With the Chronarch E6 200 being sold at the $150 price point is this one of the best reels available at this HIGHLY competitive price range? I have one and have to say its a pretty nice reel and with a bearing change it became a great casting reel. Handle is pretty cheesy though

I definitely think so. I'm a huge E series fan, doesn't matter which size as I have them all (51, 201, & 301) and think very highly of all of them. I'm actually sad to see the E series go, they're true work horse reels that are simple to maintain and reliable.

I agree. I own an assortment of curados from almost every series and like the e series a lot. If I can find them at a good price, I'll pick up a few more.

I'd take a Chronarch E over anything else at the $150 price point for sure

Given that Curado Is can be had for ~$150 on the auction site would you guys take a Chronarch E over the Curado I? I don't have any E series reels other then the Scorpion that is still in transit to me. I could maybe use one more reel and having a hard time deciding.

They are both great. For me it's just personal preference. I like the way the e feels in my hand. You really can't miss with either of the two.

With the Chronarch E6 200 being sold at the $150 price point is this one of the best reels available at this HIGHLY competitive price range? I have one and have to say its a pretty nice reel and with a bearing change it became a great casting reel. Handle is pretty cheesy though

Both the Chronarch E and the Curado I cast and fish very well. For that price I'd say it's a toss up for me. I like both. I haven't had the chance to use the Curado I as much as the Chronarch of course but initial findings have been very positive indeed. It's a very smooth reel. I still prefer the Chronarch B over any Chronarch yet to be honest. Sweet reels they are, were, are

Cabelas has them at $149 online right now. When I first got mine several years ago I wasn't impressed with its casting so I put good bearings in it (ZPI's I believe) and still wasn't happy so I benched the reel for the rest of that year. Over the winter I got a lot better at working on reels and flushed the bearings and lubed with a high quality bearing oil. I had used Ardent on the Chronarch originally and that was the problem. Cleaned and relubed the Chronarch became one off my best casters. Lesson learned was Ardent reel oil is garbage and the Chronarchs are pretty nice

Actually, the Bantam oil that comes with the reels is decent. The key is flushing the factory grease out of there. It may take a couple cycles in the solvent to get it all but it's worth the trouble. Unless you can tolerate running them dry, I don't feel there's enough advantage in swapping bearings to justify the expense, especially compared to properly treated stock ones. This varies between brands and models too. 

Actually, the Bantam oil that comes with the reels is decent. The key is flushing the factory grease out of there. It may take a couple cycles in the solvent to get it all but it's worth the trouble. Unless you can tolerate running them dry, I don't feel there's enough advantage in swapping bearings to justify the expense, especially compared to properly treated stock ones. This varies between brands and models too.

I have come to agree with the bearing change issue. Unless I'm going to use a reel only for pitching I'll sinply flush the stock bearings and use a little Oust or Alchemy. But using the wrong lube can really hurt performance (ARDENT)

Yes, lube viscosity and even amount applied can affect the end result. 

I have a 200E6 and had to pick up another one at the sale price (plus I found a $20 off $150 cabela's coupon on slickdealds). These reels feel so good and are so easy to use. 

 

My reels are still pretty newish, but could you guys point me to any good bearing reel/bearing maintenance tutorials for keeping these chronarchs running well? 

 I still prefer the Chronarch B over any Chronarch yet to be honest. Sweet reels they are, were, are

 

 

I couldn't agree more. I love mine, at one time I had 2 but a few years back I very stupidly sold one. Been kicking myself for it ever since.

 

Tough Question, the Curado I and the Chronarch E are both so good. I think I like the E better but would be happy with either.