k3bass

I've often said that shimano could take 2 identical reels and label one as a curado and one as a citica (which is basically what they've done this time) and people will still claim the curado is better. "Tighter tolerances" seriously? These reels use identical parts. Do you really think they build separate frames and sideplates specifically for the citica? Or that they use gears and other parts that aren't machined as precise? Or they go through less detail when being assembled?

Right but most people wouldn't even notice it unless it was pointed out, they are the same size and shape. There isn't a difference performance wise one way or the other between the two handles.

Only 3 out of the 5 bearings on the curado are arb according to the specs on the box. I've taken apart both reels and the internals are all identical including the drag except the 3 bearings. If you set both handles side by side you can't tell any difference besides color.

If they listed the new citica schematic how would they sell any more curados? Lol

That's the older citica g

The curado has 3 arb bearing and 2 stainless steel bearings, the citica has 5 stainless steel bearings. The body material is the same. The brake system and spool are the same. Buy whichever you can get cheaper. There are zero noticeable differences between the two reels.

I'd say you've already had the authentic shimano experience. Lol

Here's another example of shimano using bushings. The symetre fj had an aluminum frame and bearings on both sides of the drive gear. The new symetre fl has a graphite frame and a bearing on one side of the drive gear and a bushing on the other. Shimano continues to downgrade their reels but keeps increasing the price. The funny part is if you look at the price of the replacement bushing from Shimano for the symetre fl it's 2 dollars more than the bearing on the other side! So why even use it????

You don't have to buy a Cabela's brand reel just because you have a Cabela's gift card. They have other brands.

I love my old curado d's, chronarch d's, and Calais. I've hated every other shimano casting reel I've owned since. I've owned numerous shimano spinning reels and hated all of them but my stradic fj's and ci4+'s. The fj's and ci4's are the only shimano spinning reels that I haven't had binding issues with. Shimano reels seem to loose their smoothness much faster than other reels, that is when they are actually smooth to begin with. Their customer service has gone from the best to the absolute worst.

Hahahahaha my thoughts exactly. The only thing I can think of is the little piece that covers the screw that connects the bail to the rotor.

I've read this a few times and can't visualize what you are talking about.

MalaysiaThe stradic fg was the last one made in Japan, and that was a long time ago. Edit: Maybe the stradic fh was the last one made in japan can't remember for sure. Either way it's been close to 10 years since any stradics were made in japan.

They could have been used for spooling other reels or just to get some line when needed. I'm pretty sure someone cut those notches in the cases like that. None of my mitchell spool cases have notches in them.

Stradics are not made in japan anymore, haven't been for years. If you want a good japan made spinning reel at an affordable price the daiwa luvias is hard to beat.

Spools for mitchell spinning reels.

That has to be the absolute dumbest thing I've ever read.You are right though about comparing shimano to Lexus. Lol

Same here. Shimano is the only company I consistently have a problem getting parts from. Either discontinued or out of stock for months or years then you have to start searching. They somehow magically have the parts though if you send the reel in and pay them to fix it.

I love my jdm certates! I just recently bought 2 new luvias reels. Both these reels are much better than anything shimano offers in the same price range imo. I do like my stradic fj's but like my daiwa spinners much better. I still kick myself for not buying as many fuego a's as possible when daiwa discontinued them. Awesome reels! Now I like lews casting reels but haven't liked their spinning reels at all. I would like to try one of their new spinning reels though.

I agree with Wayne.

I have that exact rod plus many medium power avids. That 7'1" rod feels more like a medium heavy imo compared to any of my medium avids.

Yeah I understand, but if you you practice with your reel set up incorrectly and say a rod that's way too stiff for the bait you're throwing it's going to take a lot longer to learn.

The newer Shimano reels have a friction ring that looks like a gear and the whole ring turns on the body of the reel instead of the bail trip pin riding on the surface like the older models. Both terrible designs in my opinion.

It's both. Having the right action rod plays a big role also.

The purpose of the friction ring is to hold the rotor from turning when the bail is open. This keeps the bail from slamming closed on a hard cast.