Opinions On Curado D Series Reels.

[JT_NCbassman]

Hello all. I'm a 23 year old basser from N.C. Started fishing tournaments at about age 14, sold most of my gear when I was 19 because I moved to the beach and focused on Surf Fishing. I had an account for years on bassresource with a couple thousand posts I think, but was not able to remember my password, lol.

I'm starting to get back into bass fishing seriously and need some info now that I've been out of the game for a while. I'm wanting to put together a fleet of Curado 100D's to be my mainstay reels, simply because I love the idea of a souped-up Curado B with better looks and features. But I'm not completely confident in these reels. The one I just bought (new) feels "loose" in places, makes a couple different humming noises, etc. I would love to get everybody's opinion on this reel. How do they feel after months or years of use? How do they respond to a total dis-assembly and re-lubing? Are the pinion and spool bearings the same as the previous CU-200B SF? Better? Worse?

I used to have a fleet of 5 CU-200B SF's that I loved. They made a little noise, they weren't the smoothest reels, but the free-spool was great and they were durable. A perfect reel for the price in my opinion. If the CU-100D will be as durable as the CU-200B SF, and if it will perform about the same over time, then I won't have any problems buying them. ( I know they can be hard to find these days )

Any and all information, reviews, opinions, etc. about the CU-100D is greatly appreciated. Thanks, glad to be back. - JT

[JT_NCbassman]

By the way, I have an E series Curado 50 that performs great and is very smooth and well put together... . I know that most people would agree that the E-series is a better put-together reel, even though it's cheaper than the D series. But I am so loyal to the B series design, and I feel like the D series is a tribute to the classic B series. So I'm trying to get that "nostalgia" factor. ( Call me crazy) lol.

Another question about the D series. I heard when they first came out they had some internal problems, and Shimano sent out a memo that stated why this was happening and how to fix it.... anybody remember this? Is there any way to tell which reels were produced during this "recall" so to speak? Sorry for the 20 questions here guys.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The D is ok but if you want a suped up Curado B, buy a B cheap and have it souped up. A properly Super Tuned Curado B will out cast a lot of newer reels. The E is improved over both prior versions. There was a problem with tight tolerances on the line guide and supports that caused some binding that could be felt but according to Shimano caused no permanent damage. An upgrade kit was made available. The D also is heavier after shimano put in all metal gears to meet what they perceived as a market desire.

[JT_NCbassman]

Ok so the problem was in the levelwind and the main gear systems? The reason I'm asking is because I have disassembled and maintenanced everything from a Curado B to a Calais 200 to a Calcutta... and I feel like I can buy several of these D series reels Cheap off ebay and turn them into great reels with a little TLC.

Thanks for the reply DVT, every piece of info given is highly appreciated. It seems like this subject is "hush hush" or there is something I'm missing because nobody really wants to talk about it. Everybody just says " GET THE E SERIES AND SHUT UP " but I really want to know what exactly is wrong with the D, how it can be fixed, what parts I need, what Shimano said about it (because I wasn't around to remember) etc.

I'm currently working on a couple B series right now that I had left over from 2003. But as for getting a cheap B series, a used B is selling for as much (or more) than a used D. literally........ it's kinda like Toyota trucks. The word got out that they were indestructible, and now they cost more if you buy them used. lol.

[0119]

Good luck finding some 100D's. They are getting hard to find even in good condition. The D outshines the E a hundred ways but you cant say that here it'll get you banned and hated for thinking bass fishermen have such weak wrists.

[JT_NCbassman]

Interesting. You would think the D would be of better quality than the E. It seems like Shimano really put alot of effort and thought into the D. I'm sure they also put the same effort into the E series, with the other companies putting out great reels for less money, it seems logical that Shimano would make the E a high performance reel with a lower price, but it just doesn't appeal to me for some reason. Plus... standing here holding my CU-50E and my 100D, I like the way the D feels better. The clutch bar is positioned better and easier to engage, and the larger, rounder sideplate gives me more control and leverage.

I dunno...... I would still love to get more people's opinion on this.

[grimlin]

Good luck finding some 100D's. They are getting hard to find even in good condition. The D outshines the E a hundred ways but you cant say that here it'll get you banned and hated for thinking bass fishermen have such weak wrists.

I have a citica200d reel that I refuse to let go.One heck of a reel and build like a tank! I wish I have never gotten rid of my curado 100d. Stupid,stupid decision on my part.

I still prefer the D series reels over the E series anyday.

[Georgia Jeff]

I like the D series because they have the same frame size as the Chronarch 50 mg, so when I switch reels they feel the same. They also are all aluminum unlike the E series.

[0119]

Just keep our eyes open cause Shimano changed the D so fast due to public outcry, they will be redesigning the G before you know it. Its getting more internet negative comments than the D ever did.

[ww2farmer]

I won't part with my D's (Citiac 201D, and Curado 201DPV), I have a couple E's (Citica 201E, and Curado 51E), and yes they are lighter and smaller, but to me that was not an issue with the D's, but for most it was. Compairing a 51E to a 201D is not a good example, but compairing 201s to 201s....I like the D's better.