Well, I picked up another ac66mf Avid, and had a lonely rod. Decided to look at all reel options. Settled on a Curado 100 DSV. Has more play in the handle, after adjustment, than I thought it would. Feels great, but not being a shimano man, I don't know, just not 'tight'. Do shimanos really feel that different from Daiwa's once they are set up? Is this normal? Should I return & replace? Going fishing Wednesday & would love to take this (or replacement) out. Help!

Thanks!

Mitch :-?

 I may not be the best one to jump in on this post :-/, having only owned 2 Shimano reels (Symetre 2500 and Citica 200D). Have never owned a Daiwa. If I am understanding you right, both of mine are tight as..as tight as..as tight as..annnyway they are really tight (went and looked).IMHO they make a great reel, especially for the money. I've been really happy with both. Can't comment on the long haul they are pretty new.

 Someone is bound to post with more experience. Hope I am not speaking out of turn, but if all else fails, ask reelmech.

 Hopefully you get it resolved, hate to hear bad things about Shimano :'(...

                                                       As Ever,

                                                        Skillet

That 'play' usually goes away once you get some line on it.  I've noticed it on my Shimano casting reels as well as the Curados and Chronarchs that I've fingered in the last couple of months.

Thanks, guys, for the info. I spooled it up today with Yozuri Ultra soft 12lb, seems much tighter. Going to practice casting her today & fish her tommorrow. Think I'll be happy with it, hope so anyway.

That backplay is normal in all Shimano baitcasting reels, the anti reverse is not quite infinte like in Daiwas.

Thanks, Raul. As usual, the information here is always helpful. I spooled it up & took it out for practice casts. Casts wonderful, for whatever reason, I cast a lot further with better accuracy with this reel. I have to sit & figure that out! But, the curado is a keeper, really like it. I'm going to use it primary for spinners, but (against the advice of Bill, a great guy who spent alot of time explaining the differences of the reels I was looking at), senkos & small lizards as well. Those might be too light, but don't know. Any insight/experience is welcome

Thanks!!!