Chronarch 50E... Holy Guacamole! 2024

Darren. reply :

Well, I recently acquired a brand spanking new Shimano Chronarch 50e. Circumstances surrounding said purchase will be withheld. Lets just say, don't play roulette with ebay bids. Explaining to the wife is ... tough.

Anyhoo -- so, as a new fan of Daiwa's Lexa lineup, I have been utterly blown away by the Chronarch. And I should be, considering it is far and away a superior reel to the Lexa.

I've paired the 50e up with a couple-year-old 6 foot Medium Field and Stream rod after comparing the balance and feel with it on the 6'6" Premier. Not only that, but the F&S rod is quite sensitive to boot.

Played a lot with casting, the centrifugal brakes are new to me, so I replaced 3 reds with 3 greens, and I've got all 6 pulled out for now.

Even with all the brakes on, I've been able to do almost everything I do with my spinning gear. I can even cast a weightless 4.75" Zoom Finesse worm 40 feet. Maybe not impressive to you guys, but I'm not a long caster to begin with (by choice) as I like to be closer in with my kayak. So that I'm able to cast one of my bread-and-butter setups is freakin' amazing to me.

I've had a few nests, but nothing that had to be cut out. Definitely have to thumb the spool more, something I was able to dial in on the Lexa w/o doing. But I wasn't able to throw weightless 4.75" Zoom Finesse worms, either.

I've spooled it up with 20lb PowerPro and currently been using 8lb XPS Fluoro leader. Sensitivity is amazing on this setup. Have caught maybe 15 bass on it so far ranging up to 4 pounds and it handles everything with butter-like smoothness and power I've not experienced yet in a baitcaster.

Needless to say, my Lexa has not been out with me lately. Don't get me wrong, I still like it -- a LOT. But not as much as my shiny new white 50e which can do everything I want to do.

One last thing. I've struggled over the past year with tennis/fishing elbow in both elbows. Paddling has made it tougher, but most of the action with spinning gear has been brutal on me. During some of the winter down-time I recovered nicely, haven't experience issues until recently.

The Lexa, though only what, 2 or 3 ounces more than the Chronarch, is heavy enough, paired with the 6'6" Premier (even with a rod-balancer) that I started feeling the aches again. (Used a lot of spinning gear, too) So on this splurge/impulse buy, I have found a setup that feels vastly lighter and far easier on my elbows. Add another thing to be happy about.

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

I agree with you about the Chronarch 50E I just got one a couple weeks ago sweet reel.

Ill toss this out as a constructive suggestion so please take it as being helpful. You should work on training your thumb, now not even for max distance, for the ease of getting the distance you do currently. I went out and put on six pins and tried tossing a senko then switched to two pins and the effort to get same distance is quite less with just two pins engaged. Training your thumb could lead to easing your elbow discomfort in some little way. Spend a day or two in the yard tossing lure with less brakes your thumb is pretty smart and will pick up the feel quickly.

NorcalBassin reply :

Yeah, absolutely love my 50e!

Darren. reply :

Thanks for the tip. I actually know how to use the thumb quite well from using Accurists which would backlash if you looked at them wrong. It is more a retraining thing at this point, which is why I mention that I have 6 out -- for now I'm working towards it every outing.

I will try having just 4 out tomorrow in the yard and see how it feels, and whether I'm ready to change it up.

Edited June 11, 2013 by DarrenM

dam0007 reply :

Congrats!! Welcome to the shimano family.

Darren. reply :

On 6/11/2013 at 10:46 AM, dam0007 said:
Congrats!! Welcome to the shimano family.

Actually, that'd just be the Shimano baitcaster family , and thanks!

All of my spinning reels, save one (Lexa) are Shimano!!

dam0007 reply :

Hahaha

rockchalk06 reply :

I had a 200 first and was talked into getting a 50E. It was too fast for cranking, but it ended up being put on my top water rig. This at 7.1 ounces pared with my 6'8" Clarus at around 5-6 ounces makes for one sweet ole set up. Looks cool too!

