Curado 200G Vs 200E 2024
*Hootie reply :
Curado 200G vs 200E
What are the differences. I notice most people prefer the 200E.
Thanks,
Hootie
Does this mean the 200G's are not so good?
aavery2 reply :
The biggest difference is the G is built on the Caenan frame in aluminum. If you do a quick internet or forum search you will find enough discussion on this topic to keep you busy for quite a while.
LgMouthGambler reply :
the E was built better. The G was toned down to give the Chronarch the spotlight while that was toned down as well. Its just a sales theory, but thats the way it is sometimes. I was talking to a Shimano rep today at Bass Pro, and he even agreed, the E was so far the best that they had for the price.
Hooligan reply :
That the E is built better is arguable, at best, unless you're speaking simply in terms of design. The two reels are built equally as well as one another. That the G was toned down to give the CHronarch the spotlight is completely incorrect. It's not a sales theory, it's fact, and it's a direct result of the exchange rate.
The Curado was never, ever intended to be a $179 reel, it just wasn't. The only reason it stayed there is that Shimano had agreements in place, and didn't have to raise the price to the $199 mark that it should have been for the past five years. For years, dealers and consumers have been screaming for a quality reel, like the Curado, to be at that mid range price point, like the Curado used to be.
The G series of reels really gets back to the state that the Curado should be., the Chronarch E series gets back, again, to what it always has been. It's not a matter of one stealing any spotlight, or shining brighter. That's a laughable assumption at best. It's purely that Shimano was faced with killing off the Curado or Chronarch in current form, and letting one of the best, most bullet-proof reel designs ever go to waste, or adjust the lines of reels and get back to business.
For the record, there's no issue with quality of the reels, don't let the internet hype fool you. The Malaysian factory has higher tolerances and is filled with Japanese engineers and QC, the reels coming from the factory are every bit as high quality as the Japanese factory produces. It's that simple.
LgMouthGambler reply :
What you say may be true, but what I heard from the Shimano rep was just that. So to clarify for you and the rest of who may read this, it was info from Shimano. It makes sense to me, considering its not an "laughable assumption", its info from the source.On 2/27/2012 at 1:51 AM, Hooligan said:That the E is built better is arguable, at best, unless you're speaking simply in terms of design. The two reels are built equally as well as one another. That the G was toned down to give the CHronarch the spotlight is completely incorrect. It's not a sales theory, it's fact, and it's a direct result of the exchange rate.
The Curado was never, ever intended to be a $179 reel, it just wasn't. The only reason it stayed there is that Shimano had agreements in place, and didn't have to raise the price to the $199 mark that it should have been for the past five years. For years, dealers and consumers have been screaming for a quality reel, like the Curado, to be at that mid range price point, like the Curado used to be.
The G series of reels really gets back to the state that the Curado should be., the Chronarch E series gets back, again, to what it always has been. It's not a matter of one stealing any spotlight, or shining brighter. That's a laughable assumption at best. It's purely that Shimano was faced with killing off the Curado or Chronarch in current form, and letting one of the best, most bullet-proof reel designs ever go to waste, or adjust the lines of reels and get back to business.
For the record, there's no issue with quality of the reels, don't let the internet hype fool you. The Malaysian factory has higher tolerances and is filled with Japanese engineers and QC, the reels coming from the factory are every bit as high quality as the Japanese factory produces. It's that simple.
Packard reply :
On 2/27/2012 at 7:58 AM, LgMouthGambler said:What you say may be true, but what I heard from the Shimano rep was just that. So to clarify for you and the rest of who may read this, it was info from Shimano. It makes sense to me, considering its not an "laughable assumption", its info from the source.
Was definitely not from the "source." A Shimano rep at Bass Pro isn't the source. Hooligan's info is spot on.
Georgia Jeff reply :
I own a 100d and a 200e. I held the 200g today for the first time. I would have to say that this is the third time in a row that the curado has taken a step in the wrong direction. They went with graphite side plates instead of an all aluminum reel when they switched to the 200e and now the 200g has even more cheap parts on it. The drag star is plastic and cheap looking and the reel has less bearings. I also didn't like the way the spool engaged. It was very clunky and stiff. The 200e was still a good reel in my opinion but not quite as nice as the 100d. I don't see myself buying a 200g.
Hooligan reply :
On 2/27/2012 at 7:58 AM, LgMouthGambler said:What you say may be true, but what I heard from the Shimano rep was just that. So to clarify for you and the rest of who may read this, it was info from Shimano. It makes sense to me, considering its not an "laughable assumption", its info from the source.
The "shimano rep" you were speaking with was most likely no more than a sales representative for a rep agency, they have no connection to the factory and no actual connection to Shimano other than they represent the sales of product to Bas Pro Shops, in this case. It most definitely wasn't info from Shimano, it isn't info from the source by any means. You want that, PM Bantam1, he'll set you straighter than I already have.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'm glad that they curado is a little more affordable than it was at new price. I've fished a G series a little bit and they do feel nice, not sure if they feel quite as good as my E series but still a very solid reel.
BobP reply :
It's obvious that the G series reels are a re-calibration of the line in terms of features and price. I think it's mostly about exchange rates and manufacturing cost in Asia. When Shimano's mid-range Curados got jacked up in price to what American buyers used to pay for Chronarchs (and during an economic downturn), the line was out of whack and sales began to suffer. I don't think the changes for 2012 have anything to do with quality, which is a good as ever across the Shimano lines. Where the G versus previous E models matter right now: you can find previous year E model Curados with better features compared to current G models, and at good prices. For instance, a 2011 Curado 50E can be found new in box online for $133. It originally sold for $199, then was reduced to $179 by Shimano. If you want a 2012 Shimano G with exactly the same features as the 2011 Curado E, you have to buy a Chronarch 50 for $199. So picking up a Curado 50E looks like a sweet deal.
