New Reel $150-$250 Range

[Michbassin]

I just ordered a 7' Medium Duckett Micro Magic Cranking Rod, and am now searching for a reel to pair with it. I plan to use the setup for squarebills, and smaller sized cranks (1/4-3/8 oz). 

 

I am looking for a reel that can cast these light lures well, along with being lightweight. Gear ratio will be 6:4 or slower, but that's not a big part of my search. 

 

I was initially leaning towards the Curado I, but have since been looking at the chronarch ci4+. I have a couple gen2 revo premiers and like those, and like my curado e series reels as well. How do the curado e and i series compare? Also, what other reels would you guys look at/suggest in this price point?

 

Thanks for any help

[JeziHogg]

I'd go w/ the Ci4+, why settle for less?

[yakingfisherman]

I like my e series better than the I. No experience with ci4+ but heard really good things about them.

[illinifan4152]

My recommendation would be a chronarch 200e. You can pick them up new for around $150. I have four and I love them. I personally don't think you can pick up a better reel for 150. Good luck!

[new2BC4bass]

Also look at Pinnacle.  I have been extremely impressed with the Primmus.  Can be gotten for less than $160.  6.3:1 ratio  5.9 oz.

[WPCfishing]

If you buy a Lews be sure to open the reel and oil and grease it. They don't do much at the factory before it leaves. The BB1, BB1 Pro,Tournament Pro & Team Lite are nice reels.

You're currently into Shimano and Abu  reels so you should stick with them, they're familiar to you. I don't think you will be happy moving outside a safe box.

[fishballer06]

Go with the ci4. I own multiple of both the Curado I and ci4's, and the ci4 is a large step ahead of the Curado. Not that there is anything wrong with the Curado, but the ci4 is just that nice. Or, with the current Curado promotion, I would also suggest buying 2 Curado's.

[Thelittlelay]

I have a Shimano Calcutta 200GTB(6.0.1 ratio) and I absolutely love it. Casts a mile, retrieve is extremely smooth, and overall it's just a great reel. Retails for about $230.

[HoosierHawgs]

Get the Lew's BB1 on sale at TW

[Crappiebasser]

You can get an Aldebaran 50 for close to what a CI4 cost and it will handle light lures much better.

[jtesch]

1/4-3/8 I'd go CI4. Or try to find a Daiwa T3 1016 on the Auction site.

[fisherrw]

I'd get the metanum on Japan tackle shop for 270

[Cgrinder]

I'd get the metanum on Japan tackle shop for 270

 

Gonna be closer to $300 by the time shipping and Paypal's currency conversion is factored in, not to mention the chance at getting hit with a customs fee. Over budget!

 

The JDM bargains these days are the Alphas SV for just over $200 shipped and the Scorpion 1000/1001 XT listed for $155 as of today from Japan Lure Shop. Actually, both of those would throw small cranks nicely.

 

I don't know how well the Curado I would throw 1/4 oz cranks, as it is my understanding that the spool is not at its best when throwing under 3/8 oz.

[zeth]

Just because I love Quantum...

You could get a Quantum Energy PT, Smoke PT, Tour KVD, EXO PT within that price range. All will cast light lures and perform flawlessly.

[FishTank]

A Shimano Chronarch 50e would be my pick.

[THE BASS WHISPERER]

I just ordered a 7' Medium Duckett Micro Magic Cranking Rod, and am now searching for a reel to pair with it. I plan to use the setup for squarebills, and smaller sized cranks (1/4-3/8 oz). 

 

I am looking for a reel that can cast these light lures well, along with being lightweight. Gear ratio will be 6:4 or slower, but that's not a big part of my search. 

 

I was initially leaning towards the Curado I, but have since been looking at the chronarch ci4+. I have a couple gen2 revo premiers and like those, and like my curado e series reels as well. How do the curado e and i series compare? Also, what other reels would you guys look at/suggest in this price point?

 

Thanks for any help

i have the same rod. my personal favorite , go to e bay and look up simmons sporting goods ( i do not work for them , or profit from this statement ) but you can get new in the box quantum exo for $138.00 ( good day ) up to $155.00) add in 8 bucks for shipping.  Its my favorite combo. i put mono on the first part of spool and then FC sniper 12lb on the rest of the spool . Once again  its a great rod, i use mine for crank baits. 

[bootytrain]

100$ is a pretty wide price gap

[stk]

Been throwing cranks on my chronarch 201e5 and have been very happy with it. I also have a ci4+ and it throws light baits very well but the spool is kind of shallow, I use it for jigs and Texas rigs. I think the chronarch 201e5 (lefty) is the better crank bait reel. I've also been impressed with Lewis bb1pro for light baits and lots of line

[CRANKENSTIEN]

I have this rod too. I don't know if you have felt it but it is whippy. Which can be great for med depth cranks. Small squares. I don't throw big baits with it. Do love the rod. Mine is paired with a Lews tourney speed spool. 4:3 to 1. I like the ratio because it doesn't bend the rod as much. Fighting fish is fun with this rod they don't get off.

[iceintheveins]

The Chronarch CI4 doesn't come in a 5 ratio reel I don't think, so go with the Curado. If you could still find a Chronarch 200e5, I've heard it's more foolproof.

[masterbass]

Alphas sv or scorpion xt on one of the japanese sites.  Ordering from japan is so easy and they ship FAST.