Well, if you read my other post you would know that I picked up a Citica 201E last night at what I thought was a decent buy, but not sure. I have read a lot about these reels, and have found that the Citica and Curado have a cult like following, and not sure why? I pulled the spool bearings on it last night, and soaked them in Mineral Spirits to clean the grease out. I have found Mineral Spirits to work extremely well for this type of procedure. I then let the bearings dry on a paper towel over night.

I woke up due to the excitement of my new reel, and could not wait to get to finishing the job at hand. I spun the bearings on the tip of a pencil, and they spun fast and free. I put a drop of Reel Butter bearing lube on each bearing and let it soak in. I then wiped the excess oil off and installed the bearings back in the reel. I spun the spool and it was much smoother and faster than before. I spooled it up with 30# Power Pro and tied on a mouse and headed for the pond, a two minute walk from my front door.

I arrive at the pond, and my expectations are not very high, as I have always been a Abu fan. I set 3 brakes to the on position, and adjust the spool tension. I now proceed to unleash my first cast with my new Citica 201E....... I bring the rod back, and let it load, and swoosh..... this reel is a rocket launcher!!!!!! It is by far the smoothest and best casting reel I have ever held in my hands. I could not be any more happy, and feel this is by far the best $49.00 I've ever spent on any fishing gear. I now understand what all the hype is with these reels. I bought a Pro Qualifier about a month ago, and it does not even come close to the Citica.

Now having said this, I can't imagine how a Curado, could be any better, but I now want to find out.

Welcome to the Posse!

Traitor!!!

I cant talk I have one also but the rest are all REVOS!!!!!!!!!!!!

it is a nice reel though

Don't buy a Zillion!

Now having said this, I can't imagine how a Curado, could be any better, but I now want to find out.

Lighter Spool, brass brake pins instead of plastic, Ti coated line guide instead of SiC, larger grips, and an extra bearing for smoothness. Both great reels, the Citica has always been my favorite in that price range.

Welcome to the Posse!

What he said! Welcome to the club.

Don't buy a Zillion!

It's not a Shimano so I won't

Its all over now! It starts with one, then its collecting them all!

Its all over now! It starts with one, then its collecting them all!

I have one and one is where I will stay I have no ambition to get any more shimano's unless there spinning reels MAYBE. I will say I do like my Citica it gets used as much as my Revo SX does just as a soft plastics reel and the Revo is my jigging and flipping set up they are great reels for the money especially when u get them at 50bucks or less like the OP and my self as well as many others here if I remember correctly.

I have one and one is where I will stay I have no ambition to get any more shimano's unless there spinning reels MAYBE. I will say I do like my Citica it gets used as much as my Revo SX does just as a soft plastics reel and the Revo is my jigging and flipping set up they are great reels for the money especially when u get them at 50bucks or less like the OP and my self as well as many others here if I remember correctly.

Thanks for leaving more for us!

It's not a Shimano so I won't

Thank god, if people ever switched from SHE-MAN-O there wouldn't be anymore zillions left for us! LOL

Edit: Ooops, LMG beat me to the punch line, but with SHE-MAN-O instead

Thanks for leaving more for us!

No problem I may actually be selling my Citica not sure if I will or not I may keep it for back up.

BC, keep your Zillions. We don't WANT them.

BC, keep your Zillions. We don't WANT them.

I didn't know those words could be used in the same sentence, dont, want, zillion?

Rather have a Core over a Zillion anyday.

Overly attached BassClary:

Overly attached BassClary:

Deep, I seriously just pee'd of laughter!!!!

I see you also are a meme fan, lol

here we go the Shimano v. Abu v. Diawa now with meme lol

I'd take the Core anyday over zillion, but for the price of either of those, I'd take the same features and a few more and go with - 2 - Lew's Tournament Pro's, same size as the lighter Core 6.7 oz., better drag 14lbs., more line capacity than the Core, and nicer handle and ergonomics! and be welcomed to the hole in the wall gang!! bring your posse, is that spelled correct??

I could not be any more happy, and feel this is by far the best $49.00 I've ever spent on any fishing gear.

I own a lot of tackle. Far too much. Way more reels than I can ever hope to use on a given day. That being said, my Citicas see more use than any other reel I own. The Curados are just a little smoother, and will cast lighter baits just a little better. The larger knobs are nice as well. Dollar for dollar though, the Citica 200E series are extremely hard to beat. Just a solid workhorse reel. I beat mine to death in both fresh and saltwater. Other than routine maintenance, I haven't had to do a thing to them. Trouble free reels. Just make sure you clean out the factory sludge that Shimano covers their reels in.

here we go the Shimano v. Abu v. Diawa now with meme lol

but anyways, citicas are great, and for $50 you basically stole it! I would've done the same things, wouldn't even look twice!

Another believer and a member of the tribe.

Keep on chucking those Shimano's!!!!

Great post, too.

Count me in the posse', two Calcutta's, 2 Curado's, and a Citica. This is not a have v. have not question. I want a Chronarch to see how good it is, since it is a level above the Curado. My question is: What does the Core offer that it is basically twice as much as the Chronarch. Is it a durability thing, the lighter weight or just knowing you have the top Shimano? I understand it has more expensive components, but does it fish that much better? I was strictly an Abu guy until I made my first cast with a Calcutta.

Mike

What on earth Gods green earth is this, and what are they doing?