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!!