Hi, I was wondering if a Shimano Curado I or Shimano Chronarch ci4+ is a better reel to get. I want one that will last me and will cast a long distance. If you put the price aside, which reel would you pick and why?

I would take the Chronarch CI4+ because it just a better reel and it's a Made in Japan Shimano. If you want a killer price on a NIB Chronarch CI4+ 150HG, I have one for sale. Send me a PM if you are interested.

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I am biased to the CI4 and I have both reels, but the Chronarch is one smooth reel.  The Chronarch is also salt water safe with anti rust bearings and a body immune to salt.  Never worry about a Shimano reel made in their Malaysia facility though.  No difference in quality.  Remember the Citica 200DSV?  Built in the Malaysia Shimano facility and a work horse of a reel.   I increased the  gear ratioj in mine to 7.0:1, fished it for years and sold it to a guy in Texas who is still using it and loves it. The Curado70 series is from the same facility.