Hey guys, I'm a little interested in picking up a couple older shimanos. But I don't know much about the older ones. I know the curado and chronarchs are better end reels, but the model numbers are unfamilar to me.

I'm wanting to keep a eye out for a good deal, on one that has a reputation for being a extremely good real, and sending it off for repairs/cleaning whatever, and maybe one of those "supertunes".

Anyway, can someone tell me the models to keep a eye out for? thanks...

No one can tell me which models are known to be great or above average???

Shimano reel models from lower end to high end:

Citica, Castaic, Curado E, Chronarch, Core, Calais

The Curado would probably be considered to be top of mid-level. The D series preceded the E. a list of back models can be seen here: http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/customer_service0/Reel_Schematics.html

Have you checked the Flea Market here on the forum?

calais is shimano's flagship reel, they retail for $400, i found mine for $200 and it was like 1 month old.  so look out for those.

When talking Shimano It's tough to beat the old green Curado's.    I see you are in Clarksville.  We can't live more than 30min's apart and I have two of the old five bearing Citica DSV's.  One is NIB, and my wife used one last summer.  I have switched almost all my reels over to Ardent.  The five bearing Citica DSV's were supposed to be the same as the old green Curado's but I don't think they quite hit the mark.  I'll take 120.00 for both of them if you are interested. 

Both are 6.2 gear ratio.

Just a bunch of snot-nosed kids here, I see. :

Chunk a Spook with a Bantam Black Magnum. Sink feathers.

EDIT: Pardon me. I didn't mean that the way it sounded. I'm having probs wrapping a dbl foot and getting frustrated.

You can get good deals on the Chronarch  100A and the Curado 200B ( green reel) if you look around. I believe they were discontinued around 1999 but a lot of their parts are still used in today's reels.There are several upgrades you can do to these reels.

    T

Is there a difference if it says bantam?