Looking to getting this new Shimano reel and wondering any of you guys bought this reel and how well it is.

Does it feel compact in your hand?

How is the retrieve, smooth?

Casting distance?

What applications are you using the reel with?

Final question, is it worth buying?

Look citica and up in Shimano reels. Even if you have to go second hand. 

From my understanding the reel has a composite frame and is a sort of watered down version of the Chronarch CI4. It lacks several bells and whistles likes X-Ship and more and better qualify bearings.

Not sure if the reel would be a good workhorse reel if it is something that is going to see heavy usage due to the composite frame. I would save a bit more for something better.

I checked it out at one of my local fishing stores. Its OK. Its smooth and light weight with that composite frame and side plates. It is does feel like its smaller when palming this reel. IMO save up the money to buy the Citica or Curado. I'm currently looking at the *** "***" for the same price as the Casitas. Don't get me wrong I love the Shimano reels. But that reel I'm staying away from.