The green machine!

 

Curado k 

Chronarch SF (the gold one with the wiffle spool) Early 00s model

Curado D and E series, probably 50e if I had to pick one reel. They just work…forever.

Bantam 100 from the late 70's and the Curado 200 E7.

Current lineup has been pretty good ( SLX 71MGL, Curado MGLs, Bantam MGLs) but they should because they are still fairly new.

 

When I start thinking of "Favorites" thought, I resort to older models that still stand out. Currently, the Shimanos I have that stand out for me that is a 201E7 I picked up used at a swap meet. Buttery smooth running a Spinnerbait on a Megabass Levante. Another is a Scorpion Metanium MG7. I have it on a Dobyns Champion 734c throwing buzzbaits and REALLY like it! Casts great and very smooth!!

 

We are focusing on Shimano here but others include some Team Daiwa TDZ and Fuegos. Those frames just seem to melt into my hand!

XHS Bantams from the 80s are my favorites.  5:1 gear ratio with 2 spool bearings. 

Core 51 mg7

11 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Core 51 mg7

That's a solid choice!

I've had a bunch if their reels. For general use, I really liked the 07 Metanium MG7 and for what I do most, I really, really like my 22 Aldebaran BFS XG.

I have 9 Shimanos. My Core50MG7 is my favorite.

In my Idea the best reel in Shimano reels is Metanium DC 15. Guys I need to remind you I have about 50 high end Shimano reels and I fish with all of them for years. If you want to have one baitcasting reel, Thats it.

In spinning section, Nothing beats the Exsense Ci4( The Ci4 is very important), Again as reminder I have Stellas to Saharas, But Exsence Ci4 is very unique spinning reel.

19-current gen daiwa steez ct sv. Such a great frame 

Shimano Calcutta 200 TE GT, the crack rock of round reels. One reel and you’re hooked for life. 

Shimano Chronarch MG 50

On 4/12/2025 at 8:37 PM, Motoboss said:

The green machine!

 

Awesome what'st the 90s era Loomis spinning rod at the bottom?

3 hours ago, Hulkster said:

Awesome what'st the 90s era Loomis spinning rod at the bottom?

Looks to be an old IMX series spinning rod.  My guess it's the "SJR" series.....  Also looks like he has a couple older Loomis casting rods w/ the Ken Wiebe "Super Stinger" reel seats.

4 hours ago, Hulkster said:

Awesome what'st the 90s era Loomis spinning rod at the bottom?

 It’s a IMX light spinning 781-2. My other rods are all IMX as well. medium casting 783, medium heavy casting 784, heavy 844and a 844 GLX JWR rod. The IMX are late ‘90’s and the GLX is around 2015.

Just one? As a Daiwa fanboy, I do like Shimano's Metanium series:

 

Another vote for the ol greenies that motoboss posted

On 4/8/2025 at 10:02 PM, WRB said:

 

Currently SLX 70MGL best performing reel under $150 on the market IMO.

100% facts.