Anyone Know the Curado 200E7?

[Bass_Akwards]

Just bought one.  Read the instruction guide but I really wanted someone who knows the reel to give me a better understanding of it so I can really use it to it's full potential.  Reading the instruction guide just isn't cutting it for me.  Any tips or pointers  on how to use the controls and brakes etc would be really helpful.

Thanks!

[Goose52]

If you're new to BC reels - a good basic starting set-up is to set 4 of the centrifugal brakes. Then, tie on the bait or practice plug that you intend to throw; hold your rod tip at about a 45 degree angle up and adjust your cast control knob so that when in free-spool, your bait falls somewhat slowly and when it hits the ground, the spool only turns about another 1/2 to 1 turn. This is a nice conservative starting point.

As you gain experience, you can start experimenting with reducing the number of centrifugal brakes from 4 to 3 to 2. Set the brakes so that they are balanced (opposed to each other). With four brakes it would be 2 on, 1 off, 2 on, 1 off. Three brakes is every other one. Two brakes are directly opposite from each other. The number of brakes that you finally end up with will be determined by your experience, the weight of the bait, and the force you use in your cast. Many people just set 2 brakes and never touch them again.

Also with experience, you can start reducing the tension on your cast control knob - some people reduce to the point where the spool is basically free and you keep just enough tension to eliminate any side-play on the spool. The amount that you can reduce is determined by how educated your thumb gets...

In GENERAL, if you backlash at the beginning to middle of the cast - you might not have enough centrifugal braking. If you backlash at the end of the cast, you might not have enough spool tension from the cast control knob. At all parts of the cast, you should be learning to ride the spool with light thumb pressure to control the cast and of course you must use your thumb to stop the spool when the bait hits the water.

While you're learning, try to keep your casting effort constant. If you adjust your brakes while using a moderate force cast, and then try to heave the bait out there with a max force cast, you may exceed the braking of the centrifugal brake set-up and backlash.

Lastly, keep in mind that even with a good brake and cast control set-up, there are still other factors that will influence your cast and how much "thumb" you will need to apply. Casting into the wind, casting a bait that may lose velocity quickly (like a spinnerbait that starts to "helicopter" or a SB with a big fluffy skirt), anything that can cause the bait to lose velocity quickly needs more attention to avoid backlash. (a tip, if casting a spinnerbait, before the first cast, wet the skirt in the water!).

I'm sure other folks will be along with more advice and their own favorite initial set-up...

Good luck !

[lightsout]

Goose pretty much covered it. Shimano's VBS system is very user friendly. Most experienced anglers use 4 brakes off two on (unless its really windy). I'll use 1 on 5 off occasionally when I really want to sling it.

The only thing I can add, (since you mentioned its full potential) is that the E7 responds really well to a basic cleaning/relubing.

Burley did a great write up on here a year or two back on flushing the spool bearings. I would reccomend giving it a shot once you get the hang of casting the reel. Its very easy and you dont need to tear the reel down to do it. I was shocked by how much gunk came out, and how much longer I can cast aerodynamic baits.

[johnD.]

If you set one brake , set the other on the opposite side. I have 4 set on mine and can cast just about anything with that setting ,never a backlash.

basic cleaning instructions here.

[catchnm]

Burley did a great write up on here a year or two back on flushing the spool bearings.

It would be great to have a link to this. I'd like to give it a shot.

[Bluebasser86]

Burley did a great write up on here a year or two back on flushing the spool bearings.

It would be great to have a link to this. I'd like to give it a shot.

X2! I've got a couple Curados and Citicas that don't cast like they used to that I'd like to flush the bearings to see how much it would help but I'd have no idea where to start!

[catchnm]

Buurrley.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Reels in general are over-lubed from the factory and once broken in, would benefit graetly from deep cleaning and proper lube, including bearings. Our service is pretty affordable at $16.20 for forum members.

If you DIY, be sure to have a schematic handy. Bearings should be flushed by soaking in a solvent, naptha (lighter fluid) or acetone are commonly used. Bearings then need to dry completely and be lubed with a single drop of light oil. 

[lightsout]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1234086142

Here ya go fellas.

[OnthePotomac]

I watched the Shimano videos and am disappointed that he did not cover cleaning and lubing the spool bearings. the pinion bearing and the drive shaft bearing/bushing.  They are pretty critical components. The other thing i noticed is that when he discussed replacing the washer on the curved drag washers with the white side, he advised to put it on with the white down.  I have an email from Shimano three years ago which says it goes up toward the handle.  Finally, if you buy a new Citica/Curado, you will find the washer is placed at the factory with the white side up toward the handle.  Otherwise, good videos.

[Sam]

Yes. Met it when it came out and have one in my arsnel.

Great for pitching and flipping when you need to get the bass out of the grass and wood.

Have also used it for spinnerbaits and crankbaits.

Have you met his brother the E5????        

[Sam]

P.S.  I put the "breaks" in a X pattern.

Works great for me. 

[Five-Alive]

Goose covered it well so I will just add that I have 3 generations of the Curados and they just seem to get better.

[Bluebasser86]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1234086142

Here ya go fellas.

Thanks for taking the time to find that lightsout! I did it to two of my older 200B's and it made a huge difference! Saved me 25 bucks a reel doing it myself!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The spool bearings are a critical component in reel performance and servicing them alone is not a bad idea between cleanings, but there is much more to a pro service. A reel should still be deep cleaned at least annually. This should include stripping to the frame, degreasing, removing all dirt and debris, inspection of all parts for wear and then proper lubing and reassembly with replacement of parts if needed.