I've been looking to buy a casting reel for a while, and I've gotten some great suggestions from people here. However, I don't understand the difference in the model numbers of the reels. For example, what is the difference between a Shimano Curado 200B or 200e or even a 300dsv? Also, what exactly is the difference between a "Bantam" model (like a curado 100b bantam) vs a regular model? Is it just line capacity or what? I'm really asking this about any model differences in general, I just used a Shimano Curado as an example to make it clear (plus it's one of the reels I'm considering buying lol).

I google'd for this but I could only find shopping results. I'd appreciate it if someone could clear this up so I could buy with a bit more confidence.

Tackle Warehouse gives a pretty good description of the different reel models they carry.

Go to shimano's web site & look up the reel your interested in. There is a tab for specifications. This will tell you the differences in line capacity, reel weight, gear ratio, etc. Shimano uses C names ( curado, core, calais etc) to designate casting reels. T words (tekota) are used for trolling reels. The more time you spend looking over specs the more you will learn.

Each manufacturer has their own naming convention and like Dwight said it becomes more clear with time. The examples in the OP are different generations as models evolved. The one constant is that the higher the number the larger the reel and greater line capacity. A 200 size is most common and all around reel. The Curado B is a classic workhorse reel, still fishable and can be had cheap. The D series is many people's favorite and is more refined but too heavy for some. The E series is probably the biggest bang for the buck and gets lots of love. The newest G has gone back to it's roots as a quality workhorse reel at an affordable price but lacks a few small features that the E had. If you post a budget range you'll get lots of good recommendations.

It's really pretty simple, just look at the price, and the larger the number the more you will want it.

the 3-digit number usually refers to the reel's frame and/or spool size. typical sizes for freshwater casting reels are 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300, with finesse reels usually in the 50-size and musky/striper/big swimbait reels in the 300-size. 100 and 200 are the most popular sizes for freshwater bass. some companies change the last digit to a '1' to denote a left-handed model.

the letter following the 3-digit number usually refers to the generation of the reel. for example, the curado 200B is the second-generation of the 200-size curado while a curado 200E is the fifth-generation of that reel.

the last digit typically denotes the gear ratio: either '5' for 5:1, '6' for 6:1 or '7' for 7:1 (note: has come into usage only recently with the introduction of choices in different gear ratios).

using shimano as an example, a curado 200C is a right-handed, third-generation 200-size curado reel while a curado 201G7 would be a left-handed, sixth-generation 200-size curado with a 7:1 gear ratio.

remember, each company has their own naming convention...the above is generally speaking. hope this helps.

just some trivia if you're interested:

1. as far i can remember, only quantum offers reels in the 150-size.

2. the introduction of the curado E-series in 2008 was very significant because it offered 200-size line capacity in a 100-size body and was only available in 5:1 and 7:1 gear ratios, skipping the general-purpose 6:1 gear ratio altogether.

3. regarding the 'bantam' designation, i'm not sure. my guess is that 'bantam' was initially used to denote low-profile reels smaller and more compact than shimano's round reels.

just some trivia if you're interested:

3. regarding the 'bantam' designation, i'm not sure. my guess is that 'bantam' was initially used to denote low-profile reels smaller and more compact than shimano's round reels.

Yes the bantam was the first of the low profile style reels from shimano. It was introduced in 1978 and it had wooden handles.

just some trivia if you're interested:

1. as far i can remember, only quantum offers reels in the 150-size.

2. the introduction of the curado E-series in 2008 was very significant because it offered 200-size line capacity in a 100-size body and was only available in 5:1 and 7:1 gear ratios, skipping the general-purpose 6:1 gear ratio altogether.

3. regarding the 'bantam' designation, i'm not sure. my guess is that 'bantam' was initially used to denote low-profile reels smaller and more compact than shimano's round reels.

Shimano used to offer a Calcutta 150.

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Yes the bantam was the first of the low profile style reels from shimano. It was introduced in 1978 and it had wooden handles.

yup, i had one of the original bantam 100s with the slippery-when-wet wood handles and two of the bantam 10s with the lew's-style paddle handles. i also had a lew's speed spool made by shimano and one made by ryobi plus a few of the early daiwa low-profiles. along the way, i also had almost every iteration of abu-garcia's terrible pre-revo "low profile" reels. i wish i had all those old reels still