Curado Bantam 100 B baitcaster comparison

[learnin]

Thinking of getting another baitcaster with a 7-1 or a little higher retrieve ratio.  How much would I have to spend to get something that would compare favorably with my old 100 B, 6-2-1. I bought this reel about 20years ago and still use it, mostly for crank baits.  It's gotten some use every year, never had detailed cleaning or lube but it always works well.  I paid $129 for it which would be around $200 in 2019 dollars. 

 

Someone commented that on today's market with reel technology improvements the 100B would have a tough time competing with the features and ease of use of today's $100 baitcasters.  Would it and would these $100 reels,  say as an example a Lew's "Speed Spool" have that kind of detailed maintenance free longevity?

[OnthePotomac]

Look at the relatively new Shimano SLX for $99.  It is the same size as the Curado 70 and comes in an 8.2:1 version.  I have not found much that compares to my 14 year old Shimano 100B's in the $100 range, but then I have maintained them my self since purchase and they are in pristine condition.  My SLX has, so far, proven to be  pretty slick little reel for the price and I have worked the daylights out of it on the Potomac.

P.S.  Get your 100B spiffed up by DVT and you will continue to enjoy it.

[The Bassman]

I've got a 100B with a Chronarch 50 spool and upgraded handle. Casts as well as anything I own and that includes Aldebaran 50, Chronarch MGL, and Bantam MGL. I can see the benefit of maybe a little quicker retrieve for contact baits but give this reel a little TLC. It's timeless.

[Shimano_1]

I don't think any of the newer reels are gonna go 20 years period without some components needing replacement especially with little to no maintenance.  I figure if a 99 dollar reel lasts me 5 years it's a win. I obviously have no way of knowing this but everything is that way anymore.  A shimano slx will feel light years ahead of your old curado....in 20 more years that curado will likely still be trucking when the slx is long gone or has been rebuilt a few times. 

[Mikeltee]

Will you get the same longevity out of a $100 reel? I doubt it, but for the price just get another one in a few years. The latest Bantam is next on my list. At 45 years young if theres anything I've learned is that at retail prices, you get what you pay for. I buy nothing but endgame gear nowadays. Buy it cheap buy it twice.

[FishTank]

There really isn't anything to compare to the old Curado B.  It was a great reel on it's own and there isn't much out that feels, at least to me, the same in hand.  

 

If was going to replace it, I might just go ahead and get the new Curado K or the Curado DC.  The DC is just slightly smaller.  Both reels are fantastic. 

[Fishaholic7lbs]

Them 100 Bantams are money I’ve got 2 and a 50 mg chronarch.. when they stopped making the “e” version of the curado and swapped over to lews tournament mb.. a very user friendly reel and still super smooth you can find them on sale right now for around 100$-120$ 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Dont know how why who when or where ppl get the assumption older reels cant compete with new reeels.....last i seen its not a race so no competition ....unless we are speaking of gear ratio then yes of course a 10.0 is faster then a 5.1......but the fish catching part is between our ears..

[learnin]

Thanks to all that replied.  I'll keep the 100 B and see if I can find a deal on an SLX or Lew's Tournament MB LFS with a faster retrieve gear ratio. I appreciate the opinions and the info.