Upgrading bc reel...need advise

[stosh]

Hi all this is one of my first posts here and first wanted to say that the wealth of info on this site is amazing! I am looking for opinions or advise on my next bc. I currently own a Quantum code and feel that I want to step it up. The reel will be paired up with an Avid 7' MH rod. I first started looking at the STX because of the drag and the free wiley x glasses. It felt good but am unaware how I will like the mag brakes. I used my brother in laws Patriarch (nice reel) but really didn't mess with the mag brakes because they were turned off when I used it. I also started to consider line capacity as well because I would like to take this pole to the bay for stripers or for other bigger species. So it would be a multipurpose pole not just a bass pole. My other consideration was being able to use light weight lures such as 1/4 oz crankbaits specifically Bandit 100 series ( I love em). I do have another pole to switch to for the lighter weights but the majority of the time the reel will be on the croix. So I am looking at the Curado, Revo inshore and Toro for line capacity and drag but wondering how they manage light lures like the 100 Bandits. I would like to stay somewhere around the $200 or no higher higher than $300. In all I guess I want a reel that will be mainly used for bass and can handle bigger game fish. All ears for any opinions. Oh and I want the retrieve to be not lower than 6.4. Any help is appreciated

[islandbass]

First, welcome!!!!

I can tell you that the Curado can easily handle 1/4 lures, and without issue.  I can't speak about the other two choices because I have never casted them.

For your needs, the Curado is more than capable. I don't have the E but I have Ds, and even a BSF and they have handled species bigger than bass for me, particularly big salmon. No problems. They ought to handle stripers easily.

[Micro]

IMO, I'd rule the Toro out right away.  It's a great reel, but I doubt it will handle light baits well at all.   It's designed for heavier applications.  For bass fishing, I think it is best utilized as a swimbait reel.  If all you were fishing for is stripers it's perfect.  But if LMB is you main quarry, then there are better choices than the Toro.

The Inshore will handle lighter baits better.  Of course, the Inshore is based on the Revo, which is a stellar bass reel.  Its deep spool makes it more suitable for heavier baits (1/2 oz and up), but I know people have good luck using lighter baits, down to 1/4 oz.  The Inshore is very robustly built.  It has extra corrosion protection and no holes in the spool to let saltwater in.  The gearing is thick and the drag is heavy duty.  I have caught a few stripers on my revos and they have the power and drag to bring them in.

One reel you would do well to consider is the Revo Winch.  It is essentially an Inshore (but without the infinispool) but with a lower gear ratio making it a perfect choice for crank baits.  It has the same spool (different color) as the Insore, though the Winch has a shaft, whereas the Inhore has the Infinispool feature.  There is not a lick of difference in performance.   It is an excellent reel.  Again, the deep spool ins't the best choice for light cranks, but it will cast them.  The Winch will cast heavier cranks a long, long way.

If you are considering a Curado for bass and striper fishing, I'd look for one of the older Curado 200DPVs.  I know people will get heartburn over this, but I think it is a much better reel than the new Curado for occassional forays into saltwater.  It was built more robustly than the Curado E and has an aluminum crankside sideplate, which will give you peace of mind when pulling in a big striper.  

[South FLA]

Did you consider a Daiwa Zillion? They can cast light lures pretty well.  Not sure if it has enough line capacity for your application, but I know they have a new Coastal Edition on the market.  Although I believe all versions are salt water safe.

I second the older Curado Series recommendation  for bang for the buck.

I owned my share of Revo's Premiers and although they are good performers I have either sold or returned each and every one of them.

[Micro]

I second the older Curado Series recommendation for bang for the buck.

Best part is is that there are still plenty of new ones sitting around.  You can soemtimes get them for under $100 brand new.

[dodgeguy]

this is a no brainer.get a patriarch wide spool.

[stosh]

Thanks for the input everyone.  I think I might have to forego some line capacity to be manageable with lighter lures.  I am still interested in the Inshore/Winch Revo which still has quite a bit of capacity, but wonder if it will disappoint me with lighter lures such as lack of distance, more backlashes etc. compared to my Quantum Code.  I will also look into the Curado's more spefically the older models. I never really looked on the internet buying older stuff.  Is e-bay the best place to buy the new older models?  As for Daiwa, I never really considered it but will research into it to see what I can find. And as for the WLP Patriarch I know it is a good reel and can use one whenever I want.  I read the drag is 10 #'s which I know is enough for LMB but wondered if its enough for bigger fish. Thanks again

[Micro]

There are still a lot of Curados still sitting around new in stores.  You don't have to buy off the internet if you don't want to.  Once the Curado E was introduced, some dealers got stuck with the older (and better) Ds that just won't sell.   Many have slashed prices on them.  I'd recommend you look around near your home.  

