The introduction of a meaner greener Curado, and an enhanced Citica
|
Date: |
6/19/08 |
|
Tackle type: |
Reels |
|
Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
|
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Introduction:
With rumors and blurry
snapshots of the soon to be
announced Curado E popping
up all over the internet we
have finally obtained
concrete details of the next
evolution of the popular
series, as well as a first
look at the enhanced new
Citica E.
Finally, a clear look at the
upcoming Curado E
|
Model Number |
|
Line Retrieve per Crank
(in.) |
|
Max Drag (lbs.) |
S A-RB Ball Bearings |
Shielded Stainless Steel
Ball Bearings |
A-RB Roller Clutch
Bearings |
Gear Ratio |
Weight (oz.) |
MSRP |
|
Retrieve |
Line Capacity (# test/yd) |
|
CU200E7 |
Right |
30 |
8/180, 10/155, 14/110 |
11.0 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
7.0:1 |
7.6 |
$179.99 |
|
CU201E7 |
Left |
30 |
8/180, 10/155, 14/110 |
11.0 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
7.0:1 |
7.6 |
$179.99 |
|
CU200E5 |
Right |
21 |
8/180, 10/155, 14/110 |
12.0 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
5.0:1 |
7.6 |
$179.99 |
|
CU300E |
Right |
28 |
12/240, 14/190, 20/120 |
15.0 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
6.2:1 |
10.5 |
$249.99 |
|
CU301E |
Left |
28 |
12/240, 14/190, 20/120 |
15.0 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
6.2:1 |
10.5 |
$249.99 |
No other baitcaster is of more
importance in the Shimano lineup than the venerable Curado. Sure there are
higher end reels, but the Curado is the most popular reel in the company's
lineup due to both features and price. Since 1991 when the series was first
introduced anglers have turned to the Curado as the benchmark for modern day
baitcasters. Just as anglers took notice, so have the competitors.
The Curado E features a brand new
footprint, one that is smaller and lighter (by over 2oz.) than the Curado D!
With increased pressure
from the Daiwa Zillion and the Abu Garcia Revo series reels the stakes couldn't
be any higher. Shimano is preparing to introduce a completely redesigned Curado
bearing a more traditional darker shade of green (similar to the 100B) than the
current Curado D and a major upgrade in features.
The Curado E7 will be a burner
reel with a 7.0:1 gear ratio, notice the enlarged gearbox on the handle side...
this houses the updated HEG gearing
The first thing that anglers
will notice about the new series is that the reels start in 200 size as the
redesigned reels are much smaller and lighter than the previous model. Compare
the Curado E's weigh in of only 7.6oz versus the Curado D's weight of 9.8oz. The Curado E has been designed with a major improvement of ergonomics in mind, and
is sculpted to be extremely comfortable to palm. While Shimano manages to shrink
the footprint of the 200 they increase the bearing count from 5 to 7, and keep
the HEG (High Efficiency Gearing) intact. The Curado E will feature an aluminum
frame and graphite sideplates, except for the 300E which will have an aluminum
handle side.
The Curado features a recessed
reel foot allowing the reel to sit lower on the rod, making it better for
palming comfort and maneuverability
The
new Curado E will feature a A7075 Aluminum Magnumlite spool that is double
anodized to match the handle. The drag star has now been upgraded with the same
swept star design found on the premium Calais. The cast control is provided by
the proven VBS system behind a 1/8 turn easy access sideplate.
The handle is ported and double
anodized, and a updated swept drag star comes standard on the new reel
There will be two sizes
available (200 and 300), and the CU200E5 features a slower more powerful 5.0:1
gear ratio while the CU200E7 and left handed CU201E7 will feature a high speed
7.0:1 gear ratio. The CU300E and CU301E will likely be popular swimbait reels
like the current version, but now sports minor upgrades in performance. The
profile of the 300 doesn't undergo as radical a change as the 200 sized Curado's
but is improved with a 6+1 bearing count (versus 5 +1 on the D version) with the
pinion bearing being a new S A-RB.
A look at the non-handle sideplate
and the 1/8 turn release
Aside from enhanced
ergonomics, upgraded performance, and added refinement Shimano has confirmed
that rather than increase the price of the new reels they are going to actually
reduce them versus the previous D version. The Curado D retails for $199.99 and
the new reels will retail for 20 dollars less at $179.99 per reel. The 300 size
will remain the same and retail for $249.99 per copy. Each and every Curado E
will be made in Japan.
The 300 size gets a bearing S A-RB
boost and minor (greener) cosmetic changes
Next Section: The Citica gets a
makeover as well
