My favorite is the Curado 51E. I've had Shimano reels starting from the Curado 201B SF up to the Curado 71HG. I tend to stay in the mid range Shimano's, as much as I'd like to get the higher end, higher priced Shimano's, well the mid price range Shimano's have been great.

What's your favorite Shimano model(s)?

The 70XG Curado I. 

Calais 100A. Have high end stuff, such as Antares, Metanium and Conquest, but still like those old tanks the best.

15 Conquest 200

I've owned a fair amount of Shimano stuff but at the end of the day I can't do better than my 15 Aldebaran 50. I tried to convince myself repeatedly as to how great the 50E series was.  It didn't matter if it was mid price, high end, JDM, or USDM they were all geary under load.  That's been a topic in other forums. As far as 200 size I love my Scorpion 200. Smooth as silk. On the older side I have a Scorpion 1000 and Curado 100B that I'll never let go of.

Different strokes for different folks!  I prefer one over another for specific applications. Overall, the Core 50Mg and Aldebaran get the most use, but the  CTE100GT and CTE200GT are my go-to reels for heavier stuff. In terms of "maximum performance" at another pricing point, my Curado 50 is supertuned and super duper!

 

13 Metanium

I just got familiar with a baitcaster this year. Started with an Abu Garcia silvermax and wasn't long before I wanted something "better". Ended up with a Curado 201I and fell in love. Smooth and sturdy. Just recently read some reviews on the 70/71 series and wanted to get something palm-able as I have smaller hands. So I just picked up a 71hg and 71xg. Won't get to try em out til spring but I'll be ready!

Metanium DC

I have an old Chronarch A that I've had for probably 20+years that I still use,2 Citica E's but my 6 Curado D and Dsv's gets the most use! I can cast baits using 12 lb line on the 100D's that would usually require spinning equipment..Aluminum framed Japanese Shimano's.. I don't need anything else! 

My Shimanos are rather limited.  Chronarch 101A and 100B, Curado 201E7 and 51Es.  I like the E7 the best.

Which of your children  is your favorite? my favorite is usually the one I just broke down for a deep cleaning and/ or the one with the freshest line. 

For nostalgic purposes:  My Chronarch 100SF that my father (who has since passed) bought me as a high school graduation gift.

For old JDM:  My silver Metanium XT with the purple/green/blue super free spool and upgraded bearings/Chronarch B handle.

For mechanical perfection:  My Calais 100A and/or my Calcutta TE100GT.

For my true workhorses:  My Citica 200E's

For modern/new reels:  My Curado 70XG, or the Metanium MGL  and/or Aldebaran 50.

Too many favorites...

For me the answer is pretty simple. Chronarch 50e.
I've had two of them, my only Shimano casting reels.

But comparing the 50e to a Lexa, Accurist...no brainer  

Shimano Curado 200e7 and e5.  The Ds were beasts as well.

I have the curado 200i PG and think its amazing

I own a couple Curados, but I got to fish a few days with a couple Metaniums and they were amazing. I couldn't justify the extra price being on a budget, but man were they nice.

Shimano core

Haven't used any newer Curado models but I have several older ones that are about 15 years old and they are bullet proof.

I have a Curado 200E5, and the Curado200IPG. Both are the best baitcasting reels I have. The E gets a slide nod though. I plan on adding another I this winter.

Curado 50E for me as well. Just palms better for me compared to my 200E7. I bought a few Core's (both 50 and 100) which I won't be able to fish until spring so my opinion might change when that happens.

24 minutes ago, Mumbly said:

Curado 50E for me as well. Just palms better for me compared to my 200E7. I bought a few Core's (both 50 and 100) which I won't be able to fish until spring so my opinion might change when that happens.

I have every flavor of that 50 platform. Core 50, Alde 50, Scorpion 1000xt, Curado 50, and Chronarch 50. From the Curado 50 to the Core you will a few differences. The Core has a faster gear ratio, higher quality internal bearings, a magnesium frame, and a few other minor differences like the thumbar piece and its quality. It isn't really 2x the reel but for those that appreciate a super light reel that doesn't feel hollow and cheap the Core is one of the best.

Hard to choose, the one I enjoy the most using is Chronarch 50 Mg.