Favorite Shimano Casting Reel? 2024
ghost reply :
My favorite is the Curado 51E. I've had Shimano reels starting from the Curado 201B SF up to the Curado 71HG. I tend to stay in the mid range Shimano's, as much as I'd like to get the higher end, higher priced Shimano's, well the mid price range Shimano's have been great.
What's your favorite Shimano model(s)?
Bluebasser86 reply :
The 70XG Curado I.
Zimobass reply :
Calais 100A. Have high end stuff, such as Antares, Metanium and Conquest, but still like those old tanks the best.
Jrob78 reply :
15 Conquest 200
The Bassman reply :
I've owned a fair amount of Shimano stuff but at the end of the day I can't do better than my 15 Aldebaran 50. I tried to convince myself repeatedly as to how great the 50E series was. It didn't matter if it was mid price, high end, JDM, or USDM they were all geary under load. That's been a topic in other forums. As far as 200 size I love my Scorpion 200. Smooth as silk. On the older side I have a Scorpion 1000 and Curado 100B that I'll never let go of.
Catt reply :
roadwarrior reply :
Different strokes for different folks! I prefer one over another for specific applications. Overall, the Core 50Mg and Aldebaran get the most use, but the CTE100GT and CTE200GT are my go-to reels for heavier stuff. In terms of "maximum performance" at another pricing point, my Curado 50 is supertuned and super duper!
fishballer06 reply :
13 Metanium
basham1988 reply :
I just got familiar with a baitcaster this year. Started with an Abu Garcia silvermax and wasn't long before I wanted something "better". Ended up with a Curado 201I and fell in love. Smooth and sturdy. Just recently read some reviews on the 70/71 series and wanted to get something palm-able as I have smaller hands. So I just picked up a 71hg and 71xg. Won't get to try em out til spring but I'll be ready!
bigfruits reply :
Metanium DC
shackman reply :
I have an old Chronarch A that I've had for probably 20+years that I still use,2 Citica E's but my 6 Curado D and Dsv's gets the most use! I can cast baits using 12 lb line on the 100D's that would usually require spinning equipment..Aluminum framed Japanese Shimano's.. I don't need anything else!
new2BC4bass reply :
My Shimanos are rather limited. Chronarch 101A and 100B, Curado 201E7 and 51Es. I like the E7 the best.
clh121787 reply :
Which of your children is your favorite? my favorite is usually the one I just broke down for a deep cleaning and/ or the one with the freshest line.
Big-Bass reply :
For nostalgic purposes: My Chronarch 100SF that my father (who has since passed) bought me as a high school graduation gift.
For old JDM: My silver Metanium XT with the purple/green/blue super free spool and upgraded bearings/Chronarch B handle.
For mechanical perfection: My Calais 100A and/or my Calcutta TE100GT.
For my true workhorses: My Citica 200E's
For modern/new reels: My Curado 70XG, or the Metanium MGL and/or Aldebaran 50.
Too many favorites...
Darren. reply :
For me the answer is pretty simple. Chronarch 50e.
I've had two of them, my only Shimano casting reels.
But comparing the 50e to a Lexa, Accurist...no brainer 
BigGame0892 reply :
Shimano Curado 200e7 and e5. The Ds were beasts as well.
kickerfish1 reply :
Hulkster reply :
I have the curado 200i PG and think its amazing
RyneB reply :
I own a couple Curados, but I got to fish a few days with a couple Metaniums and they were amazing. I couldn't justify the extra price being on a budget, but man were they nice.
Fishinthefish reply :
Shimano core
gimruis reply :
Haven't used any newer Curado models but I have several older ones that are about 15 years old and they are bullet proof.
iceintheveins reply :
I have a Curado 200E5, and the Curado200IPG. Both are the best baitcasting reels I have. The E gets a slide nod though. I plan on adding another I this winter.
