I am buying my dad a new steelhead reel for christmas. He had a shimano bantam, don't remember the number on it, but the drag is tired and its time for a new reel. I have never talked to anyone who as used a curado and was looking for some info from those of you who have used them. Also, how do they compare to the calcutta's?Thanks!

The best steelhead reel out there and I'm including Calcuttas in that group.

I'm with Stewy on that one!

FJ...out.

I agree with Stew.

I have been using the Curado 201 for years, and would not think of using anything else.

I swapped out the Calcuttas in my boat for Curados for client use and have been very happy with them. Primary reason, easier adjustment of the braking system and less likliehood of backlashes. Both get a thumbs up though!

For the money the Curado is the best buy going.

All my steelhead fishing buds use Curados as their primary reel. You can't go wrong.

That wasn't RT's post above .. it was mine. Was working on his registration when I added the post so it came up as his .. man, it's fun having the power to be all of you

Thanks for the info everybody. Sounds like the curado's are great reels. I think I will get one for him and myself(not a bad deal for me!) I've been using ambassador's for a while and like them. However, they don't cast great and I have had some problems with the button sticking. Good reels but I think it is time to step up. Thanks everybody for the information, I appreciate it and my dad will too! Thanks

Curado all the way for baitcaster.

If you want to spend the extra money, get the Curado BSF. It's noticably better than the standard when it comes to casting.

I agree with jacob, I used the cuardo for 2 years and just last week went to buy a new one.I ended up w/ the curado sf which was apx $30.00 more. It has 5 bearings vrs 4 and has a wiffle spool.I could not belive the difference when casting lite weight. It was hands down well worth the 30 bones!

I must be one the "Big Spenders". The Chronarch is so much better then my Curado. The only drawback is the hefty price.

My main bait casting reel is a Chronarch. I use the Curado 100B on my float rod.

I too am in the process of buying a "backup" reel. I'll probably go to the Curado 200BSF, as I just can't afford/justify another Chronarch.

If I had the cash laying around, I'd get another Chronarch in a hear beat!

Also, consider the gear ratio. I'm a big fan of the 6:1 ratios. I personally think the 5:1 sucks.

I looked at the Calcuttas, and they are all 5:1 reels, and not 6:1. Not gonna buy another 5:1 reel ever again.

So, after all this rambling, yeah, I'd agree with everyone that a good, basic, beginner reel is the Curado.

The Curado is the number one selling baitcaster in the United States. I love mine, easy to cast, hard to backlash, excellent drag and will cast the smallest amount of pencil lead.

Float Fishin Fool:

Ditto everyone that was "pro" curado. Have been used them, for about 5 yrs., have 2 201B. Use for both salmon and steelhead. Great drag system.

Really agree with Parker, about the faster ratio.

Have a Calcutta 251, that I just don't use, cause its to slow on the retrieve.

Been trying to sell in the "classify's section" but either no one has seen or just not interested. Have everything just like I bought it....box, oil, etc. Let me know it you want to but a 251 Calcutta!!!!!!

"Worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"

Beginner's reel, parker? Are you sayin' I'm a beginner? I think not! I'll have you know I've caught over 10 fish in my life!

I have 6 and I love them all. I bought two when they first came out after the Citca and they are still going strong.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone here have a Shimano Calais? One of the guys I fish was regularally owns one and man is it a smooth reel. After making a few casts with one, you start trying to rationalize why you need one and what expenses you can cut to get one.

A certain somone ( :p ) refers to it as the Perpetual Motion Machine

Being the fishing freak I am, I had to get the Calais.. What a reel!!! Absolutely amazing, it's 5 thumbs up in my book. The drag is second to none.

I've also got 1 chronarch, 5 curados and 2 calcuttas. As for casting reels the curado is the best reel for the buck, but I'm wierd, anytime something new comes out I have to try it. Which is why I own the calais, but for $330 It's just stupid at how much a fisherman will spend to cure curiosity.

Difference between the Calais and chronarch $130, can you feel it, kind of, well a little..

The only issue with the curados is the drag gets a little sticky overtime where the chronarch and calais haven't..
Keith

[ 11-30-2001: Message edited by: stlhdr1 ]

stlhdr1

You mentioned the drag gets sticky on the Curado after time, mine has done the same thing. Is it a matter of simply replacing the drag washers?

Yes, most likely although I've never taken them in to get the washer replaced. Up until about a year ago I used to take them in and they'd just swap the old one for a new one. But they're shying away from doing that now. I just got my chronarch back from Ollie Damons in portland which is a service shop. I had sat on the reel and bent the star drag, while it was in I had them redo the drag system and it's like brand new again.
Keith

I've owned a Cacutta since 90-91 their first year,purchased a Curado over a year ago.

for fishing small baits and such I like the Curado,but my reel of choice is my Calcutta,better drag, more line capacity....Os

I saving my nickles,I want a new GT-TE Calcutta ooooo baby yah ...........Os

Just a side note. Over time, I've had to send in *every* Shimano reel I own back to the factory for repair. That includes both spinning and baitcasting reels.

The latest casaulty was my beloved Chronarch. The drag finally died (sticking problem). I sent it back to Shimano before Turkey Day. Haven't heard a word about it yet.

Maybe it's just me, but when I buy Shimano's, I just expect them to die after a couple of years of use.

PS. My Curado was sent back on it's second time out on the river. I called it the "Screaming Eagle" when casting. Made some horrific noises. Shimano replaced some parts and it's been fine since.

I just bought a Cardiff (still in the box) for my GF. With all this talk about Curado's I'm wondering if I should take it back for a trade in. Just curious if anyone has any experience with this model.
JMS

I can't see a reason to spend any more money on a reel than the superb Curado.

Bob, thanks for changing my moniker back to RT, from RTi - my profile function wouldn't do it.

Steve

I have owned several Curados and they are great reels for the money. I would definately go with the extra 30 bones and get the new Curado Super Free with the wiffle spool and all the other whodads. The Curado also offers the 6.2:1 retrieve which helps when drift or float fishing.

The Curado 200 series and Calcuta 250 series use the exact same spools. Only difference is the drag and casing.

the drag washers have worn out in both my Curado and callcutta after a dozen fish or so. When that has happened I had a tephlon drag washer put in. Ive cuaght a couple hundred fish after that with the calcutta and the drag is smooth as ever dry wett no problems. Same with the curado.

Id have to say I like the curado better than the calcutta due to the gear ratio.

Never have liked my Carado!!! Guess it's just too high class for me. I like the 19.99 specials myself!!They seem to catch feesh!!