Hey guys I’m needing another crankbait reel.  I never got out of fishing but I’ve been out of the gear game for about 10 years.  After I got my Cores and Curado E series back then I’ve never had a need for anything else and they are all still running strong.  I’m planning to try and find another Curado 200E5.  I’ve skimmed through some of the new reels but nothing really stood out or impressed me like the stuff they used to make.  Anyways should I stick with what I know or am I missing out on some new awesome reels?

You could always check out the new curado k reels, awesome reels. If price isnt an issue you can also look into the bantam mgl. They are solid reels and make a great crankbaits reel.

I've got a couple of the Curado 150 DC reels and I think that they are great reaction bait reels.  I can cast somewhat further than I can with my Curado E's with the same amount of effort and once you get them adjusted they don't backlash very often

I'll second the Bantam. I have a Curado 200E5 and I feel that the Bantam is a step up from that. In the 6.3:1 ratio it should be the ticket. If your thinking smaller crankbaits like 5XD size and under the Tranx 200 would be a less costly alternate.

Fishingmickey

The bantam is always good. If you wanna go pg, there are some great jdm pg options including the engetsu, stile, stephano, etc. They all have big, honkin cranking knobs, too. The spools are pretty shallow, that’s the main issue for crankbaits. They can be swapped out obviously but that’s a matter of how far you’re looking to go.

 

I’m also a fan of the E series. You’re not at any disadvantage using them by any means. I also have a Revo Winch that has served well. Really just depends on where you’re at personally. Lots of good new stuff to experiment with, or stick with tried and true. 

2 hours ago, Manifestgtr said:

The bantam is always good. If you wanna go pg, there are some great jdm pg options including the engetsu, stile, stephano, etc. They all have big, honkin cranking knobs, too. The spools are pretty shallow, that’s the main issue for crankbaits. They can be swapped out obviously but that’s a matter of how far you’re looking to go.

 

If you want stay around $120 the Engestu BB (5:5:1) is going for about $100 on ebay, the spool is shallow, so you would need to pick up a Caenan spool from Shimano for another $20. But if your willing to spend $250-$300 the Bantam PG is a great choice. 

 

 

On 5/22/2020 at 4:35 AM, DomQ said:

You could always check out the new curado k reels, awesome reels. If price isnt an issue you can also look into the bantam mgl. They are solid reels and make a great crankbaits reel.

Will definitely check out the K’s

On 5/22/2020 at 7:50 AM, Fishingmickey said:

I'll second the Bantam. I have a Curado 200E5 and I feel that the Bantam is a step up from that. In the 6.3:1 ratio it should be the ticket. If your thinking smaller crankbaits like 5XD size and under the Tranx 200 would be a less costly alternate.

Fishingmickey

The Bantam looks nice! I’m trying to stay under $200 for this reel.  It’s one of those deals where I have a nice rod laying around that needs a reel, but I don’t really NEED it so don’t want to go all out.  The Tranx doesn’t look bad either.  These gear ratios are getting crazy.

On 5/22/2020 at 2:29 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I’m also a fan of the E series. You’re not at any disadvantage using them by any means. I also have a Revo Winch that has served well. Really just depends on where you’re at personally. Lots of good new stuff to experiment with, or stick with tried and true. 

That’s good to hear coming from someone who works on them.  The 200E5 I thought I was going to be able to get is on hold for the moment.  The guy wants to try and sell it locally first.  I’m first in line if he decides to ship.  Any experience with the K reels?

I use the E5 and really can't imagine needing anything else but I'm a huge fan of the E series Curado's and Citica's.

7 hours ago, bryand82487 said:

Will definitely check out the K’s

The Bantam looks nice! I’m trying to stay under $200 for this reel.  It’s one of those deals where I have a nice rod laying around that needs a reel, but I don’t really NEED it so don’t want to go all out.  The Tranx doesn’t look bad either.  These gear ratios are getting crazy.

That’s good to hear coming from someone who works on them.  The 200E5 I thought I was going to be able to get is on hold for the moment.  The guy wants to try and sell it locally first.  I’m first in line if he decides to ship.  Any experience with the K reels?

Service, yes. Fishing, no. They’re well built, some added features but no game changer imo. One advantage to buying new is parts availability down the road. Some E parts are getting scarce. 

17 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Service, yes. Fishing, no. They’re well built, some added features but no game changer imo. One advantage to buying new is parts availability down the road. Some E parts are getting scarce. 

Thanks! I ended up finding a 200E5 in excellent condition and recently serviced for $130 so I went that route.  Any parts I should try to source now in case I need them later when they are no longer available?  I’ve never had any reels break so not sure how common or what the chances of it happening is.

There are no real problem areas on those. Maybe a worm and pawl for the level wind if anything. Most issues I see result from mishandling, neglect, or failed attempts at DIY service. 

1 hour ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

There are no real problem areas on those. Maybe a worm and pawl for the level wind if anything. Most issues I see result from mishandling, neglect, or failed attempts at DIY service. 

Got it.  I think I should be okay.  I take good care of my stuff.  Thanks for the help and info!

I have a new CURADO 200E5, in bopx with all drags and oil tube and instructions. Thinking of selling it as I am a disabled vet and can no longer fish. Any idea of price I should ASK FOR.

What's the gear ratio on the box? 

 

If it's the 9.2:1 that's the one that everyone wants and those are VERY expensive.