E7 chronarch's & curado's

[Rbm18]

I just wanted to get some opinions on why people are going so crazy over these reels ? In great condition they go for over $200 . I have a couple of them and love them but I think there are others out there just as good if not better. 

[DirtyDeuceGoose]

They're nice, used to have a couple when I ran shimanos. Probably a cross between being discontinued and just how much they were adored when they were in production. 

[tomustang]

They're tanks

[ncbassfisher1496]

I was just browsing a certain auction site and saw bids on almost new Citica 200E up to $156... I know they usually go for a lot less than that, but it's still insane that someone is willing to pay that much for a reel that originally retailed for $120. 

[Jon G]

They have a high reputation for being tanks. They are also classics and are nostalgic

[kickerfish1]

Its simple:

1. VBS reels are set and forget - Occasionally engage or disengage a break pin for baits/wind conditions

2. Little maintenance needed at the end of a fishing outing

3. Easy to maintain and clean

4. Parts are still readily available

5. Both the 50 and 200 size cover about 90% of the bass fishing apps except a few select things

6. Reels are comfortable to palm

7. Built well and proven

8. Plenty of aftermarket options for tuning especially on the 50 size

9. For some they may prefer the colors (Pearl white chronarch) or (Dark green metallic Curado)

10. Some forget just how good a reel is until its gone -Look what happened with the Chronarch D since it has been discontinued. I believe it retailed for $220 or so and now they are fetching $225 to $300+

It also comes down to supply and demand. Right now there is a high demand for them and there doesn't seem to be a lot of them coming up for sale, but when they do the sellers are able to sell them for a premium. It doesn't happen with every discontinued reel but occasionally a reel will bring in more used then it did new.

[Poolshark]

The E series kind of became the benchmark of shimanos affordable reels and for good reason. But with that said, I personally wouldnt spend the money that they are commanding now. There are way too many great reels >200 dollars out there. But to each their own... You have to be happy with what you are using. 

[BassThumb]

With the fishing season just around the corner, now is the time when I meticulously dismantle my reels completely and soak/clean them. Most of them are Curados of the D, E, and G generations. Probably 15 in all.

The G's are wearing out a bit, disappointingly but not surprisingly, even though they're the newest of the three. They feel cheap, fish cheap, and wear cheap. But the E's and D's appear to be of similar quality, and the difference comes down to feel. 

When broken down, even 6-10 years after purchase, they (D/E) still look brand new on the inside, aside from some scratches from screwdrivers and pliers.

Im excited to try out the new Curados this summer. They'll replace the G-series Curados. I hope they last as long as the D/E series, because I like to get 5+ years out of a reel.

That said, I would never spend $200 on a used, 6-year-old reel that many people bought for $100-125. That's crazy. 

[Poolshark]

11 minutes ago, BassThumb said:

With the fishing season just around the corner, now is the time when I meticulously dismantle my reels completely and soak/clean them. Most of them are Curados of the D, E, and G generations. Probably 15 in all.

The G's are wearing out a bit, disappointingly but not surprisingly, even though they're the newest of the three. They feel cheap, fish cheap, and wear cheap. But the E's and D's appear to be of similar quality, and the difference comes down to feel. 

When broken down, even 6-10 years after purchase, they (D/E) still look brand new on the inside, aside from some scratches from screwdrivers and pliers.

Im excited to try out the new Curados this summer. They'll replace the G-series Curados. I hope they last as long as the D/E series, because I like to get 5+ years out of a reel.

That said, I would never spend $200 on a used, 6-year-old reel that many people bought for $100-125. That's crazy. 

Just curious what internal parts are wearing faster on the g series vs e series? I've broken all of mine down several times over the last few years and honestly haven't noticed my g series wearing down any faster than my e series reels. Or b or I series for that matter. 

[lmbfisherman]

51 minutes ago, BassThumb said:

With the fishing season just around the corner, now is the time when I meticulously dismantle my reels completely and soak/clean them. Most of them are Curados of the D, E, and G generations. Probably 15 in all.

The G's are wearing out a bit, disappointingly but not surprisingly, even though they're the newest of the three. They feel cheap, fish cheap, and wear cheap. But the E's and D's appear to be of similar quality, and the difference comes down to feel. 

When broken down, even 6-10 years after purchase, they (D/E) still look brand new on the inside, aside from some scratches from screwdrivers and pliers.

Im excited to try out the new Curados this summer. They'll replace the G-series Curados. I hope they last as long as the D/E series, because I like to get 5+ years out of a reel.