I have Curado 200B's from 1999 that still work flawlessly. They have plastic star drags and side plates that have worked perfectly for over 13 yrs and I consider plastic versus aluminum for those parts a non-issue. In fact the plastic may be superior. It will take a lick without permanently deforming like metal will. But to each his own... As far as manufacture in Malaysia versus Japan, beauty is as beauty does. I bought a Japanese market Biomaster spinning reel several years ago and like it very much. I looked at the reel foot and guess what? Made in Malaysia. On a Japanese domestic market reel. That pretty much settled questions I had about Malaysia vs Japan manufacture for Shimano reels. If someone who owns a Shimano reel complains about its quality or features, I'll pay attention. But JMHO, taking pot shots at stuff you've never owned or used isn't very useful.
OnthePotomac reply :
With regard to the Maylasia issue, the incredible work horse Citica 200D was made in Maylasia and how many years ago?
The Rooster reply :
What I don't understand is if the new Chronarch is just the old Curado with new paint colors, why doesn't it also still have the metal drag star like the Curado E did?? The new Chronarch 200E has a plastic star. I know this doesn't even matter in terms of performance, especially since I just found out that the Citica E that I have also has a plastic star on it and it's been working great all this time without me knowing it. But if "technically" the new Chronarch is a downgraded old Curado with that now plastic part instead of metal, then why did it also increase $20 in price?? Same parts, same everything, but a price increase with at least one lesser part?? Maybe costs involved to produce it changed. Otherwise, I don't know. If it wasn't that, then it is just a marketing thing. Otherwise, there's no reason for it.
I've held the new Curado and Citica G reels in hand and besides the plastic star, the handles also just feel different. I don't know if they are, but they felt it. Felt cheaper. That might just be me reading into it, but I didn't go in to look at them with shooting them down in mind. I actually went in interested to see them and was disappointed after I did. It's just the way it impressed me is all. I didn't care for the new reels, and especially since I felt that the Citica went up in price and didn't gain a thing feature wise. The Curado is less in price but for just $20 more the E was seemingly a lot better, and they were also just recently being sold for a lot less than even the new one is now. So that just leaves me feeling cold about buying one of the new ones. The Chronarch is still an E series reel and to me it's really the best choice compared to the G reels in terms of one reel vs. another, price differences aside, but it's not even what the E series Curado was and costs even more. So facing all of that, if I WAS looking for a reel, I'd probably have gotten a Lew's instead. The way Shimano mixed it all up there just left me feeling mixed up about all the currently available reels they offer in my price range. Sorry for the rant, I'm not even looking for a reel, just posting my thoughts on this particular matter is all.
Other than this, to answer the OP's original question, the new Curado G has 5 bearings compared to the E series having 7. The bearings were taken from the paddles on the handles, they will now be bearing free. All other bearings inside the reel body are still located in the same places as before. The drag star is now plastic on the G series compared to the E series having metal (Curado E only, the old Citica E and even the new Chronarch E stars are all plastic). The Curado G is available in 3 ratios now, while there was no 6.x offering in the E series before unless you went with the lesser Citica. The new G reel weighs 7.2 oz. vs. the old E weighing 7.6 oz. The price is $20 less than before. If there are any other differences I do not know about them.
Jaheff reply :
I'm thinking of trying a 200G7 out for myself, with these mail in rebates. Does anybody know if I can add bearings in the handles of the G series?
J Francho reply :
On 2/27/2012 at 7:58 AM, LgMouthGambler said:What you say may be true, but what I heard from the Shimano rep was just that. So to clarify for you and the rest of who may read this, it was info from Shimano. It makes sense to me, considering its not an "laughable assumption", its info from the source.
Hooligan's source is the same as mine. He is in charge of ALL US SALES. What he says is the correct info, not what some pro staffer or sales rep made up. You have to realize this is a real small industry, and there are many that in fact have the real poop on what is up. Some even post on this forum. 
00 mod reply :
Gas continually goes up...all the time. And they keep adding more and more ethanol(cheaper chemical makeup). Does any of this make since?
Jeff
J Francho reply :
Are you sure you want to compare the inner workings of gasoline pricing with Shimano's retail pricing strategy?
I REALLY don't think you can make a comparison, or want to go there.
00 mod reply :
Just a general comparison...... I could go with something along these lines.
Smartphones......the prices of the newer models continually go up, and the cost of the goods to manufacture are cheaper and cheaper. Then when the newer models are coming out, the price of the phones go down. Just as Shimano did with their e series reels.
But yes, in a general scheme of things, gas continues to go up, and they are using more and more ethanol, same as Shimano using less expensive parts and going up in price. It is called BUSINESS. I am not talking about the "inner workings", but the general pricing strategy.
Jeff
craww reply :
On 2/28/2012 at 10:02 AM, The Rooster said:What I don't understand is if the new Chronarch is just the old Curado with new paint colors, why doesn't it also still have the metal drag star like the Curado E did?? The new Chronarch 200E has a plastic star. I know this doesn't even matter in terms of performance, especially since I just found out that the Citica E that I have also has a plastic star on it and it's been working great all this time without me knowing it. But if "technically" the new Chronarch is a downgraded old Curado with that now plastic part instead of metal, then why did it also increase $20 in price?? Same parts, same everything, but a price increase with at least one lesser part?? Maybe costs involved to produce it changed. Otherwise, I don't know. If it wasn't that, then it is just a marketing thing. Otherwise, there's no reason for it.
I agree 100%. A reel that costs over $200 shouldnt have a plastic drag star. Call it a "market adjustment" or whatever, it feels cheap. Fact is, as far as public (consumer) opinion goes, shimano has layed an egg on these. Other companies like Lew's, pinnacle, okuma, and BPS in house stuff are getting folks attention (and $) with more high end features for less.
