Anyone fish with these? If so, do you like them and how do they compart to the Curado?

I personally think the Smoke's and Exo's are much better.

Initially the TE PT is AWESOME. Smoother on both retrieves and casting than a Curado E IMO. 6 months after using one somewhat sparingly I started feeling the gears a little more, and I relubed and sold it.

So if it holds up, it's grea. If not it's kind of the stereotypical Quantum. Great initially, but starts to go south in a hurry.

Most of the time with the Curado it's going to be the same season after season.

Agree. The pinion set up is not a good as a Shimano as far as durability. They will cast a mile though.

Thanks. Had a chance to pick some up for $129 but decided to go with the Cronarch instead. Paid more money but I know what I am getting with the Shimanos.

Only problem I have with Shimano now is that the new Chronarch is reall the old Curado E. The new Curados are a little cheaper than the old ones in my opinion. Anyone else notice that or is it just my imagination?

well, if the Malaysian plant makes the parts to the same quality, then you're paying $20 less and only losing the 2 bearings in he handle while getting more gear ratio options.

Parts being equal, those handle bearings aren't worth $20 IMO so you're still getting what you pay for IMO on the Curado.

The new Curado release is extremely lackluster compared to the changes made when the D and E curados were released though...

I fish with guys that have 5 and most are having gearing problem in less than a year,, sad
I stay away now no matter how good the deal
as always "YMMV"