I'm looking for a good used Curado for a buddy. I have 3 of the first ones. I think they were. About 10 years old.

I'm woundering if the newer models are better. How are they for durability? That is the big thing. I thought I remember reading about some problems with some of the newer ones when getting wet? What do you think is the best model in a Left hand. He only wants to spend $100.00 or less. I'm watching e-bay for him.
When we get it we want to have it tricked out with good drag washers. I might even send mine in as well and have them done right after 10 years. Might send them to The Brewer.


Kris

Daiwa

I still own 4 of the old greenish purple ones that were first editions. They're all used on different rods for different circumstances. I have them gone through with new drag washers once a year and they all still perform well for me. I own the newish silver 301 that was discontinued about a year ago or so and like it but will leave it at home more often partly because it's hair large. Seems like Shimano keeps digressing a little bit more with every season though. The old bantams were great!

that is the what I have the greenish purple reels.


I did not know Daiwa was a Curado model? LOL


Kris

i used mine for everything. had 5 of them at the time and used them from trout to keeper sturgeon. never had one issue with any of them. after about 7 years with them i sold them all and baught newer ones.

wish i never did

I have old green ones that still work well and a few new ones that are broke and retired after being completely rebuilt after 4 months of use only to all have the same problems 6 months later.

My Favorite Curado

I know, I know! I'll eventually buy one of them dern things Todd! sold.

Tell him to drop the money on E-bay or look for deals on here or other boards, and get himself a Revo Toro or Inshore. They honestly smoke Curados out of the water. The old Bantams are more reliable than any of the newer Shimano products, and that's why allot of us have switched from the Curado's to the Revo series...
Since he is looking to spend around 100$ then tell him to go with the Revo-S over the older Bantams. Not that there is anything wrong with the Bantams (i have a few) i also got a Revo-S and for 100 bucks the thing is awesome.

all very good suggestions. i will add this, the upgrade smoothie washers for any curado is a must. if brewer had any skill at posting pics i'd show why. the smoothie washers trully fill in the entire drive gear housing. which for the life of me, i have no answer as to why the stock curado drag washers do not. it's like having stock disc break pads that only contact less than half the rotor.

dcrz, i'll gladly revamp your old curados.

201 bsf.lighter green then normal.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

I am probably in the minority, but I really like the D series. It's the high speed gear ratio that makes this one my favorite, and the beefier drag. I fished the old green ones, and the drag was too light. Have not fished the E series. Oh...and I don't fish in the rain much and never dunk my reels, so can't comment on how they perform when wet, but have heard things on this board about it...

I've got nothing against the 2 D-series 200 model Curado's I have. They are perfectly fine with new carbontec drag washers in them. The 7:1 on them makes them a nice reel.

I wouldn't buy the e-series and as others have stated, if I had to buy new all over again, it would be Revo, Revo, and more Revo.

Save your money and do it right the first time. Buy a Revo. STX if you want a smaller profile Revo, or the 50 if you need more line capacity.

I need to get me a 50......

dam you parker! shut the hell up.... trying to run a side job here.

I might try one of those new fangled Revo with all the cheering I hear. I am just an old school Shimano guy but am allways willing to try something new.

I think I found a 201 BSF for $80.00 that we will get the new drags put in and give it a try. My buddy is set at not wanting to spend over $100.00 and really don't fish alot so I think this reel will do just fine.

thanks for the help

Kris

+1

I love the old Curado's !!! I have Ollie damon rebuild my ones that need it every couple years or so, can't gop wrong there. The reels Parker is referring to are crap, I have had a couple of buddies buy them and chuck em after a few big kings smoke em !!!
Parker, Dont be afraid of using old gear that does not look cool, its okay, medication and counciling can fix that.

Peace
Fly

Pshaw!

Old gear is for the unemployed or those on wellfare and foodstamps. Which one are you?

Manchego Curado

Goes excellent with Coors Light, in a can.

Salmo G. can tell us which wine it pairs with.

brewers with you big fly, fish the stuff that works best no matter how old or outdated the equipment is.

parker at times it seems, well he's all about the looks and not the success. brewer would bet he wears colonge while fishing. something along the lines of grey flannel. only because it's warm and comforting. probably runs a heated blanket while camping in the heated camper.....

brewer falls under the "married w/four money sapping kids" catagory.