kschultz76

Since you're looking at the President, great affordable reel by the way, you should check out the Supreme. Cabelas still has last years model on clearance for $69.99. But they only have the 35 size which for some is a big spinning reel, but at 185/8lb capacity is comparable to the 3000 size Shimano. However the frame and body seem bigger on the 35 then a 3000 Shimano to me.

Both great rods and quality blanks. For the money you get a bit more with the LTB. However I'd suggest you make this choice based on comfort of the grip and reel seat for you. Paying the extra for the LTB isn't worth it if you end up hating the reel seat. That model happens to be one of my favorite blanks as well, love it for Senkos. But a very versatile rod.

Gander has them on sale for 154.99 plus a 25 mail in rebate, no limit per household. For me I find the braking system works very well and easy to tune.

I'm inclined to agree with you, not quite sure why it's giving me trouble. For the moment I think I might just be pushing the lower limit of the rod too much.

This^^^. I found that it really helpful with light weight flatter sided cranks like 3/8, especially when I'm using a MH crank rod that is only rated down to 3/8. I'm having a much harder time with the same lures on my new Chronarch E with 4 brakes engaged. Hoping the problem is me and I just have more learning to do. But right now I'm ready to return the Chronarch and order a Curado I while they're on sale.

I haven't got nearly the experience with my Scorpion 1001XT some of the other posters do. But I love the footprint of the 50 size, the way it handles, and it really is a great caster. In testing it out I've thrown top water, spinnerbaits, square bills, jerkbaits, and jigs. It does it all without an issue, but I haven't used a 200E in a very long time to compare. I will say, and this is just my opinion, I liked retrieving square bills better and was more comfortable with my Chronarch CI4+. That could be just bc I'm more used to that reel, the xship, the handle/knobs, or a combo of all 3. As was said....just get both! Despite have several Chronarch CI4+ reels and a Met I like that Scorpion enough that I'm itching to find an excuse to buy another one.

The Chronarch E is the same platform as the Curado E; same frame & sizes, same braking system, etc. Also both of them made in Japan, lots of shared parts and same schematic really. If you prefer one over the other that's certainly up to you, I've never used the Curado E myself so I can't disagree. Can you quantify how the Curado is better? I pulled the trigger on clearance Chronarch E's to fill in some extra reels I wanted rather then buying used Curado E's since they were cheaper and brand new. I have a Curado I but wanted to try the E series because everyone speaks so highly of them, and I wanted to get the best price I could get. At the time of course the Curado I was $179. I also wanted a 5.x reel in left, and the E series was the only way to do it.

If you want an E series they're still available....its called the Chronarch E. Cabelas and Gander Mtn still selling them, and on sale. Get them while you still can if that's your preferred variant.

X2 they look perfect together

The size and feel in hand of that 50 is what has me thinking of another one even though I don't need it. The Chronarch 50 and Scorpion 1001 xt only come in the 6.4 ratio. Only Core/Aldeberan came in the 7 ratio. But you can do a gear swap on the Chronarch/Scorpion and put Core gears in, or JapanTackle has the 7.7 brass gear set for sale that's in the Brenious. I'm definitely going to be upgrading the knobs on my Scorpion and maybe the handle. But I really the paint job on the stock handle.

Gotcha, at $230 those Aldebarans are a good deal. But I just got a Scorpion 1001XT and it is very smooth. If I was going to spend in the neighborhood of a new Core 50 I think I'd just get another Metanium. Hopefully someone out there can use the info on these deals. I picked up two new Chronarch 201Es, a 6 and a 5, from Cabelas over the past two weeks bc I had Cabelas Bucks rebates from them for 20 and 25 off over 100. Plus I shipped them to the store for free. The 201s are going on crankbait rods, one of the last left handed 5.x reels out there. While the 51E price at Gander is attractive I'd have to buy another rod for it! And since I've already got the Scorp, a Met, and 3 CI4+ Chronarchs not sure there's room for another 50 size reel in my lineup. I just bought 3 reels in 4 weeks, someone else's turn to feed the monkey for awhile.

Looks like a lot of places are sold out of the Core 50s at this point. However the previous model JDM Aldebaran MG7 is out there for great prices from sellers on eBay. Also still available at JapanTackle, but cheaper on eBay.

