Took new citica I out on water for about 6 hours. I'm using it on my shallow/mid crankbait rod. The reel was a joy to use all day. It will flat out bomb some crankbaits. It's a lot different from the older citica that I have. The reel feel a lot more refined and smooth. I really believe the bearing supported pinion gear makes the reel very smooth on the retrieve.

The braking system works very well, and the reel doesn't take a lot of effort to throw a bait a long ways. I kinda wish shimano would put a touch longer handle on these reels, but that's not a big deal really, I could always put a hawgtech on it.

I enjoyed using the reel and think that at the price point they are selling at, it's a heck of a reel. Anyone that is thinking of getting a reel in this price range, give the citica a look.

I'm pretty happy with the selection of 100-150$ reels on the market right now, there are a lot of good performing "workhorse" reels that will do everything you need them to. I'm not saying the citica is the best reel in the price range, just giving a quick run down of my experience with mine.

I also really like it.

How does this reel  handle lighter applications? Heavier lure applications will always cast very far and showcase the reels casting distance. I am really curious how this reel handles the lighter stuff.  

How does this reel handle lighter applications? Heavier lure applications will always cast very far and showcase the reels casting distance. I am really curious how this reel handles the lighter stuff.

The reel done well with 3/8 cranks in 10mph winds or so. That's about as light as this reel will see. To be honest I don't fish a lot of super light stuff.

The reel done well with 3/8 cranks in 10mph winds or so. That's about as light as this reel will see. To be honest I don't fish a lot of super light stuff.

 

Thanks for the update. Enjoy your new reel!! 

Nice review. Thanks for putting it out there. Congrats and enjoy the reel. I'll be getting one at some point.