Mumbly reply :
Curado 50E for me as well. Just palms better for me compared to my 200E7. I bought a few Core's (both 50 and 100) which I won't be able to fish until spring so my opinion might change when that happens.
kickerfish1 reply :
On 12/13/2016 at 11:58 AM, Mumbly said:Curado 50E for me as well. Just palms better for me compared to my 200E7. I bought a few Core's (both 50 and 100) which I won't be able to fish until spring so my opinion might change when that happens.
I have every flavor of that 50 platform. Core 50, Alde 50, Scorpion 1000xt, Curado 50, and Chronarch 50. From the Curado 50 to the Core you will a few differences. The Core has a faster gear ratio, higher quality internal bearings, a magnesium frame, and a few other minor differences like the thumbar piece and its quality. It isn't really 2x the reel but for those that appreciate a super light reel that doesn't feel hollow and cheap the Core is one of the best.
Raul reply :
Hard to choose, the one I enjoy the most using is Chronarch 50 Mg.
wdp reply :
Kinda hard to say. I like my Curado 200E7s and 50Es (got 2 of each). I also like my Citica Es, got like 5 or 6. I really like my newer Curado 200Is also. Still got a Citica I that I haven't put on a rod yet. I had a Core Mg that I loved - so lightweight & smooth. But it got run over by an 18 wheeler on I55 one day ? - long story.
The only 2 Shimanos that aren't great are my Curado 200G and an older Curado 200D. That 200D is just bulky and little heavy. It casts & reels smooth, just bulky by today's standards.
ghost reply :
I don't hear too many Shimano JDM casting reels on this thread.
BassWhole! reply :
On 12/12/2016 at 9:15 PM, Catt said:
You forgot to drop the mike and walk away. Yup. I'll give up every one of my LP bait casters before my Calcuttas. These kids don't know...
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/13/2016 at 7:36 PM, reason said:You forgot to drop the mike and walk away. Yup. I'll give up every one of my LP bait casters before my Calcuttas. These kids don't know...
I have 3 Calcuttas now, I understand. I actually have more "old" Shimanos than new ones. The Calcuttas, a few 200B greenies, and a 200BSF. They aren't as light, aren't as flashy, aren't as fast, but the fish don't know that.
Catt reply :
On 12/13/2016 at 7:36 PM, reason said:You forgot to drop the mike and walk away. Yup. I'll give up every one of my LP bait casters before my Calcuttas. These kids don't know...
On 12/13/2016 at 8:05 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I have 3 Calcuttas now, I understand. I actually have more "old" Shimanos than new ones. The Calcuttas, a few 200B greenies, and a 200BSF. They aren't as light, aren't as flashy, aren't as fast, but the fish don't know that.
Calcutta: solid as an anvil, versatile as a pair of Channellocks®, & dependable as a 30/30 
RMax reply :
Chronarchs are really nice.
freelancer27 reply :
Calcutta Conquest 401 and 2016 DC Antares!
onetime reply :
MGL
NHBull reply :
I have 2 C14's on the way......love them
Jeff H reply :
All I have left are my old Castaic's. Back in the day, loved them! They are still good for what they were designed, still like to use them a little bit.
I keep thinking I'll get me a new one, but I always end up buying another Daiwa 
basham1988 reply :
Just did a pretty thorough search trying to see what kind of used Curado 51e's were on the market and there are none anywhere! Must be a pretty good little reel. I have the new 71's but the gear ratios are up in the 7's and 8's and I'd like to get something slower but in a small package. Anybody know what ratios they marketed the 50e/51e's in? Or know of one for sale? ?
Big-Bass reply :
You can get a Scorpion 70/71 (JDM Curado 70/71) in 6.3:1, 7.4:1, and 8.2:1 and with the yen prices, they are currently cheaper than the Curado 70/71. Plus the color combo is awesome...I may at some get one.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/14/2016 at 8:24 AM, Big-Bass said:You can get a Scorpion 70/71 (JDM Curado 70/71) in 6.3:1, 7.4:1, and 8.2:1 and with the yen prices, they are currently cheaper than the Curado 70/71. Plus the color combo is awesome...I may at some get one.
