I don't understand the hype. Shimano's don't seem that great IMO. Tons of reels I would pick over them in their price range due to advancements in technology nowadays. Just saying I dont understand why they're so overhyped. Not so sure about their high end line, but the low-middle end ($100-250) just doesn't seem like it would live up to the hype it gets.

I see a few overhyped brands on the forum everyday (mostly rods) I sure wish i could get 4 - 8 times to much money for my slabs.

And please understand this is not intended to disrespect any Shimano enthusiasts. I'm simply asking because I would like to know if there is something I'm overlooking. I just see companies putting more bearings, lighter frames, larger spools, etc. in most reels at the same price.

I have a bunch of Shimano Calais reels. IMO, the finest, most durable fishing reels ever made. Some of them are the originals and still going strong. I clean 'em once/year and replace parts as needed.

I've never been a huge fan of the Curados but know a ton of people who are. Darned good fishermen who put a lot of hard hours on their equipment and swear by the Curados. I've heard the same thing about the Revos, too.

I have begun using the Daiwa Steez 7:1 ratio reels for my flippin/pitching/c-rigging apps. I like the fact that it's one of the fastest and lightest reels available, today.

So back to your original question, I think people like Shimano's becuase they make a good product that lasts forever with minimum maintenance.

For me it's the six-pin brake system, not a lot of reels out there with that style of brake system. I hate the 1-10 mag brake system and that is what most Daiwa, Abu, Quanantum, and other major brands use. Just my 2 cents.

I guess it's just like me being partial to Pflueger. Personal preference I guess.

My favorite is the Bass Pro Pro Qualifier have 8 of them and love everyone of them I just bought a Curado 200e7 I think it is and its a good reel but still like my pro qualifiers the best. Its just personal preference like u said alot of my buddys will use my Pro Qualifier and then they start buying them.

i love my curados and like stated above by fouzman very durable with little to no maintance, but since i maintain my own reels i dont have to wory about problems. the last time i bought a new reel was when the dhsv(silver curado) came out. I have bought the rest of my curados used and have yet to replace them minus the small repairs like replacing a screw or pawl cap on my cu200b5. but it what the person likes that matters.

because a lot of us have used other brands, several other brands, and always went back to the best... and that is shimano.

Idk maybe one day I'll buy one. Never personally fished with one, just went off specs vs other brands. Just makes me feel skiddish dumping out $150+ on a reel that has less "technology" than most reels in the same price range.

I have used Curado, Castaic, Calcutta,...

will just continue using my Lew's.

Oh, and my original Ambassadeur 5000C from 1970 something.

Don't get too caught up in bearing counts. It looks good on paper but doesn't always translate in to much in the real world. I have many reels from many different manufacturers and the Shimanos I own (Curados and Citicas) are just as good as anything anyone else offers. It really comes down to personal preference. Like was stated above, braking systems, ergonomics and ease of maintenance are just a few things that figure in to the equation.

With all due respect, you probably shouldn't say something "isn't that great" if you haven't tried it.

All I can tell you is that personally speaking the Curado E5 is no where near as good a crankin or casting reel as the Revo winch is.

I have Revo STx's and Premiers and love them. I also have curado e5's and e7's and like them equally. The Shimano poles are some of the best IMO and I dont think their reels or poles are overpriced. They are really smooth and last a long time. They are also manufactured in Japan and not China so they are put together with pride and have tighter tolerences. The spinning reels are the best I've used I especially like the stradic line both fi and c14. Overall this company has proved that they make good performing long lasting gear and until they let me down I will continue to offer my patronage to that company.