The introduction of a meaner greener Curado, and an enhanced Citica
(continued)
Citica
E:
The Citica E has always
played second fiddle to the
Curado series, but the
latest version was so good
that it justifiably won over
many anglers looking for a
reliable "best bang for the
buck" reel. This ICAST
Shimano will also officially
announce a much enhanced
version of the Citica, and
like the Curado it is
designed to offer a major
leap forward in terms of
ergonomics and refinement.
The Citica E features the same
compact profile as the Curado E
Model Number |
|
Line Retrieve per Crank (in.) |
|
Max Drag (lbs.) |
Shielded Stainless Steel Ball Bearings |
Stainless Steel Roller Clutch Bearings |
Gear Ratio |
Weight (oz.) |
MSRP |
Retrieve |
Line Capacity (# test/yd) |
CI200E |
Right |
27 |
8/180, 10/155, 14/110 |
11.0 |
3 |
1 |
6.2:1 |
7.8 |
$119.99 |
CI201E |
Left |
27 |
8/180, 10/155, 14/110 |
11.0 |
3 |
1 |
6.2:1 |
7.8 |
$119.99 |
The first thing you notice
about the new Citica E is that it bears the same basic profile as the Curado E,
and that would be because it makes use of the very same tooling for the frame.
Shimano differentiates the reel by offering it only in a 6.2:1 retrieve, so if
you want a burner reel or a slow speed 5.0:1 you will want to opt for the Curado, but if you are looking for a good all round reel the Citica E will
likely appeal to you.
The updated color scheme looks
clean and modern
Cosmetically we love the way
the new Citica E turned out. The pearlish color of the reel reminds us of the
classic Chronarch, while the black spool, handle, and drag star all are much
cleaner looking than the gold components on the current D model. The Citica E
has a 4+1 bearing count, and a A6063 aluminum Lo-Mass Spool. Like the Curado E
the Citica E will feature HEG gearing housed within a aluminum frame and
lightweight graphite sideplates. The Citica E now has the same Dartanium drag as
the more expensive Curado, and cast control is courtesy of a VBS system behind a
1/8 turn easy access sideplate.
The Citica E also weighs much less
than the current version, but weighs more than the more refined and higher spec
Curado E (notice the ceramic line guide versus the titanium one on the Curado E)
The drag star on the Citica E
has also been upgraded with a new swept design, and features audible clicking
adjustment. A drilled handle shank helps reduce weight but due to the spool and
gearing the Citica E weighs .2oz more than the Curado E at 7.8oz. Another
downgrade that separates the Citica E from the Curado E is the lack of any S
A-RB bearings and a ceramic line guide versus a titanium one.
The Citica E also features as
ported handle, aluminum drag star, and septon grips
The Citica E will retail
for the exact same amount as the previous version at $119.99. At this price the
Citica E is likely to become extremely popular among anglers looking for an
affordable yet fully featured workhorse reel. Because it makes use of the same
tooling as the Curado all Citica E reels will now be made in Japan versus the
current Citica D which is built in Malaysia.
A look at the sculpted profile of
the enhanced Citica E
Conclusion: The
stakes are high, the chips are set, and Shimano responds to the competition with
a one two combination with the new meaner and greener Curado E, and the much
enhanced Citica E. Shimano has always been known for their smooth and reliable
reels but this season the company has also focused on refinement, weight
reduction, and improved ergonomics. These new reels boast equal line capacities,
drags, and HEG gearing of their predecessors, yet weigh in at over 2oz. less.
Perhaps most exciting for anglers is that while Shimano has increased the
feature set of these two reels the price has remained the same or even been
reduced in the case of the Curado 200E. We look forward to what else Shimano has
in store at ICAST next month, but for now the 2009 season is shaping up to be a
baitcaster brawl.