This has no doubt been covered before.  But let's do it again  

I'm interested in knowing more about Daiwa's CRBB and Super-CRBB, Shimano's A-RB and shielded stainless steel ball bearings.  

My Curado 200 DHSVs apparently have shielded stainless steel ball bearings.  These reels were recommended to me as being suitable (with proper care) for brackish waters.  The bearings in these reels are apparently not treated, but rather standard stainless steel bearings in a shielded design.  I understand that shielded designs are preferred for saltwater.

Many other Shimano reels have Anti-Rust bearings (A-RB).  Are these open designs? (Since I don't have any Shimanos with A-RBs, I can't check).

Daiwa's CRBB bearings are shielded, whereas their Super-CRBB are treated and shielded?

It's all very confusing.  

The TackleYour article http://www.tackletour.com/articlebearings201.html offers some insight, but not enough.  

Is there a best design?  Is there a preferred type for brackish water?   Any thoughts or clarification would be appreciated.

My Curado 200 DHSVs apparently have shielded stainless steel ball bearings.  These reels were recommended to me as being suitable (with proper care) for brackish waters.  The bearings in these reels are apparently not treated, but rather standard stainless steel bearings in a shielded design.  I understand that shielded designs are preferred for saltwater.

CU200DHSV = 200D series, H= HEG, SV= Salt Version...

Take care of the reel as recommended and it should be OK.

Many other Shimano reels have Anti-Rust bearings (A-RB).  Are these open designs? (Since I don't have any Shimanos with A-RBs, I can't check).

Correct Shimano's A-RB bearings aren't shielded.

Daiwa's CRBB bearings are shielded, whereas their Super-CRBB are treated and shielded?

I never paid attention the only reel I know of that even has CRBB's is the Zillion I think, all the others list standard BB's.

Is there a best design?  Is there a preferred type for brackish water?

I would say your making to much out of this. Service your reel as recommended.

Is there a best design? Is there a preferred type for brackish water?

I would say your making to much out of this. Service your reel as recommended.

Probably.  Thanks for the clarification.

flat out answers...love it. good job reelmech!