J Francho reply :
Not from what I saw flying off the shelves this past weekend....no one paying $200 for a BPS/Pure Fishing/Whatever over getting a Chronarch basically for $140.
aavery2 reply :
I think that the uneductated angler looks at the name Chronarch and thinks he is buying the quality and features that the Chronarch line once stood for, while it is a very nice reel, it is now little more than a rebadged Curado.
You can purchase the Curado E for 135 dollars everyday and not have to wait on a refund.
craww reply :
I was at bass pro last friday when the sale launched. In the time it took the guy at the fishing counter to print the combo upc for the carbonlite I was purchasing, 4 people walked up and asked about the new carbon lite.
J Francho reply :
In my years working retail, whenever some actually purchases ANYTHING more than $100, they want to "see it" nad get their hands on what someone else now owns - it's a bit of human nature that salespeople in the know will capitalize on for more sales.
If you like your Carbonlite, then so be it. I don't own any, never will. But I probably won't call you an "UNEDUCATED" buyer, LMAO @ aavery.
Maybe you guys don't remember me selling a dozen Curado 200Es for $80 before the holidays. I know exactly what they are, and what the three Chronarchs I own today are.
The great thing is there is so much gear out there, you can fish what YOU like, not what I like.
As far as the "plastic" star drag goes....the upscale CU50E had a plastic drag as well. Personally, aluminum is every bit just as cheap as polycarbonate, but that's just my opinion.
aavery2 reply :
As you may notice I did not quote you in my post, therefore it was not intended to be aimed at you, but in reference to exactly that uneducated anglers. Your knowledge of fishing speaks for itself, and my post was certainly not intended to insult you or anyone else on here. It was more in line with your comment about the Chronarch flying off the shelf, and my attempt to explain a possible reason why.
J Francho reply :
OK....mea culpa.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
IMO the E series Curado was encroaching on Chronarch territory in features and price. All Shimano did was put the planets back in alignment so to speak. The line as a whole has several quality reels at price points to appeal to a range of budgets. Add this to all the other great gear out there as JF mentioned, there's something for everyone.
piscicidal reply :
I understand what you guys are saying about "price recalibration". From an accounting standpoint, it might make sense for Shimano to do this recalibration. However, to the majority of the fishing public it comes down to this...the entire product line downgraded while keeping the price the same. That doesn't sit well with some people.
I love Shimano baitcasters...I just bought two more at the BPS trade in. At the current pricing, my purchases will be confined to the "E" series though...IMO that is where the biggest value for my dollar lies.
LgMouthGambler reply :
I agreeOn 2/29/2012 at 3:32 AM, piscicidal said:I understand what you guys are saying about "price recalibration". From an accounting standpoint, it might make sense for Shimano to do this recalibration. However, to the majority of the fishing public it comes down to this...the entire product line downgraded while keeping the price the same. That doesn't sit well with some people.
I love Shimano baitcasters...I just bought two more at the BPS trade in. At the current pricing, my purchases will be confined to the "E" series though...IMO that is where the biggest value for my dollar lies.
piscicidal reply :
To be clear...when talking about keeping the price the same, I am referring to the Curado. And in fairness, the price is not exactly the same...they did lower the retail price a little bit (from $179 to $159).
What bothers me is that they essentially downgrade the entire product line. Can you imagine if GM came out with their 2013 lineup...and they took the Chevy Impala, slapped a Cadillac sticker on it, gave it a different paint job, and lowered the price a little bit from the old Cadillac price? That's a valid analogy and it just seems dishonest to me.
If they felt that they need to get more margin on the products, I'd feel better about them raising the price. If I paid retail price for a Curado G, thinking I was getting the same thing as my E series with perhaps a few refinements, I would not be a happy camper. it's not even the same form factor...the new one is based off the Canaen. It is taller and not as comfortable to palm (IMO). More plastic components. less bearings. I can't blame Curado G buyers for being disappointed.
I'll continue to buy Shimano reels. The "E" series reels are still a fantastic bargin. I won't be buying any Curado G reels, unless they come way down in price.
barroncooper reply :
just bought 2 g models and while they're not as nice as the e's, they are worth every penny what they cost. I have 11 e's and haven't had the first problem with graphite sides and i beat the hell out of my stuff. I don't care if it's made out of plastic... If the technology and material is there to make them last I don't care what material is used. I actually think that composite frames are real close to being feasible.
The Rooster reply :
I think it would have been nice if they had simply introduced the G series as a completely new reel and left the old Curado E in place. After all, why do you kill your most popular selling reel to take a chance on a new one??
Maybe they could have moved the Chronarch to the same E frame, as they did, but with even more enhancements than the Curado would have had, such as 9 bearings, double anodized parts, and other stuff like that. The Chronarch was selling for $300 before that. Having a perceived $100 price drop (not really) on that name wasn't necessary. People who paid $300 for the Chronarch would have still done so and Shimano would have added another E model to their lineup with even more enhancements. As for how to handle the Citica under those circumstances, well, they could have done what they did and made it a G, or left the E series alone, but having a new G series reel in between the old Curado and Citica E's at an inbetween price might not have worked.
Otherwise, they could have just used the G series as a graphite framed reel only, as they are with the Caenan and that other weird orange colored one that's even cheaper.
What's sad is, the reels are probably good reels. But they have large shoes to fill after the E series was sold for less and felt better to many people. I don't think they can fill them.
The Rooster reply :
On 2/29/2012 at 3:20 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:IMO the E series Curado was encroaching on Chronarch territory in features and price. All Shimano did was put the planets back in alignment so to speak. The line as a whole has several quality reels at price points to appeal to a range of budgets. Add this to all the other great gear out there as JF mentioned, there's something for everyone.
