This is mostly a hypothetical question since I won't be doing any deep cranking for a few months at least, but it'd be nice to do some homework, and search on fleabay for deals.

Right now I use a BPS pro-qualifier 5.2:1, and I've been nothing but happy with it. I'd prefer to change over to Shimano though, if the options exist.

How about the older Curados? How do they stack up to the Curado 200E5? To the PQ?

The cranks I'd throw would be around an ounce, if that's of any use.

P.S. I have nothing against Abu Garcia or Daiwa or ... reels, but for a baitcaster, I would stay with Shimano, or continue with the pro-qualifier (solid little reel).

If you really like your Pro Qualifier and have nothing against Abu Garcia...  Then I would go with Abu Garcia..  Pro Qualifiers use mostly the same parts as Abu Garcia.. If you are happy with them, I'd look into a Revo  Winch..

This is mostly a hypothetical question since I won't be doing any deep cranking for a few months at least, but it'd be nice to do some homework, and search on fleabay for deals.

Right now I use a BPS pro-qualifier 5.2:1, and I've been nothing but happy with it. I'd prefer to change over to Shimano though, if the options exist.

How about the older Curados? How do they stack up to the Curado 200E5? To the PQ?

The cranks I'd throw would be around an ounce, if that's of any use.

P.S. I have nothing against Abu Garcia or Daiwa or ... reels, but for a baitcaster, I would stay with Shimano, or continue with the pro-qualifier (solid little reel).

I have a Curado 201E7 which is great. For cranking I went with a Revo Winch.

If you feel like stepping up to a Core you can get a 6.2:1 or a Curado CU51E in 6.4:1... 

I was going through the same process earlier and also wish shimano made a 201e5. I played with a PQ as well as a revo winch, and the winch blew it out of the water. Ended up buying the winch.

If you are throwing 1 oz deep diver cranks, make sure you do not get anything faster than 5.2:1 ratio unless you are ok with getting completely exhausted within 10 minutes.

Older Curado 200 series are serious reels, they aren 't called The Mean Green Fishin Machine for nothing and all the versions were manufactured in lefty.

New to this forum, but been using Shimano Curados and Citicas for 13+ years, old and (now) new.  I rebuild them every winter and have never had an issue with them. As previously stated, these reels are flat-out awesome.  I was a Daiwa guy years ago, but found no reason to return after borrowing LH Curado from a buddy...got 14 of 'em now, that say it?!?!    If you like, I can ship a LH Citica to you, see how you like it...not like I'm gonna miss it, water's hardddddd :'(

Old Shimano Citica Bantams have 5.0:1 ratios and just need a 3 bearing upgrade to equal the Curado B's.  The Cost of a Citica plus the 3 bearing is less than a Curado B.  Just food for thought and availability.  PM me if you want specifics. 

Shimano doesn't like lefties.  Look to Abu and Daiwa.

Shimano doesn't like lefties. Look to Abu and Daiwa.

No doubt. I think Shimano's head engineer's wife was bangin' a southpaw.

I recommend a Calcutta TE 101.  8-)

Thanks everyone for the opinions and ideas.

uncadave, thanks for the offer, but I already have a Citica 201E which I love.

Gone_Phishin, I don't really want a round reel.

I had same problem, wanted a shimano 201e5 that doesn't exist! Got a Winch(with a free pair of wiley x's) and never looked back! The winch is one heck of a reel. I've been using it on my cranking rod, but getting ready to move it to swimbait duty. The reel has performed wonderfully on cranks, I just prefer the 6.?:1 ratio for cranks. Plus that drag will work perfect I think on a swimbait, my current swimbait reel just doesn't have enough drag.