Just noticed browsing Gander Mtn site that they have ALL their Chronarch E's on sale $159, including the 50E and 51E. And free shipping over $25. No addl discounts can be applied. Cabelas has them on sale $149 but only the 200E/201E variants, and $5 shipping.

That's a great blank, I have it in the LTB casting version, as well as the Legend Xtreme 6'8" M/XF spinning rod. Important to note though that while the lure weight ratings are the same that XF blank has a lower range line ratings then the Fast action. Also in my opinion the OP is better off with the Fast action for a multipurpose rod.

Also I know where there is a used SC Legend Xtreme 7'0" M/F (previous version with cork and recoils) for sale @ $250 shipped.

Agree with all that has been said. I have a 6'6" LTB MH/F and it is a stout powerful stick. I have learned overtime that anything right at 3/8 total weight is even challenging to cast, anything over 3/8 total weight is its wheelhouse. I have other rods rated 3/8-1 that are much more comfortable at the very lowest end of the range. But the rod is an awesome close quarters pitching stick with 3/8 trigged Beavers on a 4/0 heavy cover hook in heavy cover.

Realistically too early for anyone to have a definitive answer as that series was just released. Early reviews of them are favorable, and the E6X and Avids compare well. I'd recommend the standard Avid over the X just because of the warrany difference. Another recent option in the price range is the Shimano Zodias. I love St Croix and very happy with all my spinning rods from them including my Avid. I haven't fished enough competition to say they're the "best". And I truly believe that what is best for me and my use is likely not best for someone else. Try to get your hands on to try before you buy. Otherwise stick to the major brands with good support such as Loomis, St Croix, Shimano, Dobyns, etc and with the features that most appeal to you.

All those small differences you mentioned are what got me to try the JDM route and check out the Scorpion. The better price over USDM offerings right now helped. I kept looking at used Curado/Chronarchs and even new Chronarch but the Scorpion was just a better deal. Now just have to decide if I'm getting another one or gonna try the discontinued Aldeberan MG7, they are going for good prices on eBay right now. I am going to swap out the grips on the handle of the Scorp for some PGIIs like the Chronarchs have and add a couple bearings while I have them off. Oh and agree, I love the color!

Didn't take it as knock, just wanted to clarify that the reel can't really be expected to overcome the rods rating and ability to load properly under its rating.

My CI4+ has been cleaned and tuned by DVT. Paired with the appropriate rod, in my case the Jerkbait Special or a St Croix LTB M/XF 6'8" top water rod, I have zero issues throwing those scatter wraps on the CI4+ using 12lb pline floroclear. I should note it worked fine before the clean/tune, but it rocks now.

Fwiw and I know it's pricey, but I've found that my MB Orochi XX Jerkbait Special tosses those scatter rap shallow cranks really really well paired with a Chronarch CI4+. Going to try out my new Scorpion 1001 XT on it as well. It is rated 1/4-3/4 oz and I have found it to be an extremely versatile rod so far. I have two other MH crank rods 3/8-1 oz, a Clarus and a Legend Extreme. Really don't think they'd load well enough to get a well controlled cast with those baits. That JS has so far handled jerkbaits, scatter raps, lipless cranks, and finesse jigs around 3/16 and landed fish on all of them. Also tried it with small top water poppers and love it. If I were looking for a less pricey medium crank rod for that lighter stuff I'd look at the Tatulas, Compres, Crucials, E6x, Dobyns....well u get it, lots of options out there. I've thrown the light stuff on spinning as well but find I really prefer a bc rig for it.

Got to use the Scorp out on the water a bit this evening and have spent some time pitching indoors as well. After getting it on the water am very happy, casting is effortless with this reel, and dialed where very little thumb is needed to keep things under control. Love the footprint and form factor of the 50 frame, wasn't sure what you guys were talking about all this time, but now I know and I'm sold. Compares very favorably to my Chronarch CI4+ reels. I am afraid I have to order another one before they're not available anymore. I'm gonna be in so much trouble....

cI4+ is lighter and has a bearing under the line roller. I've loved my CI4+ and very happy I chose it.

Tracking shows my Scorpion arrived today! Ordered from Japan Lure Shop on Sunday, arrived Friday, that's darn good!! Very excited to get home and check it out.

Given that Curado Is can be had for ~$150 on the auction site would you guys take a Chronarch E over the Curado I? I don't have any E series reels other then the Scorpion that is still in transit to me. I could maybe use one more reel and having a hard time deciding.