That's sort of like saying they realized they went too far in offering so much for so little and decided to yank the rug out from under it.
Something made them change it all. Either costs went up and they simply couldn't offer the same thing for the same money, or they wanted to make more money with a wider profit margin on the reels and needed a cheaper to produce model to do so.
As for me, I just think they should have left it alone and just raised prices if that was all it was. People would have complained, and I can't speak for everyone but I know I would have just sucked it up and paid a little more to get the reel I wanted. Having that new model that I don't like as much though, they won't even get the money they would have gotten. I had planned to get at least one more Curado this year, I wanted the 5.0 ratio for crankbaits. Now that won't happen so I guess I'm looking into something else when that time comes.
Hooligan reply :
The thing is, though, the Curado E series reels were WELL over-built for a Curado. If you take into consideration what the reel has always been, you're looking at nothing but an anamoly. Every other series of Curado is in line with what the G series is. To complain about downgrading isn't very accurate. People went ape when the introduced the E series, for many reasons, they said it just wasn't the same as their old Curado. You're looking at only one half of an equation.
LVT Bassin reply :
Hello everyone! Been a long time since I've participated, and its nice to be back and reading this forum again. I might be going a little off topic here since I want to talk about the Chronarch.
So, If I want to buy a new Shimano reel, either Curado or Chronarch in 201 size (left hand), which one should I get? I specifically want the 6.x:1 gear ratio for spinner baits and chatterbaits. My main spinner bait reel for the last 4 years was the Curado 101D...its time to upgrade and add more line to the reel.
Shimano does not make the Curado 201E5 so thats out. That leaves me with Curado 201G6 or the Chronarch 201E6 to pick from.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! 
J Francho reply :
Chronarch 200e6
l3rd reply :
On 2/28/2012 at 11:51 PM, 00 mod said:Gas continually goes up...all the time. And they keep adding more and more ethanol(cheaper chemical makeup). Does any of this make since?
Jeff
Unfortunately, yes it does. The Federal Reserve is continually printing more money. Flood any market with any item and the value tends to decrease. They are intentionally decreasing the value of the dollar, have been for decades and decades, so prices are necessarily going to increase, this is the basis and reason for inflation.
barroncooper reply :
very well said bud!!!On 2/29/2012 at 10:14 AM, Hooligan said:The thing is, though, the Curado E series reels were WELL over-built for a Curado. If you take into consideration what the reel has always been, you're looking at nothing but an anamoly. Every other series of Curado is in line with what the G series is. To complain about downgrading isn't very accurate. People went ape when the introduced the E series, for many reasons, they said it just wasn't the same as their old Curado. You're looking at only one half of an equation.
BobP reply :
The controversy will go away as last stocks of the Curado E's disappear from retailers' shelves. Then, you'll like a new model Shimano G reel or will prefer a model from another manufacturer based on your own biases, budget, reputation, or features. Differences in quality among manufacturers is narrowing and choices are getting harder - but your chance of buying a great reel is getting better. In the meantime, I'm happy for the inconsistency in the Shimano line because I can buy a G model reel with more of the features I think are important, at a big discount. Instead of getting my nose out of joint, I just want to see what's available and choose the one that's best for me. Next year, I'll do the same again. And again, etc.
*Hootie reply :
Is that French?On 2/29/2012 at 2:43 AM, J Francho said:OK....mea culpa.
retiredbosn reply :
The reason so many prefer the Curado E series over the G is that the G is a down grade. As evidenced by the fact that the only difference between the E series Curado and the new Chronarch is the paint job and some minor changes to the drag. Tackle tour has a great article on this, the E series was a drastic departure from the usual Curado and now that the Curado has been redesigned to reflect a more mid-grade reel, anglers are understandably searching out the last of the E series. Why not get the current Chronarch in a box that says Curado and save some cash?
The Rooster reply :
To be wholly truthful here, the Citica G is actually not a downgrade from the Citica E. Same bearing count, same locations, same features, just a different frame and about 0.5 oz. less weight, but with a $10 price increase. Just the Curado was changed totally. For those who want a Citica and were happy with the old E, the new G might fit nicely unless you just preferred the frame of the E better. This time around though, the Citica offers multiple gear ratio options instead of just the one.
bassheel reply :
All they needed to do was to offer a curado e in a 6:1 or 6:4 ratio and left it alone. What u guys think?
craww reply :
To be clear to anyone reading this who's in the market for a new reel, take this advice and BUY a E series curado while their NIB and cheap. I own alot of reels and my E7 is my staright up best distance caster. Spooled with #12 hybrid on a 7' rod casting a sammy 100, I have spooled the frigging thing. Note the line capacity of a 200 series reel.
When the revos hit in 06', they took alot of the market share initially. Shimano had to get the new citica/curado right and they did, BIG TIME.
Boogey Man reply :
I bought a Curado G6 at the BPS trade in, got it for $90 with trade in, rebate and a coupon. I don't have a E but the G is a nice reel. I also found this from Bantam1 from another site:
"Nobody seems to understand the yen to dollar exchange rates. 3 years ago the yen was 100+-1. Today its around 80-1. This makes a HUGE difference in pricing. For example if the new Curado G was made in Japan the MSRP would be around $250 instead of $159. I know the math doesn't seem right but it is. If you haven't noticed everything is getting more expensive. Gas, boats, vehicles, food...unemployment is hovering around 10%, fishing industry as a whole is down. Curado E was going to see a price increase. Would you have been happier to pay $199 for the Curado E? Chronarch was not moving well at $300. We could have just dropped the reel name and moved on. We knew people would get angry, but our hands were tied. Apples to oranges? I hope that after reading all of this you see a name is just a name.
