E7 chronarch's & curado's 2025
Rbm18 reply :
I just wanted to get some opinions on why people are going so crazy over these reels ? In great condition they go for over $200 . I have a couple of them and love them but I think there are others out there just as good if not better.
DirtyDeuceGoose reply :
They're nice, used to have a couple when I ran shimanos. Probably a cross between being discontinued and just how much they were adored when they were in production.
tomustang reply :
They're tanks
ncbassfisher1496 reply :
I was just browsing a certain auction site and saw bids on almost new Citica 200E up to $156... I know they usually go for a lot less than that, but it's still insane that someone is willing to pay that much for a reel that originally retailed for $120.
Jon G reply :
They have a high reputation for being tanks. They are also classics and are nostalgic
kickerfish1 reply :
Its simple:
1. VBS reels are set and forget - Occasionally engage or disengage a break pin for baits/wind conditions
2. Little maintenance needed at the end of a fishing outing
3. Easy to maintain and clean
4. Parts are still readily available
5. Both the 50 and 200 size cover about 90% of the bass fishing apps except a few select things
6. Reels are comfortable to palm
7. Built well and proven
8. Plenty of aftermarket options for tuning especially on the 50 size
9. For some they may prefer the colors (Pearl white chronarch) or (Dark green metallic Curado)
10. Some forget just how good a reel is until its gone -Look what happened with the Chronarch D since it has been discontinued. I believe it retailed for $220 or so and now they are fetching $225 to $300+
It also comes down to supply and demand. Right now there is a high demand for them and there doesn't seem to be a lot of them coming up for sale, but when they do the sellers are able to sell them for a premium. It doesn't happen with every discontinued reel but occasionally a reel will bring in more used then it did new.
Poolshark reply :
The E series kind of became the benchmark of shimanos affordable reels and for good reason. But with that said, I personally wouldnt spend the money that they are commanding now. There are way too many great reels >200 dollars out there. But to each their own... You have to be happy with what you are using.
BassThumb reply :
With the fishing season just around the corner, now is the time when I meticulously dismantle my reels completely and soak/clean them. Most of them are Curados of the D, E, and G generations. Probably 15 in all.
The G's are wearing out a bit, disappointingly but not surprisingly, even though they're the newest of the three. They feel cheap, fish cheap, and wear cheap. But the E's and D's appear to be of similar quality, and the difference comes down to feel.
When broken down, even 6-10 years after purchase, they (D/E) still look brand new on the inside, aside from some scratches from screwdrivers and pliers.
Im excited to try out the new Curados this summer. They'll replace the G-series Curados. I hope they last as long as the D/E series, because I like to get 5+ years out of a reel.
That said, I would never spend $200 on a used, 6-year-old reel that many people bought for $100-125. That's crazy.
Poolshark reply :
On 4/12/2016 at 12:57 PM, BassThumb said:With the fishing season just around the corner, now is the time when I meticulously dismantle my reels completely and soak/clean them. Most of them are Curados of the D, E, and G generations. Probably 15 in all.
The G's are wearing out a bit, disappointingly but not surprisingly, even though they're the newest of the three. They feel cheap, fish cheap, and wear cheap. But the E's and D's appear to be of similar quality, and the difference comes down to feel.
When broken down, even 6-10 years after purchase, they (D/E) still look brand new on the inside, aside from some scratches from screwdrivers and pliers.
Im excited to try out the new Curados this summer. They'll replace the G-series Curados. I hope they last as long as the D/E series, because I like to get 5+ years out of a reel.
That said, I would never spend $200 on a used, 6-year-old reel that many people bought for $100-125. That's crazy.
Just curious what internal parts are wearing faster on the g series vs e series? I've broken all of mine down several times over the last few years and honestly haven't noticed my g series wearing down any faster than my e series reels. Or b or I series for that matter.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 4/12/2016 at 12:57 PM, BassThumb said:With the fishing season just around the corner, now is the time when I meticulously dismantle my reels completely and soak/clean them. Most of them are Curados of the D, E, and G generations. Probably 15 in all.