I'm shopping for a dedicated soft fluke rod and will no doubt be getting another 50E or a Curado 50E for it.

lmbfisherman reply :

Yeah the Chronarch 50E and even the Curado 50E are unreal I love them both. I bought two Chronarch 50MG which I haven't taken out yet, but I really love the size 50 reels. I definitely agree, very easy on the arms.

kickerfish1 reply :

Nice acquisition. Not discounting a Lexa or any other reel, but whenever something gets upgraded it is hard for me to go back to what I was using before whether it be line, reels, lures, rods, etc.

We have about a 2-3 month window where my thumb becomes less educated when the area lakes are locked up for the winter. Spring is a slight adjusting period to thumbing and technique. Summer it tends to get better and by fall I can get it down to just using one break with a fairly loose tension knob.

tomustang reply :

Great little reels, would be nice if I ran into more 51's though

jherm87 reply :

Wouldn't mind having another 50e myself. I've got one and a 200. Both are so smooth

loodkop reply :

I love the 50 size reels and use them for everything except deep cranking and frogging.

nocluefisher reply :

I just got a 50e as well. Put it on my Cumara and I was surprised how far I could toss a senko. I have not even played with the brakes yet.

new2BC4bass reply :

I got the Curado 51E on closeout. Love my Daiwas, but the 51E is the bomb for light stuff. However, I am determined to become proficient with my Daiwas for light stuff as well. My thumb isn't as educated as yours....yet.

The only place the 51E beats the Daiwas is from 1/4 oz. down, and I know that is operator error. Seller said my TD-Z 105HL will handle down to 1/16 oz. if I do my part.

My 51E is paired with a 6'10" MF Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth rod. Like it so well I may never try it on another rod. Nice light outfit.

Brackish Angler 228 reply :

Another happy Chronarch 50e owner here. I just bought one on sale here on BR and man is it amazing. I have a Calcutta 200GTB (that I love) and thought I needed magnetic brakes so I bought a R3vo SX last fall. Boy, was I wrong. I've only had the Chronarch for 1 day and I'm already thinking about selling my SX to buy another Chronarch.

Darren, I would recommend practicing casting your new Chronarch from the bank or in a standing position. I also kayak fish and the angle you have to cast from while sitting down can really wreak havoc on your elbow if you have to fight your equipment. You really just need a good feel for the centrifugal brakes that make Shimanos so simple. (You probably know, but, you should always set your brake pins symmetrically.) In my experience, the best way to adjust a Shimano is turning on 3 brakes and adjusting the spool tension until its perfect. Once you get it perfect, try again with 2. If you cant get it, stick with 3 and adjust the spool tension according to bait.

Right now my Calcutta has 3 brakes on with moderate spool tension while my Chronarch has 2 (red) brakes on with literally no spool tension and I CANNOT get the Chronarch to backlash with any baits from a 3/8 oz jig and trailer down to a weightless 5" senko on a 3/0 (and that was in light wind yesterday).

Glad you guys are enjoying your new Chronarchs as much as I am!

-Warren

Darren. reply :

On 6/11/2013 at 9:51 PM, Brackish Angler 228 said:
Darren, I would recommend practicing casting your new Chronarch from the bank or in a standing position. I also kayak fish and the angle you have to cast from while sitting down can really wreak havoc on your elbow if you have to fight your equipment. You really just need a good feel for the centrifugal brakes that make Shimanos so simple. (You probably know, but, you should always set your brake pins symmetrically.) In my experience, the best way to adjust a Shimano is turning on 3 brakes and adjusting the spool tension until its perfect. Once you get it perfect, try again with 2. If you cant get it, stick with 3 and adjust the spool tension according to bait.

I took the earlier suggestion and tried two brakes off, the rest on. Casted just fine, in fact, went from 40 feet to 51 feet with a wacky rigged/weightless 4.75" Zoom Finesse worm.

After I got the reel, I did have to find videos and reviews to confirm setting the brakes symmetrically. Your comments on adjusting the tension knob is confirming my experimentation per bait. Did not realize the difference between Shimano's centrifugal system vs. Daiwa's MagForce system (which I do like).