There is no easy solution with the current situation. New models will just come out to be more expensive than the previous model unless we move production to Malaysia. Now for all of you that think Malaysia sucks you are wrong. The factory there is actually more advanced than the one in Japan. The machines are better and capable of tighter tolerances. The engineers are all from Japan. We have QC people from Japan working at the factory now. The workers are being trained at higher levels and the standards are among the best in the country. Yes there have been some growing pains over the years but things have improved substantially."
Georgia Jeff reply :
On 2/29/2012 at 10:14 AM, Hooligan said:The thing is, though, the Curado E series reels were WELL over-built for a Curado. If you take into consideration what the reel has always been, you're looking at nothing but an anamoly. Every other series of Curado is in line with what the G series is. To complain about downgrading isn't very accurate. People went ape when the introduced the E series, for many reasons, they said it just wasn't the same as their old Curado. You're looking at only one half of an equation.
The change from the curado B series to the curado D series was a much bigger change in my opinion than the D to the E. The D series is when they actually over-built the curado lineup. The price jumped from $150 to $199. With the curado E they introduced graphite side plates and dropped the price a little.
The curado is now back in its original price range but unfortunately it feels horrible compared to its last two versions, is made cheaper, and has a bulkier frame. Shimano has once again downgraded the curado lineup.
Blue Streak reply :
I think another thing that has hurt Shimano over the past few years is the competition is producing some pretty good reels of their own. Every bit as well built and some more economically priced. I think you can get a Revo S for 129 bucks and it is a real good piece of equipment for that price.
The Rooster reply :
On 3/1/2012 at 7:40 AM, Boogey Man said:I bought a Curado G6 at the BPS trade in, got it for $90 with trade in, rebate and a coupon. I don't have a E but the G is a nice reel. I also found this from Bantam1 from another site:
"Nobody seems to understand the yen to dollar exchange rates. 3 years ago the yen was 100+-1. Today its around 80-1. This makes a HUGE difference in pricing. For example if the new Curado G was made in Japan the MSRP would be around $250 instead of $159. I know the math doesn't seem right but it is. If you haven't noticed everything is getting more expensive. Gas, boats, vehicles, food...unemployment is hovering around 10%, fishing industry as a whole is down. Curado E was going to see a price increase. Would you have been happier to pay $199 for the Curado E? Chronarch was not moving well at $300. We could have just dropped the reel name and moved on. We knew people would get angry, but our hands were tied. Apples to oranges? I hope that after reading all of this you see a name is just a name.
There is no easy solution with the current situation. New models will just come out to be more expensive than the previous model unless we move production to Malaysia. Now for all of you that think Malaysia sucks you are wrong. The factory there is actually more advanced than the one in Japan. The machines are better and capable of tighter tolerances. The engineers are all from Japan. We have QC people from Japan working at the factory now. The workers are being trained at higher levels and the standards are among the best in the country. Yes there have been some growing pains over the years but things have improved substantially."
I don't mean to keep beating a dead horse but I just don't buy that explanation. He said he hopes people read that and see that a name it just a name, but it seems to me that Shimano is the one who got hung up on the name. Ok, so Chronarch was not selling well at $300 but yet the Core still sells well when it is much higher?? Baloney. If that was happening it wasn't because of price, it was because of what they could get in the Core for just a bit more. That would tell me it was time for a change in the Chronarch D line, but not all the rest of the changes that happened too. I mention the Core because it wasn't changed, so apparently they think they will keep selling as is at the current price.
Also, yeah, I think people would have been OK in the long run with paying $199 for the Curado. They were doing that just a few years earlier with the D series and it wasn't as good as the E. You all surely remember the days when you could come to this site around 2006 or 2007 and Curado, Curado, Curado was all anybody recommended and they were the heavy bulky D series and were $199 then. If people wouldn't pay $199 again for a reel that many regard as better than the D, then why do they think they will just because it now says Chronarch on it, it's still the same reel as the Curado was, only not green anymore. Shimano doesn't think they would pay a slight increase to keep buying the same thing that says Curado, but they do think they would because it says Chronarch?? Really?? That's going around in a circle, saying they won't pay for the name, but they will pay for a different name. By the way, anybody that justifies paying $199 for it because it says Chronarch instead of Curado is ridiculous anyway. But if they do think people would pay for the name then why not just drop the Chronarch price to $250 and move it to the E frame like they did anyway, and maybe ad a couple extra bearings to justify that increase over the "then current Curado". If they can make the reel and put Chronarch on it for $199 then they could do the same with minor enhancements and sell it at an increase to cover it, solve the seeming problem of them not selling at $300, and still have kept their customers happy in the other areas. You are not going to convince me that it was cheaper to develop a whole new reel vs. doing that. It doesn't make sense. I think the whole thing was a marketing ploy, nothing more. I don't know what they thought they were going to gain, but I'm fairly sure it wasn't this. Seems to me a few people are talking about being dissatisfied with the current way things are. It is sort of sad, they did make a good reel in the G series, I'm sure. But once you introduce people to a certain level of improvements you can't just go back to the way it was nearly 6 or 7 years ago and try to justify it saying the reel is back like it always had been and was never meant to be in that price range anyway, so people should just accept it. I keep reading that being said as an explanation to all this. It's the people that tell these companies what their market is, not the other way around.
bflow_6 reply :
I have a curado G,E,and a couple of old greenies while the G is no E its still a great real and I have zero complaints
Boogey Man reply :
On 3/1/2012 at 3:02 PM, The Rooster said:I don't mean to keep beating a dead horse but I just don't buy that explanation. He said he hopes people read that and see that a name it just a name, but it seems to me that Shimano is the one who got hung up on the name. Ok, so Chronarch was not selling well at $300 but yet the Core still sells well when it is much higher?? Baloney. If that was happening it wasn't because of price, it was because of what they could get in the Core for just a bit more. That would tell me it was time for a change in the Chronarch D line, but not all the rest of the changes that happened too. I mention the Core because it wasn't changed, so apparently they think they will keep selling as is at the current price.
