I'm having a bit of a tough decision, should I get the new Curado or the Chronarch? I love the way they feel but don't know which to get.

Curado

Old Curado E FTW!...best of both worlds and it's cheaper than either.

Where can I get the old one?

ebay/forums.

you can find plenty of them around right now for around $120 new or used.

If you really insist on owning one of the newer Malaysian made models,I would bet Academy will have them clearanced in the next few months for less than $80.

I, like most people, was very disappointed in the Curado G. I bought one anyway because I have every other series. After about four months or use, I must admit, it's a pretty good reel. It is smooth, casts well, and feels better once it is spooled up. I wish it was still made in japan, but it is a solid reel in its price range.

Geez, here we go again with the Malaysia stuff. That plant has been operating for years. It is a Shimano Plant and not some Korean subcontractor. Some folks go out and buy Chinese and Korean reels and swear by them but then cast stones for Shimano making reels in Malasia.

To answer the question. The Curado is a better reel than most any other in the price range and the Chronarch is the best in it's price range from all accounts and the best buy on the Market for the quality that it is. I think probably the best money spent in the Shimano line up expcept maybe the Calcutta.

I bought a new Chronarch with the rebate and really like the reel. In fact broke it in today with a few nice ones from GV including one about 5lbs. Paired the reel on a Dobyns Savvy Series 7' MH rod. Very nice setup.

I get that the malaysia plant is a shimano plant. I get that many shimano reels have come out of it. But the curado line has come out of japan since at least the B series and those of us who have been loyal to the curado name are disappointed that this is no longer the case. It is just a comfort factor that when you go with curado, you are getting a reel that shimano considers prestigious enough to build in a 1st world country. Jmo

Well, I just bought a NIB Curado 50E from a forum member for $113 cash, and I'll do that every time over the Curado G or the new Chronarch (which is a Curado E with white paint).

Not according to the specs. There are a few upgrades.

why?

It will be time for another current model here shortly.A lot of people here including myself dont think the G is going to be as popular as the last two previous models,and neither of them lasted long.I was being a little sarcastic when I said in a few months, but I still think it will be even a shorter lived version than the last two.