Bigger and better, the Shimano Citica D edges into previous
generation Curado territory
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Date: |
5/18/06 |
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Tackle type: |
Reels |
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Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
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Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.66
Introduction:
The Citica series as we
knew it has been a mainstay reel for many anglers for a little over a decade,
and had earned a reputation for being a solid reel that represented a very reel
when it came to bang for the buck. The new Citica D follows the redesign of the
Curado D, and both series have essentially moved up the ladder in terms of
product positioning. So are anglers getting more reel for the money when they
buy the new Citica? We aim to find out.
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Shimano
Citica D (CI200D)
Specifications |
|
Line Capacity (lb/yds) |
8/180, 10/155, 14/110 |
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Gear Ratio |
6.2:1 (DPV reel feature 5:1 ratio) |
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Line Retrieve per crank (in) |
25" |
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Weight |
9.9 oz. |
|
Bearings |
4BB + 1RB |
|
Additional Features |
Lo-Mass Spool, High Efficiency Gearing, Dartanium drag,
Septon handle grips, Super Free, Super Stopper + Assist Stopper, recessed
reel foot, VBS, aluminum
frame, 1/4 turn easy access sideplate |
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Origin |
Made in Malaysia |
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MSRP |
$119.99 |
Impressions: When
we broke the story at ICAST that there was a new Curado on the way we were
immediately inundated with emails asking for release dates and more information.
Some of you were thrilled and others of you griped at the direction the company
was taking towards the Japanese Shimano Scorpion-like design. Nonetheless, the
outpouring of feedback was unparalleled. Never before had we received so many
requests, and over the course of our long term test we have received countless
additional emails and posts on the forum inquiring as to the status of the
review. So the wait is over, now let’s get into it…
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|
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The bigger
badder Shimano Citica D |
When the Citica was introduced Shimano released the following
statement: “While we’ve always provided quality features and proven performance,
these new Citica D series are a huge step up in baitcasting reels,” said Sweet.
“The list of new features - HEG, Lo-Mass drilled spool, Super Free – will give
diehard anglers even more enjoyment while on the water.”
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|
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The
Citica gets a big bearing jump from 2 to 5 |
Indeed the
list of new features in the Citica is impressive. When we first had a chance to
hold one of these reels in our hands we remarked how large the new reels were.
The main reason for the size increase is that Shimano decided to pack their
“High Efficiency Gearing” in each and every Citica….no you won’t find a 100 size
reel in this series. The next thing we noticed was the obvious base material
upgrade in the new reel, no more economical black plastic anywhere. In terms of
finish the reel reminded me of the old Chronarch 100A, and that’s a compliment.
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|
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Paired with
a Kistler crankbait composite rod for some serious casting action |
The reels are available in both left and right hand retrieve and
with a brisk 6.2:1 ratio or more powerful 5.0:1 ratio (right hand only). Both
the right and left reels are mirror images of one another. I should have
reviewed this reel before the Curado 100D, as I now found myself in a somewhat
challenging position. My expectations had certainly been set higher by my
positive encounter with the new Curado, and here before me was the reel that to
many was essentially the “new Curado” when considering pricing and positioning.
Nonetheless I focused on the task at hand and paired the reel with a Kistler
Crankbait composite and head out to the nearest body of water.
|
|
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No more
plastic, the dragstar is now aluminum |
Real World Test: To
test the Citica D made a beeline to the Delta and focused my attention on
largemouth bass. I also decided to try ripping up some fish at the San Luis
Reservoir and O’Neil Forebay. Test lures included a variety of deep diving
cranks, spinnerbaits, and my personal favorite…..jerkbaits.
|
Complete Rig
for Shimano
Citica D (CI200D) Field Tests |
|
Rod(s) |
Kistler KCBCM7 |
|
Reel |
Shimano Citica 200D |
|
Line(s) |
12lb. Yozuri Hybrid |
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|
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Solid metal
construction all around |
Casting: When it
comes to casting the first thing to look at is the spool design. The Citica
makes use of Shimano’s Lo-Mass spool which is essentially an oversized ported
design. By cross drilling the spool weight is reduced making the main mass of
the spool closer to the shaft. “Much like a lightweight bicycle wheel where most
of the mass lies in the tire, the majority of the Lo-Mass spool lies in the
arbor and line it is spooled with, “explains Jeremy Sweet with Shimano’s product
development staff. “This enables us to provide anglers low start-up inertia for
manageable casts, plus we could sacrifice line capacity and still provide a reel
that can make long casts.”
|
 |
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The Citica D
has one of the largest openings for spool access we have ever seen |
We put Jeremy’s statement
to the test in our initial casting rounds and found the Citica to be a very fine
caster. The reel makes use of Shimano’s reliable VBS brake system and backlashes
are easy to avoid even when flailing baits. With the weights set to 2 we were
able to achieve 90 feet pretty easily with our 1/2oz casting plug. With it set
to zero we did slightly better but the gains were minimal simply because we
found ourselves thumbing the spool over-aggressively in an effort to maintain
control
Next Section: Keep on casting...
