Anyone used the new ones yet? I've been hearing bad things about them. Guys are saying they just painted the grey ones black.

For about the same money, you can get a Daiwa Advantage HSTA which is a great little reel for the money.

I have a garage full of the old green ones but I got tired of my son in law outcasting me with his Citicas. Now thats all I use.

They are NOTHING like the D series reels--in my opinion they took about 5 steps backwards with the E series. Smaller-yes, lighter-yes---filled with plastic parts-definately. Some people may not mind the feel of plastic and prefer a lighter reel but if you think the D series was an improvement over the older (green) Bantam reels I think you will agree with me about the E series. They aren't black--they are a funky green color. On a good note they do cast really well and the retrive is smooth.
I was planning on buying 2 of the Curados but I have one now and I think I will wait and get a Revo Toro

I've not see the new E-series in person.

In general most of the fans of the Curado Bs did NOT like the D-series.

Shimano is trying to get the Curado lightening to strike once again with the E-series, and recapture the fans of the Curado B-series.

Personally I thought that the Citica 100 D-series, and Curado 100 D-series were great reels. I did NOT care for the 200 D-Series though, and this is consistent with what the market response to the 200 D-series.

One thing that can't be avoided with any reel is that a lighter reel is going to feel different that a heavier reel as the heavier reel is going to have more inertia, and heft. Lighter reels by definition are going to feel lighter, and transfer more vibration to the hand that a heaver reel.

TFP

What did you not like about the 200? I guess alot of it has to do with what kind of fishing you do. I have a 300 (and now a 200 for $59 ) and I like the 300 alot. It is big though/

The 200D was simply too bulky, and heavy. I've never seen a 300 so I can't comment on those.

I own quite a number of the old green 100Bs, and only two 200B series Curados. A 200B38, and a 200B5. I am not that fond of the 200Bs. I just prefer a smaller reel in terms of bulk.

Wide frame low profile reels don't fit my hand well. I'd just as soon fish with my old Ambassador 5000B as a wide frame low profile reel, in fact I'd rather fish with my 5000B, or one of my Mörrums, or best of all my St. Croix AC200.

Of all the reels that I own the ones that best fit my hand are my two Chronarch 100BSVs, and my one Chronarch 100BPV. I prefer them even to my two Chronarch 50MGs, which is saying something as I dearly love my 50MGs.

TFP

You definately wouldn't like the 300 then--it does take some getting used to. Problem with the 200 is it doesn't seem big until you use a Revo or smaller reel then it does seem bulky.

I have no idea how the new Curados fish, but they feel better in my hand than any of the previous models. I always liked the 100s, but the new one feels better.

Like my new old ones.

I have no problems using the 200D. It's the right reel for big cranks, jigs, spinnerbaits, and plastics. They fit nicely on a 7'6" MH rod. I love the 100D for everything else. I've not received my 200E yet, but I've read many great reviews on the reel and have read only a couple bad reviews. My guess is you can't please everyone. I prefer the D series over the B. Hopefully the E will be as good as advertised.

Im a Revo Guy and I got the new Curado and havent had any problems with it yet.. I like it but its going take alot to drag me away from my STX's.

Let us know what you think once you get it--I thought the D series was one of the best and most durable reels at that price but I was/am very dissappointed with the E.

I'm curious why you think they are 5 steps back. There is a lot less plastic in the E series as was in the D series.

The new ones have 2 more bearings, titanium level wind insert, smaller frame, lighter weight, ARB added to the pinion support, shield added to the side plate bearing, and they are $20 cheaper than the D's.

Have you used one yet? WHat makes you think there is less plastic in them? They feel much cheaper.

anybody opened one up yet to compare amount of plastic on the inside?

I agree! I think Shimano hit a home run with this one. What other reel company made a better reel at a lower retail for 09? I used one this past weekend and I could not believe how bad arse it was. You guys will complain about anything

I am the Shimano Rep for Texas.
I have used one...many times and I have opened one up. I think you're equating "feels cheaper" to lighter. I heard comments like this about the Core when it first came out.."it's so light, it feels cheap."

Mr. Landrum
Since you are the Shimano rep here in Texas, could you tell us when the left-hand models will be available. I am a Shimano addict and it drives me nuts that everyone I fish with gets their right-hand models months before I can get my lefty. Please tell me that will not be the case this time, no Core in left-hand has left me in withdrawal.
Thanks, Derek

Will there be a 6:1 gear ratio? If not I won't be buying any new curados.

Hello Benny, where is the left handed E curado?

then get a citica, does any one know when the citicas will be out?

It will still be several weeks before the left hand Curado's and the Citica's start showing up. But they are coming.

The Curado will not be made in 6.2:1. The difference in inches of line per crank in the 7:1 and the 6.2:1 isn't much though.

Benny,
What is your primary focus as far as area ?

Will you be getting out to see your retailers in West Texas ?

Nut

Nut,
My group handles the SW. (Texas, Ark, Ok, La).
I manage the group and handle just a few accounts only.
We have a rep who's territory includes the panhandle.