I've got a Shimano Citica 200D that I picked up for $100 new at a show this past winter. The retrieve is not the smoothest, but it felt great in my hand and it casts a country mileat least it used to. After a couple of months of regular use it started making noise on the cast and the casting distance was cut in half. I sent it to the factory in hopes that it would be covered under warranty. It wasn't. They cleaned and serviced the reel and sent it back (along with a bill) proclaiming it repaired. Sadly, the casting distance, while improved, is still poor compared to almost every other reel I use (including an Abu C4 and a couple of old green Curados).

I've tried adjusting the centrifugal brake (currently 2 pins out) and the friction knob, but this does not solve the problem.

Now I've got 2 questions:

1.      Has anyone else experienced casting problems with the Citica?

2.      Would you continue to sink money into this reel?

Including shipping and repair costs, I've got $140 in this reel. :-[

I also had a bad experience with Shimano's service.  Here is the conclusion I came to:  Since you have to pay shipping either way, (and they don't seem to fix much at Shimano) you are way better sending it to ReelMech and paying the labor... at least you'll know it's done right.  Consider it a $40 lesson learned.  I would have called them and disputed the charge since it wasn't repaired to your satisfaction.

Now for the real question- If it were my reel, I would probably go ahead and send it to ReelMech because even if you dump another $20-$40 into it it's still way less than the replacement cost.  (Unless he thinks it's not worth sending in)  But I guess budget considerations would play into it also...

Good advice Fletchero.

I hear a lot of people comparing the new Citicas to the old Curados, but from my experience it's no contest, those old green reels can't be beat.

Daniel My Brother,

Good advice Fletchero.

I hear a lot of people comparing the new Citicas to the old Curados, but from my experience it's no contest, those old green reels can't be beat.

There all good reels if you keep um up.

Tight Lines All !!!!  

Good advice Fletchero.

I hear a lot of people comparing the new Citicas to the old Curados, but from my experience it's no contest, those old green reels can't be beat.

The old curados were probably the best casting reel for bass of their time IMO, I know have two of the new Citica's and absolutely love them. The retrieve is silky smooth, cast a weightless trick worm a mile, and the drag is awesome, I have zero complaints about them. Maybe you just got a defective one or something...

I went on an impromptu fishing trip while deployed last month and bought a Citica because I didnt need another reel but wont buy anything but shimano.  I wanted to get a decent reel for a bit cheaper than what I would normally buy.

For numerous reasons I just dont like the Citicas.  It's very possible that I'm just spoiled but you know how you can feel the unexplained?  You just know it doesnt feel right but cant put your finger on it?  Just alot of little things?  That's how I felt using the Citica.   One thing I could pinpoint for sure was the reel just would not keep the line tight when securing the lure to the rod for travel.  You'd tighten it and it would backreel enough to slack the line up.  

My short answer is, I wont buy another Citica or any reel at that price point for that matter.  I'll give this one to my brother for an early birthday present.

As for the other advice.  I keep meaning to send all my reels to 'the Mech' for service but I just cant part with them for more than a week since the beginning of March.  I've had a full season.  From everything I've read on here I just dont see how you could not send them to Reel Mech regularly.

I promise my reels will be in your hands by winter, Reel Mech!!  Just dont lash me for neglecting them so long.  You'll have your work cut out for you!

B

I have to agree with basspro48.  I'm one of those who thinks the newer Citicas come close to the old Curados.  I have had no issues with both of mine.  They are smooth, cast for a good distance, and I've never experienced any "backreeling"  as described by bshaner.  I have to believe there is a lemon now and then.  I just hope I don't ever get one.