The G's are wearing out a bit, disappointingly but not surprisingly, even though they're the newest of the three. They feel cheap, fish cheap, and wear cheap. But the E's and D's appear to be of similar quality, and the difference comes down to feel.
When broken down, even 6-10 years after purchase, they (D/E) still look brand new on the inside, aside from some scratches from screwdrivers and pliers.
Im excited to try out the new Curados this summer. They'll replace the G-series Curados. I hope they last as long as the D/E series, because I like to get 5+ years out of a reel.
That said, I would never spend $200 on a used, 6-year-old reel that many people bought for $100-125. That's crazy.
I'd like to know too. I have two G Series and break them down, I haven't seen an issue. Can you provide pics too?
Bluebasser86 reply :
I have 4 or 5 E7 Curados. Every time I see this kind of stuff, it makes me think I should see what I can get for them since they're all well taken care of and super tuned. Already have one that doesn't even have a rod to go on anyways.
EvanT123 reply :
If shimano painted them Rayburn red they might be worth $500!!!
Rbm18 reply :
To me the citica E is A very under rated reel. I would rather have one of those than a curado g series.
Bankbeater reply :
I had two of them and I sold one a while back. Kind of sorry I did that now.
robster80 reply :
weird how these prices on these things are this season. forget looking st fleabay unless u wanna spend over $200. thats crazy that the citica went for that much. guya readily sell those in the forums for $60-$80. oh well. theyre definitely amazing reels. . i have a NIB E5 ive debated selling
Hawkeye21 reply :
I've been looking to buy a Curado 200E7 but they are all going for over $150 on ebay. I really want one but can't imagine spending that much on a used real. I would consider $100 but even that seems ridiculous since the most I've ever spent on any reel is $60 and that was brand new.
BassThumb reply :
On 4/12/2016 at 1:12 PM, Poolshark said:Just curious what internal parts are wearing faster on the g series vs e series? I've broken all of mine down several times over the last few years and honestly haven't noticed my g series wearing down any faster than my e series reels. Or b or I series for that matter.
On 4/12/2016 at 1:49 PM, lmbfisherman said:I'd like to know too. I have two G Series and break them down, I haven't seen an issue. Can you provide pics too?
I've had some issues with stripping the screw-threads where the side-plates connect with the body. I've never done that before on any other reel.
It's also a PITA to get the spool-tension knob back on without removing the whole handle. It used to slip on more easily, but it's getting more difficult because those threads are just beginning to strip, too.
In addition, the little flap on the side plate to open it up and access the magnetic brakes have a tendency to stick now after a couple season, to the point where I'm worried I may break it when I try to twist it. It happens only occasionally, yet randomly. Yes, I oil it from time to time.
The handle-knob bearings also appear to not be holding up as well as on the earlier models, despite cleaning and greasing them the same exact way.
Most importantly, and most telling, after a good, 3-4 hour complete breakdown, cleaning, and oiling, the G-series does not seem to feel as 'fresh' as a similarly treated D- or E-series reel, which feel like a brand new reel after each spring cleaning. The G just feels like it's beginning to wear out after only two full seasons.
Raul reply :
After being a Curado die hard fan I have to admit it fell from my preference the day the Citica D made it´s debut, now it´s either Citica or Chronarch what I purchase.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 4/12/2016 at 10:54 AM, Rbm18 said:I just wanted to get some opinions on why people are going so crazy over these reels ? In great condition they go for over $200 . I have a couple of them and love them but I think there are others out there just as good if not better.
Agree. Love my Curado 201E7, but wouldn't spend what I've seen some priced at. Passed on a couple at $140 a year or so ago, and wish I hadn't. However, I have picked up a few reels since then that i feel are as good, and paid less for a new reel than what some are now asking for used Es.
