I need a crankbait reel for my CBR845. I would go with a Curado, but d**n that thing is ugly. I'm looking to spend up to $200, but would rather keep it in the $150 range. Should I go with a 5.X:1, or would I be fine with a 6.3ish:1?

When I checked out the David Fritts reels at BPS I was impressed with how tight/smooth it felt....Which is odd because on paper it isn't that impressive.....I ordered one awhile back and it should be here any day...

Interestingly Fritts says that a reel without instant anti-reverse lets you feel the crankbait more.....So the two slower models of this reel don't have I/A/R. The 6.3.1 reel does.

I bought the BPS David Fritts crankin reel too for only 45 from a member on here. I love it and would pay full price for another one if i needed another one.

Shimano Chronarch BPV on sale at ***.  

BPV looks to be sold out. I have been eyeing it for awhile, but didn't have the cash to pull the trigger.

I would give the new energy a try in the 5 gear ratio.  I have last years model and they can be had on ebay for around $100

Revo Winch's can be had fro $170 ish NIB on e-bay. There are also still alot of Curado 200DPV/201DPV's NIB out there that can be had at a discount. I went with a Citica 200DPV to go on my new St Croix Mojo cranking rod (my only RH reel,so it may be for sale if I don't like it) got it NIB for $80 shipped off e-bay.

if you are throwing deeper cranks I would say a reel in the 5 range.  I will let you know how my Revo Winch performs once it gets here and the ice melts ; (

I would buy a new Curado 200DPV 5.0:1.  They can still be had and are excellent reels.  IMO, they are better built than the new Curados.

Does anyone know of the Japanese version of the Curado is maroon? I thought I heard that, but I'm japantackle.com isn't working for me.

I've been thinking that the Revo Winch might the one.

The japanese Curado is maroon.  There's a thread on it somewhere in the Shimano forum.

The shimano you are referring to is the Scorpion. I would rather have the Chronarch BPV over the E7 and winch. It is an awesome cranking reel.