This is my second Chronarch Ci4+. I got 1 and first cast out of the box is was sounding really bad and the handle was sticking and turning so I returned it and got another. First time out it was sounding and casting great. I love the casting distance on these reels and I was thinking this reel was a good one and it was going to be fine. It wasn't. It started to do the same thing. Grinding really bad and sticking. Is anybody else having some problems? I have the new curado as well and I haven't had any problems with it. I was expecting more from a reel that cost $270. I'm just gonna stick with Lews.

I haven't had any problems except it is a moody super model, one minute you love her casting a mile easy and then next minute you are cutting out a world record backlash.

I'm trying to just use now for pitching, it is great.

I have been using one the last couple of months and haven't had any issues. I have noticed I can hear the gears on a retrieve but still smooth.

Gander Mountain has a deal on these right now. Buy one and get a $50 GM gift card so I was going to buy one. I did some reading/research and there are a lot of discussions about how this reel is not very good and many people mention the same thing you did. I love my 2 Core 100MG's but unfortunately there are no deals to be had on them right now.

I saw a pro staffer on here raving about how good they are but common folk say otherwise.

I used one that belonged to a guide and was impressed with the way it fished and was considering going and picking one up today since the weather isn't to conducive to fishing. I think I will hold off and maybe just get another Lew's.

I'm thinking about returning it and getting a Lews BB1 Pro. It's paired with a Dobyns Champion Extreme 746 for flipping/pitching and froggin. That bb1 pro is amazing for those from what I hear.

I have always loved the original curado greenies so naturally I was extremely disappointed to say the least when they quit making them. I bought one of the new ones when they quit making the greenies and I just did not like it. I have held on to my collection of greenies for a long time, getting them repaired time and again due to normal wear and tear. I have decided that now is the time to part ways with shimano and am changing over to Lew's. I have bought 2 Lews and I love them. I had someone suggest to me once that shimano quit making the greenies because they were lasting too long so people weren't buying as many and I believe that is a definite possibility.

I have had same issue with a few curado 200e series reels and Chronarch 200e reels over the years. Weird for sure. But haven't used the new one yet.

Shimano rep gave me one of these before they came out.. I have used it a lot and it is now my primary flipping reel.. Have not had an ounce of problem with it.. Great drag.. Very smooth.. That's all I know, and that's my two cents..