super tuning job cost?

[Raul]

A good tunning, performed by a knowledgeable technician ( like DVT ) will turn "DaMeanGreenFeeshinMachine"  into a much meaner fishing machine..... don´t know about you guys but I can live with that.

[J Francho]

I'd keep one, tune it up, and sell the rest to fund new reels.

[Poolshark]

Dvt, it looks like I will be sending you some reels very soon!!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

My full rate for Super Tuning is $34, $30.40 for members here. (shipping is extra). 

[Bluebasser86]

I have a few of the old greenies and a 200BSF (super free). My super tuned 200B's will outcast every other reel I own.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

This coming from a abu guy.i owned 2 of these in the early 90s.i wished i still had them used them for 4 yrs and they were as bullet proof as my abus.i think these reels should be named a milestone for low pros and if i ever get my hands on any im keepin them and using them again

[kikstand454]

If you part with them, let me know. I have some hand me downs that I use for my inshore kayak fishing. Four of them in fact. Lol.

DVT, I may have to treat myself to a supertune for Xmas.

[Jeff H]

Had 5 and enjoyed them for many years.  Sold them all last spring and bought 3 Tatula's.  No regrets on my part.  Still have 6 CA-200's from same era that I use and have no plans to sell.