Also, yeah, I think people would have been OK in the long run with paying $199 for the Curado. They were doing that just a few years earlier with the D series and it wasn't as good as the E. You all surely remember the days when you could come to this site around 2006 or 2007 and Curado, Curado, Curado was all anybody recommended and they were the heavy bulky D series and were $199 then. If people wouldn't pay $199 again for a reel that many regard as better than the D, then why do they think they will just because it now says Chronarch on it, it's still the same reel as the Curado was, only not green anymore. Shimano doesn't think they would pay a slight increase to keep buying the same thing that says Curado, but they do think they would because it says Chronarch?? Really?? That's going around in a circle, saying they won't pay for the name, but they will pay for a different name. By the way, anybody that justifies paying $199 for it because it says Chronarch instead of Curado is ridiculous anyway. But if they do think people would pay for the name then why not just drop the Chronarch price to $250 and move it to the E frame like they did anyway, and maybe ad a couple extra bearings to justify that increase over the "then current Curado". If they can make the reel and put Chronarch on it for $199 then they could do the same with minor enhancements and sell it at an increase to cover it, solve the seeming problem of them not selling at $300, and still have kept their customers happy in the other areas. You are not going to convince me that it was cheaper to develop a whole new reel vs. doing that. It doesn't make sense. I think the whole thing was a marketing ploy, nothing more. I don't know what they thought they were going to gain, but I'm fairly sure it wasn't this. Seems to me a few people are talking about being dissatisfied with the current way things are. It is sort of sad, they did make a good reel in the G series, I'm sure. But once you introduce people to a certain level of improvements you can't just go back to the way it was nearly 6 or 7 years ago and try to justify it saying the reel is back like it always had been and was never meant to be in that price range anyway, so people should just accept it. I keep reading that being said as an explanation to all this. It's the people that tell these companies what their market is, not the other way around.
Well, like I said, I don't have an E to compare it to. I do have a couple Citica E's and the Curado G is heads and shoulders above it in casting distance and smoothness. The Citica E has a plastic drag star and does not have the titanium line guide and I haven't noticed any adverse results. What were your personal experiences fishing the Curado G vs. the Curado E?
J Francho reply :
LOL, what's funny is NO ONE is complaining about Zillions not changing one iota, and now are $90 more than when they were introduced.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Much a do about nothing. Cabin fever must be at the root of why this thread is 4 pages. Shimano could change their reels names to Good, Better, Way Better and Awesome and certain groups of features will still cost X. People will buy one or shop elswhere, then the marketing wizards will come with another approach. It's a never ending circle.
Hooligan reply :
On 3/1/2012 at 9:53 PM, J Francho said:LOL, what's funny is NO ONE is complaining about Zillions not changing one iota, and now are $90 more than when they were introduced.
Absolutely. I also love that everyone is an expert on it because they own one reel. Cracks me up.
Then again, the reason no one complains about Zillions is that only the educated are fishing them in the first place. Not every guy that buys a Citica is going to know just how good the Zillion is, ya know?
LuckyHandsINC. reply :
On 3/1/2012 at 11:08 PM, Hooligan said:Absolutely. I also love that everyone is an expert on it because they own one reel. Cracks me up.
Then again, the reason no one complains about Zillions is that only the educated are fishing them in the first place. Not every guy that buys a Citica is going to know just how good the Zillion is, ya know?
My zillion is by far my least favorite reel behind MGX obviously, but also pat.XT, team lews,old premier, tourney pro. I think I would take any $200-$250 reel from any manufacturer over a zillion. Everywhere i look there is people praising it and I just dont get it. It is the reason I will probably mever buy another daiwa except for maybe a steez if i can find one for under $400.
BassmanDan reply :
On 3/1/2012 at 9:53 PM, J Francho said:LOL, what's funny is NO ONE is complaining about Zillions not changing one iota, and now are $90 more than when they were introduced.
No complaints here because I got a Zillion two years ago...only reel I've ever owned that's two years old and worth 90 bucks more than I paid for it!
As for the Curado's...I got two E7's at Gander mtn last Black Friday for $119..I was the first in the door that morning and wish I would have bought the other ten they had left! Great reel.
Rangerjoe reply :
I love the Zillion, but I don't get all worked up on sub $200.00 reels.
Boogey Man reply :
On 3/1/2012 at 11:08 PM, Hooligan said:Absolutely. I also love that everyone is an expert on it because they own one reel. Cracks me up.
Then again, the reason no one complains about Zillions is that only the educated are fishing them in the first place. Not every guy that buys a Citica is going to know just how good the Zillion is, ya know?
Thinly veiled insults, that's pretty good. 
Hooligan reply :
On 3/2/2012 at 9:29 PM, Boogey Man said:Thinly veiled insults, that's pretty good.
I have no idea what you're talking about >
Boogey Man reply :
On 3/3/2012 at 6:37 AM, Hooligan said:I have no idea what you're talking about >
my mistake then, I thought the part about only owning one reel and being an expert on it was directed towards me. Again, my mistake 
Hooligan reply :
On 3/3/2012 at 6:42 AM, Boogey Man said:my mistake then, I thought the part about only owning one reel and being an expert on it was directed towards me. Again, my mistake
No, it was a very general statement. It's more directed at those that have no real history of the reel, or the company and its product in general. It wasn't directed at any one person.