They do look nice
Catt reply :
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 12/14/2016 at 3:59 PM, Bluebasser86 said:They do look nice
Not really, I think curado match the white chornarch 50e better, do you wanna trade yr scorpion with my chronarch? ???
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/14/2016 at 6:27 PM, JustJames said:Not really, I think curado match the white chornarch 50e better, do you wanna trade yr scorpion with my chronarch? ???
Nope, the 50e's didn't fit my hands right. The 70's seem to be just right.
"hamma" reply :
I have many shimano baitcasters, old, new, expensive, inexpensive. For bass, stripers, trout, trolling etc. low profile, rounds, I think you get it. probably 30 to 40 of them. And every one is a left handed model.
I must say that I think there is no better reel than the older, 90's green curados. I have abused, beat up and just wore a couple out while tourney fishing to the point I figured they were about to be shelved just for nostalgia. I sent them to Mike At DVT to be serviced, (they were making a nasty whine when cast) when I got them back? they were as good as new or even better.
I re-introduced them into service this year and they seem to cast and retrieve better than the brand new curados I bought to replace them.
Is there a "better" reel?,..I highly doubt it,.... my calcutta's, I love, but those curados, just out and out, continue to amaze me
Big-Bass reply :
On 12/14/2016 at 9:18 PM, "hamma" said:I have many shimano baitcasters, old, new, expensive, inexpensive. For bass, stripers, trout, trolling etc. low profile, rounds, I think you get it. probably 30 to 40 of them. And every one is a left handed model.
I must say that I think there is no better reel than the older, 90's green curados. I have abused, beat up and just wore a couple out while tourney fishing to the point I figured they were about to be shelved just for nostalgia. I sent them to Mike At DVT to be serviced, (they were making a nasty whine when cast) when I got them back? they were as good as new or even better.
I re-introduced them into service this year and they seem to cast and retrieve better than the brand new curados I bought to replace them.
Is there a "better" reel?,..I highly doubt it,.... my calcutta's, I love, but those curados, just out and out, continue to amaze me
The green Curado B series that ran from about 1994 - 2004 were the most solid workhorse reels around. I owned a 200B, a 100B, a 200BSF and while I no longer have them, they truly are awesome reels. But often bells and whistles catch us as anglers and new reviews often out market the old standbys. Those reels put Shimano back on the map after a hiatus of popularity from Abu and Daiwa in the 80s. Along with the Curado B series was the Calcutta and Chronarch A series. A solid lineup for about a decade and many of those reels are still daily fishers out on the water!
Mike L reply :
Curado 200 E7 / Chronarch 100 SF
Mike
SJex reply :
Core 50mg7 / Curado 100D
Mumbly reply :
On 12/14/2016 at 7:51 AM, basham1988 said:Just did a pretty thorough search trying to see what kind of used Curado 51e's were on the market and there are none anywhere! Must be a pretty good little reel. I have the new 71's but the gear ratios are up in the 7's and 8's and I'd like to get something slower but in a small package. Anybody know what ratios they marketed the 50e/51e's in? Or know of one for sale? ?
The 50e/51e are 6.4:1 ratio stock.
Ohio Archer reply :
All of the left hand Bantams from the '80s I'm still using. 101s, 251s, etc. Still working reel well. ;-)
ghost reply :
I wanted the Calcutta Stogie way back then, but it was not available in left hand. that was a cool and unique reel, color ways at the time.
Big-Bass reply :
On 12/15/2016 at 1:39 AM, ghost said:I wanted the Calcutta Stogie way back then, but it was not available in left hand. that was a cool and unique reel, color ways at the time.
Ahhh the Stogie! Very cool reel indeed!