That said, I would never spend $200 on a used, 6-year-old reel that many people bought for $100-125. That's crazy. 

I'd like to know too.  I have two G Series and break them down, I haven't seen an issue.  Can you provide pics too?

[Bluebasser86]

I have 4 or 5 E7 Curados. Every time I see this kind of stuff, it makes me think I should see what I can get for them since they're all well taken care of and super tuned. Already have one that doesn't even have a rod to go on anyways. 

[EvanT123]

If shimano painted them Rayburn red they might be worth $500!!!

[Rbm18]

To me the citica E is A very under rated reel. I would rather have one of those than a curado g series. 

[Bankbeater]

I had two of them and I sold one a while back.  Kind of sorry I did that now.

[robster80]

weird how these prices on these things are this season.  forget looking st fleabay unless u wanna spend over $200.   thats crazy that the citica went for that much.  guya readily sell those in the forums for $60-$80.  oh well.  theyre definitely amazing reels. . i have a NIB E5 ive debated selling 

[Hawkeye21]

I've been looking to buy a Curado 200E7 but they are all going for over $150 on ebay.  I really want one but can't imagine spending that much on a used real.  I would consider $100 but even that seems ridiculous since the most I've ever spent on any reel is $60 and that was brand new.

[BassThumb]

11 hours ago, Poolshark said:

Just curious what internal parts are wearing faster on the g series vs e series? I've broken all of mine down several times over the last few years and honestly haven't noticed my g series wearing down any faster than my e series reels. Or b or I series for that matter. 

 

11 hours ago, lmbfisherman said:

I'd like to know too.  I have two G Series and break them down, I haven't seen an issue.  Can you provide pics too?

I've had some issues with stripping the screw-threads where the side-plates connect with the body. I've never done that before on any other reel. 

It's also a PITA to get the spool-tension knob back on without removing the whole handle. It used to slip on more easily, but it's getting more difficult because those threads are just beginning to strip, too.

In addition, the little flap on the side plate to open it up and access the magnetic brakes have a tendency to stick now after a couple season, to the point where I'm worried I may break it when I try to twist it. It happens only occasionally, yet randomly. Yes, I oil it from time to time.

The handle-knob bearings also appear to not be holding up as well as on the earlier models, despite cleaning and greasing them the same exact way. 

Most importantly, and most telling, after a good, 3-4 hour complete breakdown, cleaning, and oiling, the G-series does not seem to feel as 'fresh' as a similarly treated D- or E-series reel, which feel like a brand new reel after each spring cleaning. The G just feels like it's beginning to wear out after only two full seasons.

[Raul]

After being a Curado die hard fan I have to admit it fell from my preference the day the Citica D made it´s debut, now it´s either Citica or Chronarch what I purchase. 

[new2BC4bass]

15 hours ago, Rbm18 said:

I just wanted to get some opinions on why people are going so crazy over these reels ? In great condition they go for over $200 . I have a couple of them and love them but I think there are others out there just as good if not better. 

Agree.  Love my Curado 201E7, but wouldn't spend what I've seen some priced at.  Passed on a couple at $140 a year or so ago, and wish I hadn't.  However, I have picked up a few reels since then that i feel are as good, and paid less for a new reel than what some are now asking for used Es.

[Poolshark]

I'm glad this thread came about when it did. It got me thinking about the inflated pricing on the old shimano reels. Today I decided to drive out to two small bait and tackle shops and snoop around their reel selection. I have found 2 new in box calcutta 50s, a new chronarch d and a new in box chronarch e7. All posted at their original price. he will cut me a deal if I buy a few of them at once. They've been sitting in his little shop for years.  My point is that they are out there if you can find them. 

[Rbm18]

Sounds like you could make some money on them if you wanted to. And put them on the right web site.

[mc6524]

The curado 200i goes for 179.99almost anywhere.  I do change the bearings with Bocca or get seal for another $30.00 and this reel performs better than my Zillion.

[robster80]

saw a chronarch E go for $100 just moments ago.  a curado e7 for 100 also a week ago.   a dude beat me to em. 

[Rbm18]

Dang it, that's a steal if it was in good shape 

[Nick S]

2 hours ago, mc6524 said:

The curado 200i goes for 179.99almost anywhere.  I do change the bearings with Bocca or get seal for another $30.00 and this reel performs better than my Zillion.

I don't understand why anyone would pay that much for the curado i when you can get the citica cheaper... it's the same reel! Especially if you're going to swap out the spool bearings, buy a citica I cheap on ebay swap out the spool bearings and you have a better reel than the curado I for much less.