Shimano Bantam

[Carterjig68]

Anyone use Shimano bantams? I was wondering what they were like and what they would be good for.

[new2BC4bass]

I'm going to attempt an answer, but there are tons more knowledgeable than I on these reels.  Bantams are older reels.  Out of production when I got back into fishing in '09.  I don't think any have been sold with that name since then (2009).  One in good working order will be fine for bass fishing.  Gear ratio might be a little slow.  Imagine parts for them would be hard to find.  My understanding from the little I have read about them is that they are/were very good reels for the money, and are the foundation for Shimano's reputation today.

 

Sounds like you might have come across one or two in your grandfather's garage.    Get it/them cleaned, spool new line and put it/them to work.  Doubt you will regret it.

[Bluebasser86]

Which Bantam are you talking about? The old black Bantam? Bantam Citica? Bantam Curado?

[clh121787]

I had a curado bantam cu 200. Casted very well. Drag was a bit sticky. A little big and bulky compared to the new stuff.

[B-Dozer]

if you are referring to Bantam Mag Plus 150x XHS with the flipping switch, they are pretty good for light baits.

very easy to cast w/o backlashing

[OnthePotomac]

My three Curado 100B's are still going strong.  Smooth as the day I bought them.

[Caliyak]

My first BC reel was the bantam chromica. Still have it.

[Carterjig68]

Bantam curado sorry for not clarifying

[fisherrw]

i have a bantum curado. love it great reel for deep cranks and swimbaits i got 15 pound test spooled on it. use it for my larger baits

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I have 10 of them here being cleaned and Super Tuned. They are smooth, great casting and built like a tank.

[Bluebasser86]

Not as light or compact as a lot of newer reels but probably one of the best all around reels ever made IMO. I still own several and regret ever selling any of them. 

[fishballer06]

The bantam Curado is the best workhorse of a reel in fishing, hands down. 

[PatrickKnight]

I own two that I have had for 10+ years with a single issue. The only thing I wish was different is both of mine are 5.1:1 and I really wish one was higher speed then I wouldn't be in market for a new reel right now.

 

I paid just over 100 bucks for mine when I got them and I doubt you can find anything anywhere near 100 that will match them.

[Ginosocalbass]

I had the bearings upgraded in mine and it cast a mile.  

 

Other than deep cranks, the 5:1 seems to slow for a light cranking rod, but i hear deep cranking is were this reel shines. 

 

they even made a 3:8 which i have no idea what someone would use it for but they are a rare find

[dave]

Bought and sold several over the years.   The Curado 200BSF was my favorite.

[fishballer06]

I had the bearings upgraded in mine and it cast a mile.  

 

Other than deep cranks, the 5:1 seems to slow for a light cranking rod, but i hear deep cranking is were this reel shines. 

 

they even made a 3:8 which i have no idea what someone would use it for but they are a rare find

 

I've got one. They're good for walleye fishing, trolling, and working baits very slow along the bottom. I wouldn't recommend one for buzzbaits 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Im a abu man but if i find any of these ill buy them up.very nice workhorse reels

[buzzed bait]

Not as light or compact as a lot of newer reels but probably one of the best all around reels ever made IMO. I still own several and regret ever selling any of them. 

 

pretty sure i had one of those you let go... and since let it go myself.

they are fantastic reels with great line capacity too.

[Grantman83]

I scored 2 of the 100b curados and they are tanks so far...friend cleaned and greased them and the only thing they may need is a slightly better handle...otherwise they look and feel bulletproof

[wnspain]

Bantam curado sorry for not clarifying

I thought you referring to the ooold bantams...e.g. 100, 100EX, 500, and the 10x.  Still have my old 10SG and it still gets the job done