I am looking for some advise from someone who has used Shimano's Curado D Baitcaster. I have always used Shimano spinning reels and have several of them. I would like to stick with Shimano if I can, But I need a new good baitcaster. Want a low profile, and one that is almost impossible to backlash. I have a problem with this.

Also, are St. Croix baitcasting rods worth the money. I have always used All-Star and love them. But is a St. Croix worth 2 times the cost?

Low-profile baitcaster reels recommendations for under $150 ?

Which St. Croix model(s) are you looking at? I have a few Avids, and they are definately worth the money IMO.

I have a newer Curado 100 and love it, I also have a few of the old green curados and love them as well.  My only complaint, and it has nothing to do with the quality of the reel is this.  My new curado is smaller being a 100 series, so when I go and use the older ones, they seem huge.  Again this is not the reels fault, they are great reels and properly maintained will last you a really long time.

As far as the St. Croix rods, it depends on which ones you are looking at.  I have 2 Premiers, one baitcast and one spinning, and I think they are great rods for the money.  I stepped up to St. Croix from so lower end Quantums and I could definitely tell the difference in feel and weight.  I have also used the Triumph rods by St Croix, and personally, I didn't like them at all.  To me they felt cheap, heavier, and less sensitive than the higher end rods, which is to be expected. I have tried All Star rods and personally it wasn't that impressed, they just seemed heavy.  I haven't used the high end Avids or Tourneys, as my high end rod is a Loomis  IMX.

Curado you wont be disappointed at all, I love mine.

I also have all stars and HATE them. If you are looking at St. Croix Avids, go for it great rod and would make a great combo. Just all depends on your budget. I am making the switch from all star to kistler and possably Powell, or St. Croix. Michbass on this forum has a ton of St.Croix and loves them. Keep us posted.

Want a low profile, and one that is almost impossible to backlash. I have a problem with this.

No reel is immune to backlashing...just gotta take the time to learn the reel and set it correctly.

In my club we are all Curado D fans.  Some members were severely disappointed that Shimano revised its mainstream and affordable reel with the newer, heavier, and more expensive versions.  However, the members who have tried the new reels are saying they love them.  And they are saying that they are the most backlash resistant reel they have ever used.  You can also get them for less than $150 with the $50 rebate they are offering.

As for the rods...I use G. Loomis.  But I know St. Croix to be a very good rod.  Durability is important to me and I think St. Croix are tougher than Allstars.  Just my two cents...  One thing though...St. Croix rods are pretty stiff.  As a rule of thumb you want to buy one action lower than you would with Allstar.  e.g. If you use a med-heavy action Allstar then you would want a medium action St. Croix to achieve similar action.  

Good luck.  

Check the flea market section. I have a Citica 200d for sale. Awesome reel for the money and very user freindly. I currently have both Curados and Citicas and  cant really tell the difference between the 2. St Croix Avid casting rods are one of the best rods you can get for the money as well. I have last years model which I got for $99 from Dicks,  You cant go wrong with a Citica/Curado on a St Croix Avid great setup!!!!!

Want a low profile, and one that is almost impossible to backlash. I have a problem with this.

No reel is immune to backlashing...just gotta take the time to learn the reel and set it correctly.

Beat me to the punch.  Even a DC reel can backlash unfortunately and it is never the reel's fault.

The curado d seems to fit the bill.  You will be amazed at how well it doesn't backlash when it is properly set.

6'   6"   st croix   med action   fast tip  avid  shimino 100d  baitcasting set up the very best you can buy     kb  

I had a curado on a 6'6" MH fast st croix avid, it was a dream to cast until i broke it, but it was a great set-up.  Also like other have said any baitcaster can backlash, just gotta set it up properly which is half the battle.

My crankbait setup is a Curado 100D and a St Croiux Crankbait rod. I have thought about purchasing a differnt set up like a Kisler Rod and Core reel but to tell you the truth I just can not put down what I have. My distance and accuracy has increased tremondously, so I would highly recommend this set up.