Was able to find a Curado 50E locally in barely used condition for a crazy good price, and i am really impressed by everything on it. It really doesn't have any flaws at all, everything, including the paintjob, looks and feels great. So i decided to google the original MSRP, and for a Made in Japan reel, these launched for $180. With inflation its probably a bit higher now, but still, this is a really good price for what you're getting. So it made me wonder, is it even a possibility for Shimano (or Daiwa for that matter) to release a Japan made baitcaster for the USDM, and be around the $180-200 range? Or is a Curado E-like in 2026 would be a Bantam, sold for $395?

The current JDM 100 bantam is an infinitely better reel than the 200E (curado/chronarch). Size differences aside the bantam has a better profile for palming (for my hands), it more solidly built, and has a better spool and breaking system. I have both in the boat rigged right now for tomorrow. If I could have a 200 size version that is the same just a little bigger (for 22# fluoro on an 8’ rod) I would swap in a second.

$180 then is about $320 today per Google.

My main issue with using the older reels today is the high thumb bar feels really bad now.

Part of the reason I like Japan Underground old-school offset grips with round reels.

2 hours ago, GReb said:

$180 then is about $320 today per Google.

My main issue with using the older reels today is the high thumb bar feels really bad now.

That is more expensive than i thought it would be. Still, $180 back then did not feel anywhere near as expensive as $320 now.

In my opinion it’s still the best reel Shimano ever made regardless of price.

Mike