Interesting,

I bet if asked in another thread whether instant anti reverse was important people would be going ape over must have it. Yet have some play in a Shimano and no big deal.

I was thinking the same thing.

As stated earlier, a small amount of give protects the reel. This might be why Shimano reels have a reputation for longevity. With proper maintenance, they may last a lifetime. In use, I don't notice any affect on performance...None whats-so-ever.

I agree with RW that it makes no difference whatsoever.  I have a couple of Curado 200 DHSVs.  There is very little back play.  It really isn't even noticable.  I haven't used one yet and lamented the back play.  It's simply a non-issue to me.  My Curados, in the short time I've had them and limited number of times I've used them (actually have only used one of them) has performed flawlessly.  

The Curado D is the quintessential low-profile reel with mechanical brake.    I firmly believe you can spend more, but you can't get better.  (And that's from a die hard Abu man.)   It's truly a fantastic reel.

Backplay will not harm the reel at all or performance.  I know that it's all in my head about how it feels only because I like the fact that Daiwas have no backplay whatsoever.  Totally down to personal preferance.  

Backplay will not harm the reel at all or performance. I know that it's all in my head about how it feels only because I like the fact that Daiwas have no backplay whatsoever. Totally down to personal preferance.

Not only no backplay, but with all that bling they go well with a purple zoot-suit, white furry hat, and long gold coat.  

That being said I have a Citica and notice zero play and just love how "quality feel " of this reel.

+1

The new Citica is an unbelievably "quality feeling" reel for the money.  Really hard bargain to beat in my opinion.

I own 4 Shimano BC's:

• 1 Curado 200B
  
• 1 Curado 100B (bought from RedlineRobert)
  
• 1 Curado 200BSF (bought from RedlineRobert)
  
• 1 Citica 100DSV

I also hate backplay, and I honestly haven't noticed it at all with any of those 4 reels.  If it's there, it's so trivial that I can't even feel it.

iv owned shimano since iv ever started fishing as of now my only reel that has slight backplay which dosnt bother me is my chronarch 100b

These reels have no back play at all that i own as of now

mg 50

curado bsf

calais 200a

stradic last years model 4000

citica bsf style not sure of the model dont feel like looking in my room

revo stx yea i bought an abu to see what this hype is all about just waiting for spring :'(

RW, what does the Shimano backplay protect the reel from?

I have many reels with one way bearings/clutches, Shimano, Quantum, 2 different BPS, Ambassador, and I don't detect any backplay on any of them, if backplay means spool rotation before the one way clutch engages.  I'm either easy on this issue or I lucked out on all my reels.