Or you can call this dealer.  

http://hookerbaitandtackle.net/

This store is near me.  Last time I was there, he still had some Curado 200DPVs.  You can call and see if he had any, and if he'll cut the price.  (If he doesn't, I'd thank him and then look somewhere else.)  I definately would not pay as much for a D model as the new E costs.  

[stryk9]

curado or patriarch. rule all others out.

[roadwarrior]

Shimano CTE200GT

http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/reels/round_baitcasting.html

I have one matched with a G. Loomis MBR844C. This is my weighted

soft plastics rod and striper rod. Another is saddled to a Lamiglas

SR705R for deep cranking.

The CTE200GT is built like a tank, but is surprisingly compact. Strong,

smooth, silent and reliant...This is a reel that represents everything

Shimano is known for. With proper maintenance, you will fish this reel

the rest of your life.

All of my reels, except an STX, are my "favorite" reels. However, the

CTE200GT is the only reel that I have two of. I think this reel addresses

your needs and that you will be very pleased with its performance.

8-)

[OK Bass Hunter]

I second the Shimano CTE200GT

I have one and couldn't be happier.

[stosh]

It seems the majority is leaning toward the Shimano's and the Patriarch. I am wondering what leaves the Revo's lacking compared to the other two? And also is the older Cudado better than the newer E model because of durability or is there a difference in performance as well?  On the subject of Curado's, how would it compare to the Patriarch since that it is the only "higher end reel" I used?. If I have time over the weekend I will probably go to Cabela's and a local shop to take a good look at the reels... especially the Calcutta and see what I like. Thanks

[Cavfirst]

I have problems throwing smaller cranks with the Revo.  Anything under 3/8's for me is a no-no now for 3/8 and above i can throw the line off the reel if i am not careful.  Two reels you might want to look at for smaller stuff bps makes the finesse reel it works great for lite stuff or just a standard revo s this reel is very versatile for me, but i have always been a Abu guy had a bad experience with She-man-o reels along time ago and never got over it.  Different strokes for different folks.

[NIN]

Cavfirst,

Yes, that is why they sell brake enhanced version of Revo in Japan.

It is called Revo Elite Aurora. It has 8 magnets instead of 5.

For the people who have trouble casting light weight lures with Revo, you can easily add more magnet. See picture below.

It is in Japanese but you can see how he did it.

This is especially effective on Revo STX.

After adding magnet, you should loosen the mechanical brake so that

you are only using magnet for brake.

you can try diffrent sized magnet or diffrent number of magnet.

I use 2 of 3/16 inch X 1/16 magnet.

[cart7t]

Interesting brake modification on that Japanese enhanced Revo.

The Patriarch uses the same style mag brake that Garcia has used previously for years.  Open magnets mounted on a circular holder.  When the control is turn the holder turns, which is mounted on a cam assembly and moves the brakes closer to or farther away from the spool end.

The linear mag has the brakes enclosed in plastic with a metal plate that moves exposing more of less of the plastic encased magnets.  I suppose it breaks the magnetic field in some way.  That version seems to have 2 or 3 magnets exposed all the time.  I wonder if they actually moved or are fixed.

[NIN]

No, added magnets does not move. This modification is basically increasing base magnet force. This modification makes your Revo mild and very easy to handle.

I was lucky I had ABU 4600C5 MAG-X. I used brake unit of this reel to make this modification.  Pic is showing brake unit (left) and plate and magnet of 4600C5 MAG-X.  I cut the plate in size and made a hole to mount.  I used magnet also.

[NIN]

Pic below is modified my STX and PREMIER side plate. Once magnet is added, After this modification, I do not have to use mechanical brake any more. Try this.  This really works.  I can cast 7g from about 30yard with my Revo STX.  

[The_Natural]

Just remember, as line capacity goes up....ability to throw light baits goes down.  

[NIN]

Or ZPI makes special super light weight spool and magnet brake conbo for SX, STX and PREMIER.

This brake unit uses original brake adjustment knob and takes up to 9 magnets. Over 250 diffrent settings.

[Micro]

I suspect the Revo may go to an 8-magnet set up in the US.  Pfluegers, Revos and Johnny Morris' borrow heavily from Pinnacles.  This is Pinnacles new system...