Excense DC

*mumbling....."wish I had that kind of budget"

 

Ha! Good luck and have fun!

Gander code LABORDAY14 gives $50 off $250 spent

 

Chronarch CI4+ for $220 after $50 off $270

 

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Shimano-Chronarch-CI4-Low-Profile-Baitcasting-Reel-CH150CI4HG&i=757812

sick deal

sick deal

When I was young, something that was sick was bad or no good. The way it is used now, I take it that it's a good thing. Things change...lol.

Hootie

yeah, I would look to find a good deal and get two reels instead of just one high end reel.  Good luck!

You're not going to go wrong with any Shimano reel in the $200+ range. Pick the one that best suits the purpose you have for it and go with it. 

Shimano Reels are 97% Centrifugal braking.... Not sure why you requested opinions on them if you don't like that braking style, nevertheless, you may need to dig deeper for a DC reel which are really neat... But it's not needed, pin brakes are easy..... If you don't prefer that, go Diawa.

Core...

X2

If it were my bucks I would add $25 to the $375 budget and make $400 and get me TWO Chronarch 50E without thinking it too much.

Two chronarch e's. Or two curados. I also own a calcutta 200d and absolutely love it. It palms nicely and I actually like the round profile and feel.