The Next KVD reply :
My current favorite is the Metanium 13 XG. Fits my hands perfect and I love the longer handle that it comes with. Weighs just right and is smoother than anything I've ever tested. Definitely a reel that will last a long time and won't need to be replaced anytime soon.
The Bassman reply :
On 12/14/2016 at 6:06 PM, Catt said:
This Curado was affectionately called "The Tomato". Bridged the era of Magnumlite GTs, Speedmasters and such with the modern era starting with the B (greenie) series.
Catt reply :
wdp reply :
On 12/16/2016 at 11:41 AM, Catt said:
Dude, I had one almost exactly like that but my handles weren't wooden. One of 1st baitcasters I owned.
j bab reply :
My only Shimano is an Aldebaran.
I should get more Shimanos 
EvanT123 reply :
Hogsticker reply :
Aldebaran mg7 is my favorite Shimano reel. 2nd would be the D series Chronarch. All goners now. Running with Daiwa. Sorry boys
Catt reply :
J Francho reply :
200e, 50e, Conquest.
Catt reply :
And #5!
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 12/16/2016 at 10:37 PM, Catt said:
Oh.... That ?????
Goose52 reply :
Well, I always answer the question of "what is your favorite (rod / reel)" the same way: "the one with the big honkin' bass on the end of the line"...
BUT, if I had to answer the question as intended, I couldn't - there are just too many great models that have been produced over the years.
SO, I will identify a "group" of reels as my favorites (and following the lead of several earlier posters) and say that my favorite ones are the ROUND ONES...
roadwarrior reply :
How would you compare the Conquest to the CTE200GT?
Goose52 reply :
On 12/17/2016 at 9:53 PM, roadwarrior said:How would you compare the Conquest to the CTE200GT?
RW - I guess you're asking about the Conquest 14 vs. the CTE200GT. If that's the case, I guess I'd have to say that both are excellent reels with great performance but the CQ14 just takes it that much farther - having all the new gadgets and gizmos: micro-module gears, X-Ship, SVS Infinity braking system, etc.
The Conquests (both 2000 and 2014 generations) also have some other differences compared to the TE-GT family:
Will all the new technology and the added bling of the CQ catch more fish...probably not but it will make it more fun to catch the same amount of fish.
The most noticeable difference between the two would be that the CQ15 will palm smaller than the CTE-GT. The SVS Infinity braking system is nice as well - having the external adjustment to fine-tune the braking.
Lastly, the line capacity on the CQ14s are somewhat smaller than the older CQ00 (or TE-GTs) so depending on what line you run on your CTE-200GT that could be something to check into. It's difficult to know just how much line the new Conquest 2014s actually hold as the figures on the Shimano USA web site and the Shimano Japan are vastly different. Shimano USA says that a 200 size CQ14 holds 110 yards of "12 lb" test - Shimano Japan says that it will hold 130 meters (142 yards) of .330mm line. In the U.S., .330 mm line could be anywhere from 12 to 15 lb depending on brand and whether it's flouro or nylon mono.
roadwarrior reply :
Thank you!
Maico1 reply :
On 12/17/2016 at 11:42 PM, Goose52 said:
RW - I guess you're asking about the Conquest 14 vs. the CTE200GT. If that's the case, I guess I'd have to say that both are excellent reels with great performance but the CQ14 just takes it that much farther - having all the new gadgets and gizmos: micro-module gears, X-Ship, SVS Infinity braking system, etc.
The Conquests (both 2000 and 2014 generations) also have some other differences compared to the TE-GT family:
CQ has a forged handle / TE-GT has a stamped handleCQ has a forged drag star / TE-GT has a stamped starCQ has clicking spool tension knob and drag / TE-GT has no clicksCQ has a ported palm-side sideplate / TE-GT is plain/unported
Will all the new technology and the added bling of the CQ catch more fish...probably not but it will make it more fun to catch the same amount of fish.
