I got a good deal on a Chronarch and went ahead and bought it. It's the 6.2:1 model.

 

I did a lot of research on this reel, but a lot of it is mumbo-jumbo. Can anyone tell me why this is a $260 reel versus a $170 Curado? I got it for $199.

 

I also got a Curado 71 at 8.2:1. Only difference I can see here is the higher retrieve rate. I plan to use this with my flipping stick. Are there any other benefits for this reel that don't require me to read a 3000 page manual to understand?

It's slightly smaller than the curado being it's a 150 size reel and the curado I is a 200. The Ci4+ is the shimano carbon graphite composite frame material which is lighter than aluminum while still retaining the rigidity shimano is known for. The spool is different. The knobs on the handle have ball bearings. The overall look of the reel closely resembles the core which the discontinued and my guess is that shimano wanted to provide a reel that performed at the level of a core at a lower price point. I've fished the chronarch Ci4+ for about a year now and it's a fantastic reel

Move topic to Fishing rods, reels, line, and knots

Great to hear! This will probably be my go-to reel on my best rod. A little disappointed about the spool as I'd like to be able to interchange them, but if that's the worst thing about this reel then I'll be a happy man.

I have four of the Chronarchs now and they are incredible reels.  This is  a salt water ready reel and the bearings are anti rust.  I have not bothered to swap them for faster bearings because they are so good.  The Chronarch spool is also lighter giving you a faster start up on the cast.  Plus as mentioned handle bearings.

I have 4 of them and not desire to look further 

CI4's are a good deal now because Shimano is releasing a new gen one with Micro Module gears and MGL spool. The original needs no apology though.

You got a good deal on a fantastic reel. I have 3 of them as well as 2 Curado 200i's. I'd take the Chronarchs over the Curados any day. They palm better for me and are smoother, and better casters with the smaller lighter spool and better bearings. If you want to make it even better order the longer handle for a 13 Met XG and a set of the larger power grips that come on the Curados, swap the handle and put an extra bearing under each knob, then have the reel cleaned and super tuned. 

 

Im toying with getting another one at the clearances prices. But I just got a Daiwa SV103 to see what the fuss is all about. 

The New 2017 Chronarch MGLs are out now on JapanLure

3 minutes ago, FrankN209 said:

The New 2017 Chronarch MGLs are out now on JapanLure

Thought I saw them on TW

21 minutes ago, NHBull said:

Thought I saw them on TW

 

Just looked, wasn't there. The Tranx is there though. 

47 minutes ago, FrankN209 said:

 

Just looked, wasn't there. The Tranx is there though. 

I stand corrected, it was cabelllas, but has to be ordered by phone

Tackle Trap is taking pre orders and expects to have them within a week.

These are great reels.  I have several and you will be very pleased.