As far as practicing, it is from a standing position. And I often fish standing in my Native Ultimate. I also sit quite high in the yak, used to sit low which didn't help. Totally agree about sitting and fighting fish, my experience is similar. I have read extensively on fisherman's elbow, talked with ortho docs, as well. Have adjusted my paddling methodology (helped immensely).

I find issues arise more quickly with spinning gear on that front as opposed to casting gear. Just my experience.

Darren. reply :

On 6/11/2013 at 10:25 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

I agree with you about the Chronarch 50E I just got one a couple weeks ago sweet reel.

Ill toss this out as a constructive suggestion so please take it as being helpful. You should work on training your thumb, now not even for max distance, for the ease of getting the distance you do currently. I went out and put on six pins and tried tossing a senko then switched to two pins and the effort to get same distance is quite less with just two pins engaged. Training your thumb could lead to easing your elbow discomfort in some little way. Spend a day or two in the yard tossing lure with less brakes your thumb is pretty smart and will pick up the feel quickly.

Tried your suggestion this morning and pushed two pins in. Got an additional 11 feet on the cast! New to the centrifugal system, I will play cautiously and enjoy what works for my style. Appreciate the suggestion.

stkbassn reply :

Awesome reels! Congrats! I just got a 50E and a 200E recently. Very pleased !

skeletor6 reply :

Glad you like the reel Darren. Have a few myself. There is no perfect setting as far as the breaks. It can vary by how well its greased/lubed, the weight of the bait, the rod being used, etc. Just continue adjusting until you maximize your potential and how you wish to cast.

Before modifying my 50e, 1 break engaged would cast 5'' wacky senkos on a 7'5'' rod a considerably long ways. With Abec 9's and Supertuning there is no way I would even consider having 1 break on, even with oil on the bearings.

As far as noticing a difference between Daiwa's magforce breaking system and the centrifugal system on the Chronarch, it makes sense that the difference is not highly noticeable. Daiwa has the only magnetic system that is actually good enough to stand alone and get the job done well. Having your breaking system influence the initial speed of the spool is its most important function. As one can, manually, and more consistently manage the speed of the spinning spool towards the end of the cast as opposed to when the bait first takes off.

MarkH024 reply :

I have my 50E that I use on a rod for jerkbaits and topwater. Love it and definitely will buy another down the road. I typically use 2 or 3 brakes on mine depending on the weight. I haven't even done a clean and flush on this reel yet as it was brand new the beginning of this season. I'm sure once I do that, it'll be even that much more awesome. Enjoy your new reel Darren. Glad you've found a new love!

lmbfisherman reply :

Just reading this thread makes me itch for another one! Trying to resist the bait monkey until I get to see what Shimano will be offering.

baluga reply :

Good to hear that you found a good Shimano baitcaster for you but I have to warn you though. Those thing are like Gremlins once you get used to it and got them wet. They starts multiplying.

thehooligan reply :

Glad you got a chronarch darren, there great reels. I'll never let my core 51 or curado 51 go. Look around for a used core handle, its a nice upgrade so you run 4 bearings instead of 2.

Brackish Angler 228 reply :

So yesterday I went to the lake for further testing with the 50e. WOW! I was casting a weightless Zoom Trickworm on a 3/0 hook into the wind just as far as I could cast my 3/8oz Booyah A-Jig with a NetBait Paca craw!!! That's still with only 2 red brakes on and so little spool tension that I could drop the weightless worm from the rod tip!

This reel is a finesse beast. I haven't done anything to it either; not even oiled or greased. I'm insanely curious what this reel would do supertuned with Bocas...

Ohio Dave reply :

Hey guys: hope this is not a big hi-jak of the thread: I don't fish baitcasters too often until recently (born and raised a spinning reel guy) but bought an okay johnny morris reel which really does cast better and farther than my spinning reel (never would have believed it) anyway, I was reading reviews from bass warehouse about this Shimano Chronarch 50e reel some of which bashed and called out shamano for dumbing down the reel and making it the same as another model with a different wrapper

so what is up with those comments??

and if I were to get this reel to fish soft plastics (light weight stuff) what rod should I pair it with. I am a teacher so you have to keep me on the best bang for the buck budget

new2BC4bass reply :

On 6/13/2013 at 1:18 AM, Ohio Dave said:

Hey guys: hope this is not a big hi-jak of the thread: I don't fish baitcasters too often until recently (born and raised a spinning reel guy) but bought an okay johnny morris reel which really does cast better and farther than my spinning reel (never would have believed it) anyway, I was reading reviews from bass warehouse about this Shimano Chronarch 50e reel some of which bashed and called out shamano for dumbing down the reel and making it the same as another model with a different wrapper

so what is up with those comments??

and if I were to get this reel to fish soft plastics (light weight stuff) what rod should I pair it with. I am a teacher so you have to keep me on the best bang for the buck budget

Welcome to the forum, Dave. Be careful. Baitcasters can become addictive.

Supposedly the Chronarch 50E is the older Curado 50E in a new color. I don't have both, don't work on reels, so someone else can give you the straight skinny on the differences. If you really want to know, PM DVT and ask Mike. He is a great guy willing to help if you ask.

Right now the *** Black rods are the hot ticket. Pick a Medium power rod. TW offers them in 6'7", 6'10" and 7'1" for $99.99 and the 7'3" for $109.99.

My Curado 51E is on a Fenwick Tech Elite Smallmouth 6'10" MF. MSRP is $129.99. I got mine for about $71 shipped. You won't find deals like that any more, but you may find one for around $100-$110. This makes for a nice light outfit. Versatile, too. May never separate the two!

If that is too much, look at the Shiman Clarus or Sellus, or the Berkley Lightning Shock.

Ohio Dave reply :

Thanks for the advice and sorry again to ask here but until very recently the conversation seemed focused on a reel that interested me too.

As for Abu friend (and I do mean that) I think he made a good point about selling a reel too soon before giving it a fair shake. Maybe there is history that I don't know about which brought out some tempers

I think I will keep an eye out for someone needing to get rid of a 50 e or that rod with a lot of motivation otherwise I think I will put that on Santa's list from my kids or wife LOL I do a little consoulting work that gets a extra check the Mrs is not looking for so many I can sneak a spare 300 or so from there too

thanks again guys

Brackish Angler 228 reply :

The Aura Elite is a limited edition JDM Abu that employs the same mag brakes as the SX and old Premier. 1.) Abus reels with mag-only brakes suck. 2.) It's a collectors' reel; it's not really meant to be fished.

kickerfish1 reply :

Again thanks Darren for sharing your opinion on your new reel. Enjoy!

skeletor6 reply :

Darren's opening post had substance. He shared his experience and practice. Gave plenty of information for why he was satisfied his purchase and did not make any propagandist rants that deserves the treatment he received. Being a fellow owner of this reel myself, I found his statements to be accurate and informative. I would suspect someone who is looking for a good and objective review of this reel to have learned something from Darren's accounts.

I appreciate the information shared by Darren and all others who are willing to give objective and semi-scientific accounts about their experiences with equipment. It increases the knowledge base and informative reviews on this forum. So those looking to spend their hard earned money on equipment are not mislead and get the most for what they paid.

Sure, its an open forum and everyone has their right to say as they please, but a little respect for someone trying to help others is common courtesy.

*Hootie reply :

Starting a slam, or trying to instigate an argument with your first post does no good either. Hang around a while. Let the guys get to know you with some non combative posts. I get goofy occasionally, and make some rash statements, but I feel I have been here long enough that everybody knows when I am jokingly trying to get a rise out of someone. But being the new kid on the block, you don't just kick the door down and come in making harsh opionated statements. Anyhow, just my 2 cents.

Hootie

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

On 6/12/2013 at 8:38 PM, thehooligan said:

haha, i stupidly traded my brand new chronarch 51e for an abu.... that revo went on ebay two days later

Glad you got a chronarch darren, there great reels. I'll never let my core 51 or curado 51 go. Look around for a used core handle, its a nice upgrade so you run 4 bearings instead of 2.

^{getting back on track}

Yeah this is one that puzzles me. The CH50e handle looks to be the same as the Core50 but changes the spindle. Why make the spindle that way and not give a person the option to replace a washer with a bearing like on the Curado.

