Feels nicer and looks a lot better than the stock reel. Overall, not too expensive to do than compared to some of the tricked out ones you see on TT. All parts can be ordered from Shimano except for the drag washers (Carbontex) and bearings (Boca).

 

 

 

Good call on the thumb bar. Now just get rid of that plastic nut cap retainer!

Good call on the thumb bar. Now just get rid of that plastic nut cap retainer!

What's upgrade list? Did you add more bearings in the knobs?

I had Mike at DVT supertune both a CU100 & CU50. They did not turn black, but they are VERY

close to my Core.

 

 

 

 

List of upgrades:

 

-BNT3048, clear smoke brake weights

-Core Mg7 thumb bar

-Chronarch D7 handle with larger power knobs, there is 1 bearing in each post

-Curado E7 drag star, you'll also need to order the nut, spring and innertube

-Carbontex drag washers

-Boca OS bearings

 

In terms of performance compared to the Core, they will be the same because the spools are the same weight.

Nice upgrades to your 50E! If I do anything else to mine down the road it'll look a lot like yours, I've already added Orange Seal bearings and the lighter smoke brake blocks. I still need a Carbontex drag for it and I was giving some serious thought to a carbon fiber handle. Never got around to those last two mods as I've gotten sidetracked tuning Ambassadeurs lately.

Did you keep or remove the AR ratchet?

Why did I read this thread? Now I feel an urge to send my CH50e to DVT for upgrades...but the kids need presents first. Perhaps a "to do" item for 2014 since I added a swept Hawg Tech handle to the 50 this season.

Did you keep or remove the AR ratchet?

Do you mean the AR Pawl? If so, no I leave them on all my reels.

 

They're sometimes tricky to deal with though. If you pinch the ears too tight hugging the ratchet, it'll make the reel feel sluggish and if it's too loose, it'll bounce over every teeth making that clicking noise everyone complains about. If the pawl is adjusted correctly, it won't hinder the reels smoothness and work the way it was intended.

You shouldn't ever feel it "engage."  That would mean your AR bearing failed.