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Event Article:
2008 ICAST Coverage |
Shimano makes major updates and upgrades throughout their reel lineup
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Date: |
7/16/08 |
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Location: |
Las Vegas,
NV |
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Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
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Reviewer: |
Team
TackleTour |
Introduction:
It has been a busy season for Shimano and the company updates many of their
popular reels with upgraded features and styling. Prior to the show we obtained
details of the refreshed Curado E and Citica E baitcasters which focus on
increased refinement and improved ergonomics. The same theme can be found
throughout on many of Shimano's other changes this coming season.
Justin Poe, Shimano's Rod Product
Manager holds up the new Curado E and Citica E
As usual Shimano's lead reel PM Jeremy Sweet was
on hand to walk us through the latest offerings from the company. There is no
doubt that the launch of the Curado E and Citica E are a major event for the
company, and there was heavy emphasis on these new reels.
The Curado E looks and feels more
refined than the D version
Key to both these
reels is the vastly improved overall size and weight. The new 200 size reel
boasts the high capacity of the predecessor and improved overall feature set
while smaller than the previous 100 size.
The new lower weight is a welcome
ergonomic enhancement
The reels felt great in hand, and should pair
nicely with the latest generation of rods, which also have strived for overall
lower total weight. While the Curado will find homes with fans of the series,
especially since the redesign was not accompanied with a price increase, the new
Citica E will likely blow anglers away that never would have considered the
previous reel.
The lightweight and compact Citica
E isn't as refined as the Curado, but it felt very fluid, and anglers are going
to love the great value this new reel offers
The Citica E makeover is fantastic, starting with
the fact the reel makes use of the same tooling as the Curado, and thus benefits
from the same level of ergonomics. While the Citica E has three less bearings
than the Curado E it does feel surprisingly smooth. While there is no doubt that
the Curado E is the more refined reel, the Citica E will be among the best
values on the market with a price of only $119.00.
Jeremy Sweet, Shimano's Reel
Product manager and Jimmy Houston hold up the new baitcasters
How
about new Shimano spinning reels?
