Shimano Curado vs Chronarch vs Calais?

[FishTank]

I have looked at these reels many times this year and was wanting to know, is the $70 to $180 difference from the curado to the chronarch or calais justified and  if so, in your opinions why?

Just wondering because I found the Curado hard to beat at the price?

[Catt]

I have very limited experience with this end of the Shimano spectrum, my wife bought me a Chronarch when they first came out, and after one trip to the lake I returned it. The reel worked flawlessly I just don't like low profile reels so I traded it for a Calcutta.

Got a buddy who has an even dozen Calais they are unbelievable but his pay code is way higher than mine.

It's kinda like Ford vs. Mercury vs. Lincoln

[mike bat]

well i was a chronarch guy but after seeing the new cu ,,,, i got to say there isnt that much difference .... even if you look at the specs.. the reels are real close .... now the calais ,, thats a different animal .... i geuss if i where you id say ,,, get the cu ... in fact ill be getting 5 new cu,s of so this year ... i just love the new cu  ;D imo

[Alpster]

I just sold 2 curados (old style) - very good reels.

These are entry level for excellent fishing gear, easily the shortest casting distance on the list.

I have 2 Chronarch 50 MGs - awesome reels. These are the lightest high performance Shimanos, smooth casting - I find I have to fool with the drag more than with the Calais.

I also have 2 CL200 Calais s - best all around reel there is. These reels cast like butter. You can talk to a lure with the smooth fast retrieve, adjust the drag and brakes and forget it. Perfectly consistent cast after cast, day after day.

I also have 1 Calcutta TE200DC - the best of the best (I am shopping for another). The most amazing baitcaster I've seen. Casting distance is much longer than the others and it's strong enough to winch the boat onto the trailer.

Shimano has figured out what their reels are worth. If you fish with them you will see why a Calais costs 3 times more than a Curado. JMHO

Ronnie

[Lightninrod]

I have a couple of Calais 200s including a Mg one.  They are second only to the JDM Shimano Antares AR(Calais 100) IMO and that's just because I like the lighter, smaller size of the 100 models.  Calais's are the "Mercedes/Lexus's" of the smaller, baitcasters out there.

Dan

[roadwarrior]

Another vote for the Calais.

[Raul]

Anything we can say is meaningless, the only way you can tell if the difference is worth the money is fishing with each one of them and draw your own conclusions.

[justtrying]

like the rest of the posters, i, too, have some of each of named reels.

chronarch mg's are Fantastic for ...jerkbaits, smaller crankbaits, lightweight worms, etc.... even tho they're lighter, i've had no problem with 8+ pound fish with it (i keep them spooled w/10lb line)

the calais is best suited for bigger/deeper crankbaits, heavy spinnerbaits, etc....

both models have their place in my arsenal & i'd hate to do without either one.   i'm not sorry i spent the money for either.

ronnie

[Guest DavidGreen]

I have serviced all of them.

I'm with Raul on this.

[0119]

Reel Mech - you have serviced Calais ?  Were you provided the special disassembly tool by Shimano?  I had assumed Shimano did'nt sell them.  I have seen the makeshift tool sold at one time by Lake Fork Tackle.  Being unable to disassemble the reel myself is the only thing stopping me from owning one.

[FishTank]

Thanks again for everyones input.

Just before I posted this question, my Quantum Tour Edition PT started having problems with both the drag and the cast control.  

I hooked a 3lb smallie and a couple of casts later I heard something pop.  I just thought it was the line tied into the spool but I guessed wrong.  Every other cast I would get a backlash.  It was as if, on the retrieve the line was not coming in as steady as it should.  It's a shame because I liked this reel a lot.  

In the end, I took it back to BPS and purchased a Shimano Calais 201A.  I can't wait to try it (as soon as my wife stops screaming at me).  

I am going to pair this up with my G Loomis GLX mbr783.   I guess I will, as some suggested, draw my own conclusion but it is still nice to hear opinions from others.

[Alpster]

I purchased a Shimano Calais 201A. I am going to pair this up with my G Loomis GLX mbr783.

Now that's one sweet rig, You are going to love it! JMHO

Ronnie