The Chronarch knobs though are great really like them I replaced my CU50 and Core50 knobs with them.

thehooligan reply :

On 6/13/2013 at 8:48 PM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

^{getting back on track}

Yeah this is one that puzzles me. The CH50e handle looks to be the same as the Core50 but changes the spindle. Why make the spindle that way and not give a person the option to replace a washer with a bearing like on the Curado.

The Chronarch knobs though are great really like them I replaced my CU50 and Core50 knobs with them.

I thought the same exact thing when i pulled the knobs off my chronarch 51. Really not sure why shimano did that... But you got options, you can throw a curado, core, or hawgtech handle on...

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

On 6/13/2013 at 1:18 AM, Ohio Dave said:

Hey guys: hope this is not a big hi-jak of the thread: I don't fish baitcasters too often until recently (born and raised a spinning reel guy) but bought an okay johnny morris reel which really does cast better and farther than my spinning reel (never would have believed it) anyway, I was reading reviews from bass warehouse about this Shimano Chronarch 50e reel some of which bashed and called out shamano for dumbing down the reel and making it the same as another model with a different wrapper

so what is up with those comments??

and if I were to get this reel to fish soft plastics (light weight stuff) what rod should I pair it with. I am a teacher so you have to keep me on the best bang for the buck budget

Shimano did a name swap of the old Curado to Chronarch. At the $200 pricepoint the reel in question stayed basically the same save for cosmetics and the handle. Internally the only difference I see is the drag washer has a different part number. I have the old CU50E and the new CH50E the difference I notice, the knobs much prefer the Chronarch knobs.

So if you are not caught up in a name and looking at pricepoint the reel wasnt dumbed down.

Basswhippa reply :

The 200E is a very small reel but packs a big punch in terms of capacity and various gear ratios. Someone please tell me why the 50 is so good. Isn't the 200E small enough? What is the appeal of the 50? I know it is nifty, but you lose line capacity and certainly speed and it has less casting distance. Someone told me it is a great flipping reel. Why would it be better than a 200E 7 or even 200E 6 for that matter...

Always had the same question about the Calcutta 50. Nifty but kind of useless except for maybe creek wading.

Brackish Angler 228 reply :

On 6/14/2013 at 9:55 AM, Basswhippa said:

The 200E is a very small reel but packs a big punch in terms of capacity and various gear ratios. Someone please tell me why the 50 is so good. Isn't the 200E small enough? What is the appeal of the 50? I know it is nifty, but you lose line capacity and certainly speed and it has less casting distance. Someone told me it is a great flipping reel. Why would it be better than a 200E 7 or even 200E 6 for that matter...

Always had the same question about the Calcutta 50. Nifty but kind of useless except for maybe creek wading.

First let's cover purpose.

The 50 series are a light line, light bait type of reel: 10-12lb test mono/fluoro or 20-30lb braid and baits 3/4oz and under. The lighter spool and smaller frame provides a finesse platform as well for people who don't want to use a spinning reel. It's a very versatile reel for someone like me who throws a lot of different types of baits from the bank or a kayak/canoe. It allows you to go from floating worms, to 1/2 jigs, to 3/8 spinners, to 1/2 spooks, to 3/4 jigs all on the same reel. The lighter spool on the 50e handles those weightless worms (and flipping, since you asked) much better than the 200e with its heavier spool filled with more line.

Next is the line capacity. I don't know what you like to fish, but I fish 12lb full fluorocarbon. The lakes and rivers I fish don't have much heavy cover and the water can get pretty clear, so it works very well for me. I can fill the spool a tad over 85 yds (and 10lb/105yds). If you were running braid you could spool 20lb/115yds or 30lb/105yds. Line capacity really isn't an issue. You're throwing relatively light baits so average cast is going to be 50-75ft (17-25yds) with this reel (rough numbers). With almost every bait, you're engaging the reel as so as the bait hits the water so no more line is going to come out. It's not a deep cranking reel, obviously, so were not talking about crazy casts with lots of line out. You've still got a lot of line on your reel (40-60 yds).

