Lew's Tournament Pro Or Shimano Curado I ... Vote!

[buzzed bait]

I'm looking to buy a new reel for spinnerbaits/buzzbaits.  Which reel do you prefer?  Feel free to comment with any reasons as to why one or the other.

Thanks.

[HoosierHawgs]

Lew's have always meant quality at a price I can't ignore. My Lew's cast farther, with less backlashes than any other reel I've owned. And I've owned Shimano's, Quantum's, Browning's, Daiwa's, Bass Pro's, and Abu's. After feeling the lowest model Lew's, I switched them all to Lew's. 

[iabass8]

Pick the one that feels best in your hand. Neither reel will lack anything for its price if you know how to use a casting reel. Anything beyond that is x brand is better than x brand because i said so .

[Missourifishin]

Pick the one that feels best in your hand. Neither reel will lack anything for its price if you know how to use a casting reel. Anything beyond that is x brand is better than x brand because i said so .

Exactly. Both brands have some loyal fans. The answers you get are going to reflect that. I'm a Lews guy myself.

[BasshunterJGH]

Voted curado.

[BassinLou]

I have both the Curado I and the TTPro. Both are great reels. The only difference between the two for the moment, is that I have to do a minute bit of maintenance on the Curado after each outing. And when I mean minute it just means that I have to lightly oil the brake drum on the Curado. Is it a deal breaker? Eh... depends on you. I don't mind it I just have to be conscious about it. Casting performance is effected a little bit when that light oiling is not done. So far I have not done anything to the TTPRO yet, and its performing really well. Maybe those tidbits of info will help. Good luck on your choice. You will enjoy either reel imho. 

[Siebert Outdoors]

If you have a good local dealer with them both and the rod your going to put it on see if you can try them out on the rod to compare at the store.

[DogBone_384]

I had to vote for the Lews.  The only Shimano's I have are Cores.....  not a fair comparison.

[J Francho]

Left out about a dozen other choices that are as good, if not better than these two.  At that price point, "better" is pretty marginal, though.  They're good above around $150.

[buzzed bait]

Left out about a dozen other choices that are as good, if not better than these two.  At that price point, "better" is pretty marginal, though.  They're good above around $150.

 

care to elaborate?  i'm not dead set on either of them, just both receive incredibly high marks all around so i thought it was a win win on them both.  definitely hear you out on the other options better or as good in that market.

[aprestonSEK]

Both are very good reels.  I use the curado I for throwing spinnerbaits.  X-ship gives this reel a lot of power and a very smooth retrieve.  

 

Curado I: 

Pros:  X-ship, Gear longevity, Power, Casts well

Cons: weighs more than tourney pro, Centrifugal Brakes only

 

Tournament Pro:

Pros:  Lightweight, Smooth, Casts well, Dual braking system

Cons:  Aluminum gears(wear faster), not as powerful(IMO)

[Bluebasser86]

I use a Lew's Speed Spool for my spinnerbait/bladed jig/buzzbait rod and have zero complaints. I love my Curado IHG that's on my pitching rod too though. Can't really go wrong with either. 

[okbassguy]

Two days ago I bought the Shimano Curado I and expected a amazing reel and a mile casts but it didn't turn out that way the Curado couldn't outcast my Lews $80 combo and I had to take it back because the spring loaded side plate wouldn't lock back into place so I took and back and got the Lews Tournament Pro its way better casts farther thanks to those 11 ball bearings versus the Curado 5 bearings  I think but maybe my Curado was defective but I must say the Curado is a strong feeling reel it would be perfect for flipping and pitching!!! Good Luck!

[F14A-B]

Two days ago I bought the Shimano Curado I and expected a amazing reel and a mile casts but it didn't turn out that way the Curado couldn't outcast my Lews $80 combo and I had to take it back because the spring loaded side plate wouldn't lock back into place so I took and back and got the Lews Tournament Pro its way better casts farther thanks to those 11 ball bearings versus the Curado 5 bearings I think but maybe my Curado was defective but I must say the Curado is a strong feeling reel it would be perfect for flipping and pitching!!! Good Luck!

The "I" is a long casting reel, it also makes use of bearings where they are most important.On side plate closure issue, there are 2 guide pins on the reel and they must both be properly lined up, closes easy then. It's sounds like you gave up pretty quick to me. To bad, they are excellent reels.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Bearing count has zero affect on casting. Casting distance can not be compared between reels without using the same rod, line, bait and setup. Dual brakes are a personal preference. Neither reel is night and day better than the other but design wise I'd give the edge to the Curado due to the bearing supported pinion

[okbassguy]

Ok maybe the bearings don't matter but the Curado doesn't cast as far as the Lews tournament Pro

[ColdSVT]

I own both and i prefer the curado i

While the TP is lighter ( and maybe just a hair smoother) i tend to reach for the curado more often.

as far as casting they are pretty comparable in distance. During the fight the curado seems to feel more powerful and drag feels smoother imo. I also prefer centri brakes only but thats me

[Tywithay]

I have both the Curado I and the TTPro. Both are great reels. The only difference between the two for the moment, is that I have to do a minute bit of maintenance on the Curado after each outing. And when I mean minute it just means that I have to lightly oil the brake drum on the Curado. Is it a deal breaker? Eh... depends on you. I don't mind it I just have to be conscious about it. Casting performance is effected a little bit when that light oiling is not done. So far I have not done anything to the TTPRO yet, and its performing really well. Maybe those tidbits of info will help. Good luck on your choice. You will enjoy either reel imho.

If you're oiling the brake drum after every outing, you're wasting a lot of time. I oil it maybe after 30 or so. Until it starts screaming, it doesn't need oil.

[ColdSVT]

^^ yep

I oil mine every two to three weeks when i oil my ci4 chronarch.

[BassinLou]

If you're oiling the brake drum after every outing, you're wasting a lot of time. I oil it maybe after 30 or so. Until it starts screaming, it doesn't need oil.

 

I need to oil mine because I am using it consistently for 7 hrs straight. The constant casting and retrieving shows. Besides if I want my reel operating as good as the last trip a little oil seems to do it some good.  This is my frogging outfit. I work this reel pretty hard when I am using it. For other techniques i may agree. But not for this one. 

[J Francho]

Geez, now I'm gonna have to get one, just because I refuse to oil any centrifugal brake drum, and they all work fine for me.

[roadwarrior]

I am little surprised the vote is so close (63/36). Generally, Shimano scores around 69% vs. the entire field!

I prefer centrifugal brakes. Set 'em and forget 'em.

 

 

 

 

[Arv]

I'd say which ever palms better. I doubt you'd be upset with either reel.