I missed out on the $99 Curado G's at BPS last month but I still want a Shimano reel.  I want a reel to fill the shallow to medium diving crankbait gap in my arsenal.  I borrowed my brother's Curado BSF, and liked it ok.  He's a diehard Shimano fan and suggested I look at the Chronarch 50MG, Curado'S D & BSF and some other Chronarchs I can't remember the model numbers for.  After looking at Shimanos I got interested in the Scorpion's (to have something different--if they're good reels).  I've been wanting a Lew's reel, and am leaning towards the BB1, BB1 Pro, or TP.  I will eventually get a Shimano and a Lew's but can only afford 1 right now with $200 being my "limit".  Any advice on which ones would suit my "needs" best?

 

I have 3 PQ's (that I have no problems with, one of the best deals in fishing at $69) and a Daiwa Tatula that I like a lot.  Just want some other brands.

Your gonna get different opinions. I personally like shimano but thats my taste in tackle and I've had both. The Curado E is an excellent reel that can be had for a good price used.

If you have PQ's and like them but want to experiment, skip Lew's/ABU/Pflueger for now since they're all built on the same platform as the PQ. More Daiwas, Shimano, the new Pinnacle line, maybe a Quantum but I suggest staying in the upper end with them if you go that route. 

Scorpion 1000xt. They can be found for about $180 new.

Saving up to replace all my reels with Lew's BB1 Pros right now. I would highly recommend trying one out. It is extremely smooth, casts a mile, and hold a lot of line. Plus it is only 6.5oz

Scorpion 1000xt. They can be found for about $180 new.

 

Are there any issues with getting JDM reels worked on here if need be?

I've never had to have any of my JDM reels worked on but the scorpion 1000xt is the JDM equivalent to the chronarch 50e. So any parts are interchangeable. Just watch out though, once you go Shimano 50 its hard to go back lol.

I think the best option is the new Curado I. However, if you want a smaller profile the

Curado 50E is one of my very favorite reels.

 

 

 

Are there any issues with getting JDM reels worked on here if need be?

No problem. 

Can't go wrong with either Imo. I like lews because I can find the tournament pro for 150-160 pretty consistently

I just orderd a BB1pro for my cranking set up........ Ron from valley sports had a really good price on it.

Gander mountain has curado's for 129

Can't go wrong with a curado. The only difference I can tell in my chronarch is that it throws light baits better

Just a thought, I can appreciate wanting a low profile, but I would suggest you look at the new curado I. Since you might want a slower sPeed, it comes in a 5.5:1 that works creat for crank baits. I also like the tatulas. Both are under $200,

Put me down for ANY of the Lew's reels!!!!!!!!!

Can't go wrong with Lews!  I own 8 I believe and about to get 5 more!  Great products at awesome prices and outstanding customer service!

Can't go wrong with Lews!  I own 8 I believe and about to get 5 more!  Great products at awesome prices and outstanding customer service!

 

If you aren't careful, you will catch up to me and my Daiwas. 

 

OP, another situation where you really can't go wrong.  Have you considered a T3-1016H on sale at TW?  I bought the last LH high speed one this morning, but there are still models for either hand in the 6.3:1 ratio.  A used Chronarch 100B can be found for around $125 in good to excellent shape.  Used Curado 50Es normally go for a bit more.  Excellent little reels.  Haven't used my Lews TP much because my middle grandson thinks it is his.    It is a nice looking reel that casts very well.  Have no experience with the G and newer Shimanos.

Scorpion 1000xt. They can be found for about $180 new.

Where do you get them at that price?

Where do you get them at that price?

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/sanpei-japan/item/shima-024695/

IMO you can't go wrong with Lews. But beware. You will just want more when you buy the first one

BB1 Pro gets my vote

If you are going to get a Lews, get one of the older ones that was built by Shimano.  Otherwise, just get a Shimano.  The new Curado looks sweet.  I predict there will be a lot of G's coming on sale soon once Shimano catches up with production on the I's.

I think the best option is the new Curado I. However, if you want a smaller profile the

Curado 50E is one of my very favorite reels.

 

 

 

I have two of the Chronarch 50e's and my regular fishing buddy has a few Curado 50e's. they are built on the same frame and platform.

I picked up a new Curado I on release day and I will say that it is getting close to the profile of a 50 class reel. If you have picked up a new Chronarch Ci4+, it's essentially the same frame design (ergonomically), just a touch heavier at 7.2 oz. It is amazingly smooth and I would pick another up before my Chronarchs, though I love them, too!

I only have one Lews, a Tourney Mg 7.1, but I am thoroughly impressed with it. The BB1 pro is on my short list of reels that I wouldn't mind owning.

I just bought 3 Scorpions from Japan Tackle. A XT1000 and 2 XT1500's. The XT1000 is a better reel than the Curado 50E that I had IMHO. People say it's the same reel but I don't remember the Curado 50E that I had being as good a caster as the XT1000. Japan Tackle has the XT1000 for $199.00. To be honest, after using the XT1000, I wish that I would have bought 2 XT1000's and 1 XT1500 instead.

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/sanpei-japan/item/shima-024695/

I should have known, those guys have good stuff. The shipping is what stinks, I count that as part of the reel price, that reel is around $20 to ship.