I'm not really sure what you meant by losing "speed" so I can't help you on that one, but you surely do not lose any casting distance. The casting distance is going to be dependent on the rod and bait. The 50e and 200e are the same reels with different spool sizes and weights. If anything the 50e's lighter spool is going to aid in casting distance.

I do wish that Shimano offered the 50e in different ratios, but what can you do? All I can say is the Chronarch 50e -- or any 50 series reel -- is not "useless" by any means. There's a reason Shimano makes so many 50 sized reels; rarely do you need more than 255ft of line.

ULG reply :

50 series is the deal, id like to see it in a higher gear ration for flipping, like the 7.1 like its brothers, but have the smaller gray curados, one of the first released in the 50 class of shimano, still pulls 5 pounder out like a champ!!! great reels as i dont have any of the newer 50 chronarchs, i can only take your word for the feel but if its a shimano, i totally believe you then!

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

On 6/14/2013 at 9:38 PM, ULG said:
50 series is the deal, id like to see it in a higher gear ration for flipping, like the 7.1 like its brothers, but have the smaller gray curados, one of the first released in the 50 class of shimano, still pulls 5 pounder out like a champ!!! great reels as i dont have any of the newer 50 chronarchs, i can only take your word for the feel but if its a shimano, i totally believe you then!

The Core 7:1 gears fit the 50E costs around $30 or so for parts : pinion gear, drive gear, key washer, and maybe drag washer not sure. Been searching for the parts list from Bantam1. But its a doable mod.

Flucobaseball reply :

These may help some with the tennis elbow...

http://www.mobilitywod.com/2011/07/episode-291-elbow-pain-and-grody-tacked-down-forearms/

bassinbrian reply :

Even though I don't own anymore 50 sized shimano reels, they had to be my favorite size. Like stated before, its a do everything reel, not just light duty.

Diggy reply :

Glad to hear you love the reel. I plan to buy a chronarch at some point but may need one of each size. I also want a core and cumara, a man can dream cant he.

rubba bubba reply :

On 6/13/2013 at 10:11 AM, thehooligan said:

This picture is awesome.

Brackish Angler 228 reply :

On 6/19/2013 at 8:44 PM, Crankenstein said:
Why is the curado e more expensive than the chronarch e? I though the chronarch was 1 step below the core/Calais, and the cu. was 2 steps.

Short answer: Shimano enthusiasts believe the older Curado E is superior to the newer Chronarch E despite it being the same exact reel (with minor upgrades) in a different color. In my opinion it's a preference thing, not a performance thing..

Long answer: The Curado G and Chronarch E were both technically downgrades, but only within their own model name. The Curado G is now in between the Citica E/G and the Castaic SF, borrowing its bearing count from the Castaic SF and it's tech from the Citica E/G. The new Chronarch E is mechanically equivalent to the old Curado E with more ratios. So effectively the price of a new Curado E has gone up to $200 (Chronarch E), and the Chronarch D has ceased to exist for the USDM. The Scorpion XT has been termed the "Japanese Curado E" but, honestly, it's more similar, mechanically, to the Chronarch D.

The Chronarch E got a titanium line guide and Dartanium II drag: upgrades from the Curado E. The real question is why Shimano didn't perform the upgrades under the Curado name and keep the Chronarch untouched. Even with the price increases people would buy a $200 Curado G knowing that it was an upgrade from the E rather than buying a Chronarch E that was a downgrade from the D. With the Chronarch D gone from the line, there's now a gap for people who wanted a Core with its 7 A-RB bearings, but liked the brass gears of the Chronarch (over the Core's aluminum) and didn't mind the added weight of the aluminum frame. I suspect (maybe hope?) that Shimano will fill the gap at iCast 2013.

EDIT: I hope you weren't referring to the 300E.. Because that's a completely different story..

ColdSVT reply :

holy crap I cant wait for my chronarch to arrive!

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

The Curado 50E was $200 same as Chronarch 50E is now so same price. The frames of the CU50E and the CH50E are the same just different color. The handle on the CU50 could be outfitted with 2 bearings each knob. The CH50E can only have one bearing per knob. The knobs of the CH50E are preferred by most (this from a Shimano Rep) over the knobs of the CU50E and I agree.

bass1980 reply :

I have been fishing a Chronarch 51E for that past week and it is absolutely a joy to fish with. So much that this is the reason I am selling all of my gears and going all Chronarch/curado E. That's how much i like it.