The most noticeable difference between the two would be that the CQ15 will palm smaller than the CTE-GT. The SVS Infinity braking system is nice as well - having the external adjustment to fine-tune the braking.
Lastly, the line capacity on the CQ15s are somewhat smaller than the older CQ00 (or TE-GTs) so depending on what line you run on your CTE-200GT that could be something to check into. It's difficult to know just how much line the new Conquest 2014s actually hold as the figures on the Shimano USA web site and the Shimano Japan are vastly different. Shimano USA says that a 200 size CQ14 holds 110 yards of "12 lb" test - Shimano Japan says that it will hold 130 meters (142 yards) of .330mm line. In the U.S., .330 mm line could be anywhere from 12 to 15 lb depending on brand and whether it's flouro or nylon mono.
Very well said Mr. Goose...
Maico1 reply :
Every Shimano I own is my favorite however the one's I had the most fun with this season are....15 Alde BFS XG Limited , 16 Alde BFS XG and the 16 Antares DC HG....
The Bassman reply :
On 12/18/2016 at 3:49 AM, Maico1 said:Every Shimano I own is my favorite however the one's I had the most fun with this season are....15 Alde BFS XG Limited , 16 Alde BFS XG and the 16 Antares DC HG....
I'm thinking of converting my '15 ald 50 to bfs. Do you see any improvement with mag brakes vs. centrifugal? Hedgehog has an Avail spool with a mag brake kit.
Carterjig68 reply :
Several for me. I love the older curado 200e7s for sure but there is something about the scorpion 200 that i love. I'm not sure if it differs spec wise from the newer curado 200s but it feels buttery smooth. Overall though, my metanium dc and excense dc have both performed flawlessly.
Maico1 reply :
On 12/18/2016 at 4:31 AM, The Bassman said:
I'm thinking of converting my '15 ald 50 to bfs. Do you see any improvement with mag brakes vs. centrifugal? Hedgehog has an Avail spool with a mag brake kit.
They are both very sweet reels but to get to the point, in my opinion the 15 is a lot more finicky when it comes to dialing it in. d**n did I go through some serious backlash sessions, probably the worst I ever experienced in a reel but once it was dialed in it was worth every bit of the frustration it caused. The 16 was a whole different story very simple to adjust and all done externally not having to take off the side plate like the 15. In the end they are both great little reels doing exactly what they were designed for throwing light baits.....If you have patience get yourself a 15 Limited if not go with the 16 . I have nothing against super tuning a reel because I enjoy it myself however there is something to be said about these two reels coming straight out of the box and how they perform.....
Yudo1 reply :
I've owned the curado 51e, scorpion xt, exsence dc, curado i, met 13 and met mgl. All are amazing reels, but right now the met mgl is my favorite. I switched from lews, bps and abu to shimano/daiwa and haven't looked back. I don't even look at a reel unless it says shimano/daiwa.
The Bassman reply :
On 12/18/2016 at 8:18 PM, Maico1 said:They are both very sweet reels but to get to the point, in my opinion the 15 is a lot more finicky when it comes to dialing it in. d**n did I go through some serious backlash sessions, probably the worst I ever experienced in a reel but once it was dialed in it was worth every bit of the frustration it caused. The 16 was a whole different story very simple to adjust and all done externally not having to take off the side plate like the 15. In the end they are both great little reels doing exactly what they were designed for throwing light baits.....If you have patience get yourself a 15 Limited if not go with the 16 . I have nothing against super tuning a reel because I enjoy it myself however there is something to be said about these two reels coming straight out of the box and how they perform.....
Thanks for the input. You're not the first to say that the '15 bfs was touchy.
robster80 reply :
I have a few shimanos and picked up a 13 Met fairy recently but havent fished it. Will no doubt get an MGL in the next couple months. Still love fishing the 200e7 and last season spent most of my time fishing with the ScorpionnXT1000. Also plan to pick up a calcutta conquest as im really starting to like round reels
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