Poolshark reply :
I'm glad this thread came about when it did. It got me thinking about the inflated pricing on the old shimano reels. Today I decided to drive out to two small bait and tackle shops and snoop around their reel selection. I have found 2 new in box calcutta 50s, a new chronarch d and a new in box chronarch e7. All posted at their original price. he will cut me a deal if I buy a few of them at once. They've been sitting in his little shop for years. My point is that they are out there if you can find them.
Rbm18 reply :
Sounds like you could make some money on them if you wanted to. And put them on the right web site.
mc6524 reply :
The curado 200i goes for 179.99almost anywhere. I do change the bearings with Bocca or get seal for another $30.00 and this reel performs better than my Zillion.
robster80 reply :
saw a chronarch E go for $100 just moments ago. a curado e7 for 100 also a week ago. a dude beat me to em.
Rbm18 reply :
Dang it, that's a steal if it was in good shape
Nick S reply :
On 4/13/2016 at 8:32 AM, mc6524 said:The curado 200i goes for 179.99almost anywhere. I do change the bearings with Bocca or get seal for another $30.00 and this reel performs better than my Zillion.
I don't understand why anyone would pay that much for the curado i when you can get the citica cheaper... it's the same reel! Especially if you're going to swap out the spool bearings, buy a citica I cheap on ebay swap out the spool bearings and you have a better reel than the curado I for much less.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/13/2016 at 3:39 AM, Poolshark said:I'm glad this thread came about when it did. It got me thinking about the inflated pricing on the old shimano reels. Today I decided to drive out to two small bait and tackle shops and snoop around their reel selection. I have found 2 new in box calcutta 50s, a new chronarch d and a new in box chronarch e7. All posted at their original price. he will cut me a deal if I buy a few of them at once. They've been sitting in his little shop for years. My point is that they are out there if you can find them.
If those are Calcutta 50 B's I'd be all over those things.
Grantman83 reply :
Curados have a reputation for a reason. The g seems to be the only hiccup as of late but is still a solid reel. That being said, I have a citica E with e7 gears and carbontex. It's a tank, true to its reputation. I just purchased a d series Curado because they also have a rep for being tanks.
davidsnookman reply :
I bought a barely used mint condition curado 200e7 about a year ago. I paid $170 for it because of everyone talking about how great they were. I have to say it was the roughest reel under load I have ever used. Yet it was very smooth with no load on it. I had it professionally serviced($25)and they said it was in great condition inside. It was still rough under load. I have tried many of my friends curado 200e7's and they felt exactly the same as mine. I tried to get used to it, but it just ticked me off every time I used it. Eventually I sold it for $100 on craigslist because i wasn't using it anymore. I know I could have got more for it, but I just didn't care. I have owned every curado reel since the b series and still own 200b, castaic 200sf, and a curado 200i(my favorite out of all curados) and I just don't understand why everyone loves the e series. I don't want to offend anybody, but I just don't get the hype. Please someone confirm they are rough under load and I'm not crazy. Just my .02 cents. Thanks Dave
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/13/2016 at 6:02 PM, davidsnookman said:I bought a barely used mint condition curado 200e7 about a year ago. I paid $170 for it because of everyone talking about how great they were. I have to say it was the roughest reel under load I have ever used. Yet it was very smooth with no load on it. I had it professionally serviced($25)and they said it was in great condition inside. It was still rough under load. I have tried many of my friends curado 200e7's and they felt exactly the same as mine. I tried to get used to it, but it just ticked me off every time I used it. Eventually I sold it for $100 on craigslist because i wasn't using it anymore. I know I could have got more for it, but I just didn't care. I have owned every curado reel since the b series and still own 200b, castaic 200sf, and a curado 200i(my favorite out of all curados) and I just don't understand why everyone loves the e series. I don't want to offend anybody, but I just don't get the hype. Please someone confirm they are rough under load and I'm not crazy. Just my .02 cents. Thanks Dave
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "rough under load"? Was it grinding or something? I have 3 or 4 E7s and 1 E5 and none of them are anything I'd consider rough while fighting a fish. Maybe it's something I've never paid attention to or noticed though.
