Ok I've had three 200D Citica's for two or three years now. I absolutely love them and they have served me well. But they are starting to show some physical wear, and one has started not casting as well. They all need to be either cleaned or replaced.

I have thought about buying three new Citica's but have heard the NEW citica's aren't as good as my older ones. Is this true? So I'm also looking at the Curado's.The best deal I can find on the Citica's are $129.99 and the Curodos $30 more. Is the Curados worth the $30 more? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank,
Shaun

they spotlight the Citica here...
http://tackletour.com/reviewshimanociticag200.html
and talk about the Curado G Shimano reels here...
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocuradog.html

*note they both are made in Malasia
Unless you step up to the Chronicle or above on the Shimano line, you won't get the quality that they once had. If I were you, I'd look into the Lews reels ($100).

That's a tough question. Personally, I would shop the forums and find someone selling either model in the E series. I have bought a couple used that were in excellent condition and are great reels.

On the other hand, you might contact the Tacklesmith and have him clean your D series. He will have them working like new when he is done anhd it will be a lot less expensive.

At one point I was looking at this Lews.
Lews
But it was $199 and higher the the Curado's $159. Price tag.

BTW- for those that scream parts availability for Shimanos, here is a quote from a Shimano rep when asked this question...
Q-As of 2010, all major Japanese reel makers (Shimano, Daiwa, Quantum et alles) no longer manufacture replacement parts for any of their reels that are more than 5 years old?
A-"We maintain parts for 5-7 years for our reels. Due to stocking space and manufacturing, it is difficult to hold a large parts inventory. Several parts interchange with the new models. I can only speak for Shimano and not for our competitors."

Lews ($99)
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Speed_Spool_Casting_Reel/descpage-LSP.html

Lews ($99)
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Speed_Spool_Casting_Reel/descpage-LSP.html
Agreed the E series is the way to go but they are selling used for as much as new or better. Anglers know they are the shiznitz

You'll have to forgive my lack of experance of the Lews reels but is the $199 reel
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Tournament_Pro_Speed_Spool_Casting_Reel/descpage-TPSS.html
Worth twice the price as the $99 reel you posted a link to?

I'm reading a slight weight difference and drag tension difference between the two. Also, the higher model uses dual breaking (weights and magnets) which is nice. Do read the reviews on the lower priced Lews...very positive and (I believe) they are made in the USA (please correct me if I am wrong). From what I've read (many reviews and forum comments) and my handling of them at Academy (also selling for $99 there), they look like a winner to me. I believe I would pick one up and give it a try. if its not your cup of tea, then return it and you're only out a little time and effort

I will do and thanks. This is the kind of input I need. I've had the Citicas for a couple years and they have done great till now. If it wasn't for the chipped paint I would probably just send them off to be cleaned. Thanks again!!!

The Lews are great reels personally I like them better than my Curado Es that I have I like the Tournament MGs a bit better than the Speed Spools and they are 129$

I don't think lews are made in the USA im pretty sure they come from Korea and are made in the same factory as abu, pflueger, and bps reels I could be wrong also. I was under the impression that ardent was the only reel manufacturer that made reels in the USA. But the lews are sweet they will be my next purchase as well.

Lews vs Shimano discussion has been going on in a lot of different threads/forums.
Here is the latest one:
http://2coolfishing.com/ttmbforum/showthread.php?t=441762

Shaun, your PM is full. Please delete some out and send me a PM.
I have a Shimano Curado 200E7 that I can sell.
The new Chronarch 200E7 is the same as this one but they just repaint to white/black and rename it.

Citicas are getting better every couple of years.