E7/Scorpion XT1500 or curado I

[craww]

Thanks to a no good thief, I'm now short one of my favorite reels , an E7. I'm going to be getting a new reel, and Im between the 2 in the title. I'm only looking at the 200i and not the 70 due to line capacity ( no BS with a gunfish and freshly flushed bearings I could take my E series down to the backing with 12lb hybrid).

 

The sales on the 200I have my attention, but it seems folks are torn on the reels. Some don't like the newer braking system, maybe there's something to it since the 70 has different braking. Do you have to oil the outer ring fairly often like some say? I don't mind maintenence but that's a little odd. The E is really everything I want in a reel, they are getting harder to source it seems. XT1500'S are out there and pretty reasonable as are the white chronarchs.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is how do the 2 platforms stack up? I know and like the E, is the I getting its due? What's you're take on the braking?

 

Thanks

[RichF]

I have 3 Curado Es and 2 Is.  I think the old braking system is just plain simple and works pretty darn well.  Not saying the new one isn't good by any means, it's just a little more complicated to fine tune IMO.  I actually haven't even tested the I's casting ability (my 7:1 is on my flipping stick and I run 17-20lb fluoro on my 6.3, so I'm not going to get superb distance anyway).  That being said, I think the I palms better and just feels a little more solid in hand.  I really both.  

 

I'd say go ahead and check out the I.  Might as well get used to the new braking system anyway...I don't think Shimano will go back now and those E's will just keep getting harder to find. lol

[robster80]

Nothing wrong with the I.  Easy to get setup right. Casts great. Smooth. 

[nocluefisher]

The curado I is on sale at American legacy for $129.99

[craww]

Thanks guys...With the discounts on the I, is another curado coming down the pike?

[NYBasser]

I have both reels, love them both. If you have the chance to pick up a Curado 200E7, do it. Otherwise, the 200I is a fine reel as well.

[The Bassman]

I know this ruffles the feathers of the guys who are still attached to their E platform reels. The truth is that the I platform reels are smoother in the long run. The X-Ship bearing makes a big difference.  Every E I've owned has started out or became geary. This is not to say that they're bad reels.  I just never cared for feeling and hearing a reel's internals.

[Hulkster]

I used my Curado 200iPG a whole lot last summer and I only had to oil the brake drum once. so its not as bad as it seems. you also can get the squealing sound if you have the cast control knob tightened down and the dial set high (if you are casting a wind resistant bait into the wind and have everything cranked to avoid a backlash). I really like the curado 200i. its smooth, powerful and casts well. and it is very comfortable to palm.