I agree on the I series though. If someone wanted to trade me my used E's for new I's I'd be down for that in a heartbeat.
davidsnookman reply :
It feels like rough gears when using resistance baits like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, rattletraps, and fighting fish. It is very smooth with no resistance, but rough and noisy when tension is on the line. The reel performed fine, but it felt like really bad bearings. There was no noise on casting at all. The bearings were smooth, so it wasn't that. I have no clue what the reason it would do this. Not any of my other reels felt like that. Even my 22 year old 200b that has only serviced a couple times was way smoother than the 200e7, and it has its original bearings.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/13/2016 at 6:51 PM, davidsnookman said:It feels like rough gears when using resistance baits like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, rattletraps, and fighting fish. It is very smooth with no resistance, but rough and noisy when tension is on the line. The reel performed fine, but it felt like really bad bearings. There was no noise on casting at all. The bearings were smooth, so it wasn't that. I have no clue what the reason it would do this. Not any of my other reels felt like that. Even my 22 year old 200b that has only serviced a couple times was way smoother than the 200e7, and it has its original bearings.
That's odd. Like I said, maybe mine do it and I just don't notice but that sounds like something pretty significant that would be very noticeable. Mine are all supertuned though, maybe that made a difference.
The old B's were and still are, one of the best workhorses out there. I still have 5 and recently acquired a very nice 100B that I was almost as excited about as I was my 70XG Curado. I regret every one of my B's that I've sold.
Poolshark reply :
On 4/13/2016 at 1:41 PM, Bluebasser86 said:If those are Calcutta 50 B's I'd be all over those things.
They most certainly are.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/13/2016 at 7:42 PM, Poolshark said:They most certainly are.
Nice, I'd be buying one of those if they're NIB. Always wanted one, but the ones I find now are either way overpriced or way more beat up than I'm willing to deal with.
RB 77 reply :
On 4/12/2016 at 10:54 AM, Rbm18 said:I just wanted to get some opinions on why people are going so crazy over these reels ? In great condition they go for over $200 . I have a couple of them and love them but I think there are others out there just as good if not better.
I own 8 of the E series (50's, 200's, and 300's) and absolutely love them! Not sure if I would pay $200 for a used one unless it was a 300, but hey what ever floats someones boat. We might differ a little bit in the fact that I do believe they are one of if not the best reel in that price range.
Nick S reply :
On 4/13/2016 at 6:02 PM, davidsnookman said:I bought a barely used mint condition curado 200e7 about a year ago. I paid $170 for it because of everyone talking about how great they were. I have to say it was the roughest reel under load I have ever used. Yet it was very smooth with no load on it. I had it professionally serviced($25)and they said it was in great condition inside. It was still rough under load. I have tried many of my friends curado 200e7's and they felt exactly the same as mine. I tried to get used to it, but it just ticked me off every time I used it. Eventually I sold it for $100 on craigslist because i wasn't using it anymore. I know I could have got more for it, but I just didn't care. I have owned every curado reel since the b series and still own 200b, castaic 200sf, and a curado 200i(my favorite out of all curados) and I just don't understand why everyone loves the e series. I don't want to offend anybody, but I just don't get the hype. Please someone confirm they are rough under load and I'm not crazy. Just my .02 cents. Thanks Dave
you are NOT crazy! Every E series reel I've owned and almost every shimano reel I've owned has felt like this! The gears got really rough after little use. And like you everybody else's e series reels I tried felt the same way. Everybody I mentioned it to acted like they didn't know what I was talking about, and every time I mentioned it online I was bashed. A new set of gears will make it smooth again but it won't stay smooth. I've gotten rid of most of my shimano reels except two of the new I series which I haven't used all that much yet, if they get rough fast they're gone too. I also have two d series curados that are still nice and smooth. All my lews reels and my daiwa zillions have stayed smooth which is why I like them so much. I just sold 6 citica E's for 50 bucks each and was happy to get that for them.