OldCFO reply :
I lurk here a lot, but I don't usually feel like I have more to add to the discussion that what has already been said by others. I actually had to make an account for this one. When a company makes marketing decisions, they craft the narrative that will go along with it. Sometimes they even believe it, but that part is 100% optional. Does it become "truth", simply because it is the official position of the company? Does "New and Improved" really mean that something is really new, or that it will really do anything noticeably better? There are two old sayings that come to mind about this situation. The first is: "Who are you gonna believe... me, or your lyin' eyes?" The second is, "Don't p*** on my head and tell me it's raining."
We can see and feel that this Curado is not what the old ones were. We're not stupid. So the question many of you should really be asking is, If you totally cheapen a well-known product, to the point that it's something totally different, is it really still the same product? Or is it a new, lower-end product, riding on the popularity of the old name? What Shimano just did was give a bunch of other brands a free shot at their reputation and brand loyalty. If you doubt it, go look what happened when GM re-packaged a Chevy Cavalier and called it a Cadillac (Cimarron) - and make sure and look at how much that move helped BMW, Volvo, and Audi. I know Shimano has always had their low-end weekender products. But this time they cannibalized perhaps the most well-known and respected name in the industry. Customers don't forgive that.
And don't tell me about "platform", or that this material is "just as good" as the other. If it was really better, they would have given it a new name, and sold it at a higher price. They made it a lot cheaper, and then gave it a slightly lower price. We're supposed to be so happy about getting a genuine Curado for 20 bucks less, that we will buy them in mass quantities and say Thank You.
Good luck with that.
OldCFO reply :
BTW - I've got several old (metal) Bantam 10X reels that are what, 20 years old? I've absolutely beaten them to death in salt water, every single year since they were new. I replaced the bushings with bearings, and if my casts are any shorter than with my Curados, it's not by much. Last year I brought about a 50-lb. tarpon to boat with one, while anchored at the Port O'Connor jetties. (In other words, didn't chase him with the boat.) I take care of them, and I fully expect that I will wear out before they do.
So, please, don't tell me that plastic is "just as good". It isn't. It just isn't. I'm not pretending that the Bantams are as smooth as the Curados. So how about you stop pretending that plastic isn't cheaper than metal? Or that a new Curado is really still a Curado. Or that a new Chronarch is really still a Chronarch. Either that, or explain to people why Curado E7's are actually going up in price... if you can find someone to sell you one.
bass1980 reply :
I've said it before and I'll say it again.
I'd rather pay $200 for a very slightly upgraded Curado E than pay $160 for a downgrade Curado G. You know why, because I just bought 3 slightly upgraded Curado E's which is now called Chronarch E lol.
Can you imagine Toyota making the #1 selling car, their Camry into a leather seated Corolla and hoped their consumers would be ok with that?
stkbassn reply :
I don't have time to read all of the responses today but I thought I would chime in as an owner of two of the G's and E's as well as a couple of Chronarch E's... All I can say is that I am very impressed with the G series despite the differences. Those G's are super quiet, smooth, and cast a frickin' mile. I love Shimano period. The Citica's, Curados, and Chronarchs are all great. I've always been a fan of the Curado and still love it best....just do. I also like the G being available in all of the gear ratios and not just the 5 and 7.
The G series is great!
*Hootie reply :
On 7/31/2013 at 12:37 AM, stkbassn said:I don't have time to read all of the responses today but I thought I would chime in as an owner of two of the G's and E's as well as a couple of Chronarch E's... All I can say is that I am very impressed with the G series despite the differences. Those G's are super quiet, smooth, and cast a frickin' mile. I love Shimano period. The Citica's, Curados, and Chronarchs are all great. I've always been a fan of the Curado and still love it best....just do. I also like the G being available in all of the gear ratios and not just the 5 and 7.
The G series is great!
AGREED!! I could have written this word for word myself. I have the E's, the G's and the Chronarchs. Love em all, absolutely no complaints.
I could not have said this when I first started this topic. Didn't have copies of all the reels. NOW I DO!
Just because it's different, doesn't mean it's covered with mud!!
Hootie
Capt.Bob reply :
it's about,,,,,well I won't even go there this thread is hilarious,,,,wasn't designed to be a 199 dollar reel,,,,the Impala wasn't designed to be a 5000 dollar car let alone 30,000 dollars, maybe they should downgrade it to Vega quality but still call it an Impala,,,,hell it's still a Chevy, 
tomustang reply :
On 7/31/2013 at 1:55 AM, Capt.Bob said:it's about,,,,,well I won't even go there this thread is hilarious,,,,wasn't designed to be a 199 dollar reel,,,,the Impala wasn't designed to be a 5000 dollar car let alone 30,000 dollars, maybe they should downgrade it to Vega quality but still call it an Impala,,,,hell it's still a Chevy,
It's been around 8 years since I heard someone mention a Vega
*Hootie reply :
On 7/31/2013 at 1:57 AM, tomustang said:It's been around 8 years since I heard someone mention a Vega
How about a Pinto, or, HEY, a Maverick...lol
Hootie
tomustang reply :
Ain't nothing wrong with a maverick!
*Hootie reply :
You know, I started this thread back in February. I thought it was dead. This thing is like Freddie Kruger...lol.
Hootie
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 7/31/2013 at 4:16 AM, hootiebenji said:You know, I started this thread back in February. I thought it was dead. This thing is like Freddie Kruger...lol.
Hootie
I think its time for you to put the glove back on! lol
bass1980 reply :
I know people say there's nothing wrong with the G. It performs well. Sure it does but how about this. If I send you my Curado G's for your E's I bet you wouldn't do that trade.
Send me your E I'll gladly send you my G. 
