I've finally saved enough for a baitcaster. I've heard the new series of curados aren't what they used to be, should I stay away and go for a revo sx? or should I save a little bit of money on my first one and go with a revo s or citica? or maybe a pro qualifier?

My experience has been that Shimano reels are dependable and last a very long time. Just don't buy a cheap piece of junk that may not work very well and will create a bigger learning curve for you.

Citica.

Find a citica e.

Check out the daiwa Lexa or Aird..
The lexa is a great reel for the money and can be found for around 100$

find yourself a curado 50e. best priced reel out there. probably 125-140 range.

the only thing with the citica and curado e's is that you can only find them used, and not to be a snob but i would prefer a brand new reel

If you are just starting out with a baitcaster don't spend a lot of money up front until you feel comfortable using one. You can get several different reels under a hundred $ that would be good; the H2O Mettle, Basspro Extreme or the Pro Qualifier from Bass Pro especially the last two if you need a left hand retrieve.

fair enough, if u want new then pick up the chronarch 50, same specs as a curado but you get the new reel smell. Only baitcaster you will need to own.

the chronarch is definitely more than I'm willing to spend. The pro qualifier went on sale today, should I get it?

Also any opinions on the quantum KVD?

My take on gear. I would rather spend a little up front and get some quality gear that may last a long long time. I have a couple of the curados and stradics and they are well worth the money. Besides that, the the chronarchs aren't outrageously priced.

My take on gear. I would rather spend a little up front and get some quality gear that may last a long long time. I have a couple of the curados and stradics and they are well worth the money. Besides that, the the chronarchs aren't outrageously priced. With all the money I spend on a fishing trip, an extra hundred is a drop in the bucket.

Well as a college student that had to work to get to this point, an extra hundred is half a month's worth of groceries

Got that. i remember my college experience. Living off of student loans and work study hours, while putting in an extra 24 hours at a chinese restaurant on the weekends. 6 guys sharing a 2 bedroom apartment, and living off of dollar menus and instant noodles. Memories. A new revo sx is gonna run u 140-150, dont see the savings there.