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