I just wish the 50 series have a faster ratio at 7:1.

War Eagle 44 reply :

On 6/20/2013 at 2:26 AM, Brackish Angler 228 said:

Short answer: Shimano enthusiasts believe the older Curado E is superior to the newer Chronarch E despite it being the same exact reel (with minor upgrades) in a different frame. In my opinion it's a preference thing, not a performance thing..

Long answer: The Curado G and Chronarch E were both technically downgrades, but only within their own model name. The Curado G is now in between the Citica E/G and the Castaic SF, borrowing its bearing count from the Castaic SF and it's tech from the Citica E/G. The new Chronarch E is mechanically equivalent to the old Curado E with more ratios, sizes, and new frame. So effectively the price of a new Curado E has gone up to $200 (Chronarch E), and the Chronarch D has ceased to exist for the USDM. The Scorpion XT has been termed the "Japanese Curado E" but, honestly, it's more similar, mechanically, to the Chronarch D.

The Chronarch E got a titanium line guide, Dartanium II drag, and new frame: upgrades from the Curado E. The real question is why Shimano didn't perform the upgrades under the Curado name and keep the Chronarch untouched. Even with the price increases people would buy a $200 Curado G knowing that it was an upgrade from the E rather than buying a Chronarch E that was a downgrade from the D. With the Chronarch D gone from the line, there's now a gap for people who wanted a Core with its 7 A-RB bearings, but liked the brass gears of the Chronarch (over the Core's aluminum) and didn't mind the added weight of the aluminum frame. I suspect (maybe hope?) that Shimano will fill the gap at iCast 2013.

EDIT: I hope you weren't referring to the 300E.. Because that's a completely different story..

The E series Curado's and Chronarch's share the exact same frame, nothing "new" or "improved".

rockchalk06 reply :

On 6/19/2013 at 8:44 PM, Crankenstein said:
Why is the curado e more expensive than the chronarch e? I though the chronarch was 1 step below the core/Calais, and the cu. was 2 steps.

Kinda the same way a 69 Charger is much better than a 2013 model. Older models were made with tighter tolerances, better parts and overall nicer feel. I have no basis for the knowledge of feel on the older reels though. All is from what I've read from some respected members here and other forums.

thehooligan reply :

On 6/20/2013 at 11:36 AM, bass1980 said:

I have been fishing a Chronarch 51E for that past week and it is absolutely a joy to fish with. So much that this is the reason I am selling all of my gears and going all Chronarch/curado E. That's how much i like it.

I just wish the 50 series have a faster ratio at 7:1.

you can put the 7.1 core gears in your curado/chronarch

Brackish Angler 228 reply :

On 6/20/2013 at 11:58 AM, War Eagle 44 said:
The E series Curado's and Chronarch's share the exact same frame, nothing "new" or "improved".

I meant a "new" frame from the old Chronarch, whoops! Thanks for clarifying.

On 6/20/2013 at 8:29 PM, rockchalk06 said:
Kinda the same way a 69 Charger is much better than a 2013 model. Older models were made with tighter tolerances, better parts and overall nicer feel. I have no basis for the knowledge of feel on the older reels though. All is from what I've read from some respected members here and other forums.

That's just simply not true. It's a huge misconception; especially in the automotive industry. I work in automotive manufacturing and I know first hand that parts quality has improved and tolerances are tighter and tighter every model change. Now, as far as Shimano's reels, I cannot say. But, as someone who works in manufacturing and deals with suppliers, I will say that if something undergoes a minor model change and uses a lot of the last model's exact parts, those parts are most likely created using the same process and tooling. For a supplier (may or may not be Shimano) to re-cut tools and dies in order to create new parts is ridiculously expensive. So to do so to create lower quality parts would be illogical. I'm not saying it can't, won't or doesn't happen, I'm only saying it doesn't make sense.

War Eagle 44 reply :

On 6/20/2013 at 9:57 PM, Brackish Angler 228 said:

I meant a "new" frame from the old Chronarch, whoops! Thanks for clarifying.