But just wait... I'm going to get bashed for saying this.
lmbfisherman reply :
To each their own and their preference. I've never felt this grinding feeling and I own/owned Curado Bs all the way to Is. I also own two Chronarch Es, I actually find the opposite with the Shimanos, I feel they get better as they age. I owned other reels and I keep coming back to Shimano.
Nick S reply :
On 4/13/2016 at 11:01 PM, lmbfisherman said:To each their own and their preference. I've never felt this grinding feeling and I own/owned Curado Bs all the way to Is. I also own two Chronarch Es, I actually find the opposite with the Shimanos, I feel they get better as they age. I owned other reels and I keep coming back to Shimano.
It's not a grinding, It's rough gears.
Rbm18 reply :
I'm not saying your wrong. I just haven't noticed anything like that either.
dam0007 reply :
The E Chronarch was the last Shimano reel to offer a full line up of sizes (200/201 50/51) and gear ratios (5:1, 6:1, 7:1) in lefty and righty.
curtis9 reply :
I've been wanting to pick up a Curado 50e to add to balance out the chronarch, core and scorpion, but have seen the high prices now so I haven't found one yet. I bought my chronarch 50e on clearance last year for $125.
davidsnookman reply :
On 4/13/2016 at 10:33 PM, Nick S said:you are NOT crazy! Every E series reel I've owned and almost every shimano reel I've owned has felt like this! The gears got really rough after little use. And like you everybody else's e series reels I tried felt the same way. Everybody I mentioned it to acted like they didn't know what I was talking about, and every time I mentioned it online I was bashed. A new set of gears will make it smooth again but it won't stay smooth. I've gotten rid of most of my shimano reels except two of the new I series which I haven't used all that much yet, if they get rough fast they're gone too. I also have two d series curados that are still nice and smooth. All my lews reels and my daiwa zillions have stayed smooth which is why I like them so much. I just sold 6 citica E's for 50 bucks each and was happy to get that for them.
But just wait... I'm going to get bashed for saying this.
Thanks for agreeing with me on e series. I really wanted to love those reels because everything else was great on mine, but I just could not get over the roughness. And it is not a grinding feeling at all. If you do a search on the internet, you can find some people that said the same thing about their e series, but its hard to find. They tried new gears, removing the anti-reverse pawl(which I think makes it noisy),levelwind pawl, deep cleaning them, but the roughness always came back in a short period of time. Now all the other shimanos I've owned did not have that roughness even after heavy use. I've had my 200i for a year and half with no problems(except when I forget to oil the brake drum). It is very smooth, and powerful under load and it is an excellent caster. Nick use your i's they will become one of your favorite reels. Check out this video with the curado i's.
mc6524 reply :
I can get the curado for $10.00 more and it has an adjustable brake force control
Nick S reply :
On 4/14/2016 at 7:47 AM, mc6524 said:I can get the curado for $10.00 more and it has an adjustable brake force control
If you are referring to the curado I over the citica I they have the same breaking system. They are the same exact reel except the curado has anti rust spool bearings.
Nick S reply :
On 4/14/2016 at 7:38 AM, davidsnookman said:Thanks for agreeing with me on e series. I really wanted to love those reels because everything else was great on mine, but I just could not get over the roughness. And it is not a grinding feeling at all. If you do a search on the internet, you can find some people that said the same thing about their e series, but its hard to find. They tried new gears, removing the anti-reverse pawl(which I think makes it noisy),levelwind pawl, deep cleaning them, but the roughness always came back in a short period of time. Now all the other shimanos I've owned did not have that roughness even after heavy use. I've had my 200i for a year and half with no problems(except when I forget to oil the brake drum). It is very smooth, and powerful under load and it is an excellent caster. Nick use your i's they will become one of your favorite reels. Check out this video with the curado i's.
I replaced the gears in two of my citica E's and they were smooth again at first but after a few days on the water they went right back to feeling rough. I have a curado I and a citica I, hopefully they stay smooth like you said.
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