Khong reply :
On 7/31/2013 at 6:12 AM, bass1980 said:I know people say there's nothing wrong with the G. It performs well. Sure it does but how about this. If I send you my Curado G's for your E's I bet you wouldn't do that trade.
Send me your E I'll gladly send you my G.
I love my 201E. Bought them when they were going out and got them for $100. Sorry, i'm a lefty. I just don't see a point in switching hand. I've paired them with my new St.Croix Legend Tournament rods after I got rid of my Duckett rods.
bass1980 reply :
I'm a lefty too .
I'm just messing around with the trade because I know nobody will take that offer. That is why the E is clearly better than the G. I was just making a point. That being there's nothing wrong with the G, its just not the reel the E is and I do have both.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 7/31/2013 at 1:27 AM, hootiebenji said:AGREED!! I could have written this word for word myself. I have the E's, the G's and the Chronarchs. Love em all, absolutely no complaints.
I could not have said this when I first started this topic. Didn't have copies of all the reels. NOW I DO!
Just because it's different, doesn't mean it's covered with mud!!
Hootie
x3 I have all three too. Love fishing them all..for some reason though everyone says it's a white Curado (Chronarch E), but to me it seems to perform smoother than my Curado Es.
sarcazmo reply :
Sorry to hijack the thread but...
Is the new Ci4 going to completely replace the Chronarch E or will they be @ 2 price points? Any word on if a new(er) curado replacement will be coming out?
Just got a bnib chronarch 200e for a smoking deal... First shimano reel... Lets see what all the hype is about.
J Francho reply :
As far as I know, it's no and no. I thought I read the CI4 will be $270ish.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 8/1/2013 at 12:47 AM, sarcazmo said:Sorry to hijack the thread but...
Is the new Ci4 going to completely replace the Chronarch E or will they be @ 2 price points? Any word on if a new(er) curado replacement will be coming out?
Just got a bnib chronarch 200e for a smoking deal... First shimano reel... Lets see what all the hype is about.
As JFrancho said, no. It is similar to the Stradic lines - FJ and CI4, Chronarch E and CI4+.
sarcazmo reply :
On 8/1/2013 at 1:45 AM, lmbfisherman said:As JFrancho said, no. It is similar to the Stradic lines - FJ and CI4, Chronarch E and CI4+.
Thanks!
one800fish reply :
Hi guys, New here and I've read all the posts on the Curado E Vs G and the Chronarch. Still don't know what to buy. This is why. I bought my son a Calcutta CT50 for his birthday and my Grandson a Curado CU200E7 for his. My son fell in love with the Curado. Well now that there aren't any Curado E's left do I get him a Curado G or a Chronarch E. Which is the closest ? It's my son so I don't mind spending a little more if that's the closest reel. I will say this , I have a Curado 50E that I like better than all of them . Any help would be most appreciated.
Thanks
Smallmouth Hunter reply :
On 8/13/2013 at 12:48 AM, one800fish said:Hi guys, New here and I've read all the posts on the Curado E Vs G and the Chronarch. Still don't know what to buy. This is why. I bought my son a Calcutta CT50 for his birthday and my Grandson a Curado CU200E7 for his. My son fell in love with the Curado. Well now that there aren't any Curado E's left do I get him a Curado G or a Chronarch E. Which is the closest ? It's my son so I don't mind spending a little more if that's the closest reel. I will say this , I have a Curado 50E that I like better than all of them . Any help would be most appreciated.
Thanks
The chronarch e is the same reel with a few minor upgrades as the curado e. I would say go with the chronarch.
lmbfisherman reply :
What Cranken said.
LeroyB reply :
Hello All,
I have followed this post and have enjoyed it very much. I got back into fishing probably two and a half years ago and following Good fishermens advice found me some old greenies. I've upgraded the drags to carbontex and installed Abec 5's, 7's and one with Ceramic7's. all have worked perfectly. Before any upgrades, while fishing on the coast I drug in a stingray with a 28" wingspan, don't know what it weighed but it took me 30 minutes to boat it. I never backed off of it. I didn't know what would give up first, my 12lb mono, my rod or my reel. Luckily all went well and nothing broke. I think that speaks well for the old greenie. I don't know the gear ratios but I want to figue it out.
Now to throw something new into this conversation. I have been thinking about getting a new reel, yep, me too. I'm wanting something that will work for bass fishing, some cat fishing and occasional saltwater fishing. What I'm thinking is the Curado 300 series. I know that they are priced above all the reels talked about in this thread, but it is one of those things that has gotten into my head and I can't get it out. I have to have one! No!!! I won't buy it !! I don't need it !! But I gotta have it!! Anyway,, I think you probably understand. I have never heard anyone ever talk about these reels, would it make a good bass fishing reel, is it worth the price tag in comparison to other reels in the same class ect..
Any of your input, experience and knowledge of them would be greatly appreciated before I make a costly mistake.
Thanks, LeroyB
John B. reply :
I just got back from DSG and the 200G7 that I handled wasn't near as of a nice reeling reel as my Curado 50E.
John B. reply :
On 8/13/2013 at 12:48 AM, one800fish said:Hi guys, New here and I've read all the posts on the Curado E Vs G and the Chronarch. Still don't know what to buy. This is why. I bought my son a Calcutta CT50 for his birthday and my Grandson a Curado CU200E7 for his. My son fell in love with the Curado. Well now that there aren't any Curado E's left do I get him a Curado G or a Chronarch E. Which is the closest ? It's my son so I don't mind spending a little more if that's the closest reel. I will say this , I have a Curado 50E that I like better than all of them . Any help would be most appreciated.
Thanks
You can find plenty of Curado E's on eBay.
Cgrinder reply :
Curado 50e should run you $150 - $180. 51e is harder to come by. NIB chronarch 50/51e can be had for $180 shipped, so there's always that.
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