That's just simply not true. It's a huge misconception; especially in the automotive industry. I work in automotive manufacturing and I know first hand that parts quality has improved and tolerances are tighter and tighter every model change. Now, as far as Shimano's reels, I cannot say. But, as someone who works in manufacturing and deals with suppliers, I will say that if something undergoes a minor model change and uses a lot of the last model's exact parts, those parts are most likely created using the same process and tooling. For a supplier (may or may not be Shimano) to re-cut tools and dies in order to create new parts is ridiculously expensive. So to do so to create lower quality parts would be illogical. I'm not saying it can't, won't or doesn't happen, I'm only saying it doesn't make sense.

No problem man, just wanted to try and make sure we were on the same page.

Darren. reply :

On 9/10/2013 at 8:22 AM, Crankenstein said:
I just got my first e series shimano the other day; it's a curado 200e5 (got it used). It is a sweet reel, and feels very solid. I love the loud, metal on metal click it makes when re-engaging after a cast. My lew's does not sound as nice at all. I haven't got to cast it much cause it is on my cranking rod, and i haven't cranked much lately. Also, I have heavy mono on it cause that's all i have right now and that won't do to great for cranking. Once i get some fluoro it will be a sweet deal!

Nice! Never owned an E series Curado... well, perhaps I do in the white E series Chronarch. Either way, great reel(s). My Lexa is pretty nice, too, but not on the level of the Chronarch, obviously.

South FLA reply :

Good thread. I have pretty much owned most of the reels mentioned, and just have to say wait until the JDM Metanium comes State side, I'm basically getting rid off my reels to make room from Revos, to Zillions, to Sols to Chronarch Ds, they can't touch the micro gear technology and smoothness. Really like the CI4, but haven't used it in the field yet.

new2BC4bass reply :

Darren, read thru this thread again since at least one someone added a comment. I didn't think about it originally, but I see weight (lack of) is important to you as is being able to cast relatively light baits. Best I can tell from searching a few minutes ago is a 4.75" Finesse Worm weighs .2 oz. If the hook weighs .05, then we are talking about a 1/4 oz. weight.

I've been using some reels that I hadn't tried yet when I posted before. A TD-Z 105H is listed at 6.2 oz., a Carbonlite (gold one) at 6.7 oz., the new Carbonlite at 6.9 oz., an Alphas 103 at 6.4 oz. Your Chronarch 50E is listed at 7.1 oz.

I don't know about the new Carbonlites, but the gold Carbonlite will throw a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap just as far as a tuned TD-Z 105H (in my hands). The 105H can be gotten for less than the Chronarch 50E. I bought 2 of the Carbonlites as a package deal for $110. Definitely one of my better buys. I only have 2 casting rods rated for 1/8 oz. or lower lures, so the Alphas hasn't been tried with a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap yet. Currently have it on a 7'3" *** MF. This is an awesome reel. If I remember correctly, it is also suppose to do pretty well with lighter baits. I'll have to give it a try on my Expert.

I am not suggesting you run out and sell that Chronarch. I am giving you a couple more options that fit how you fish in case you would like another reel or two. (Who doesn't? ) I have to say that I am really impressed so far by the gold Carbonlite. Haven't caught a fish with it yet (No surprise as I have been practicing at the river boat ramp.), but it was amazingly easy to dial it in with that 3/16 oz. Shad Rap on my Falcon Expert Light.

Darren. reply :

I know I couldn't help myself, but last night I was browsing japantackle.com and drooling commenced when looking at the JDM Shimano Aldeberan BFS (http://japantackle.com/Shimano/Shimano_Aldebaran_BFS.htm).

8.0:1 ratio and 2 gram casting weights?! Be still my beating heart!

Thanks for the info, New. I looked at the gold CL reels, never bought. If money were no object, I'd have at least two of the Aldeberan BFS reels. Only thing I find lacking in my 50e is reeling speed. Prefer a 7.0:1 ratio...

new2BC4bass reply :

Wow! Just over 5 ounces. Sweet. Need a kidney?

2331

Chronarch 50E... Holy Guacamole! 2024

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