Shimano Curado I, Duckett 360, Abu Garcia Revo Mgxtreme (Baitcaster Choices) 2024
fishraptor reply :
After doing a lot of review I think these three are my choices for my first baitcaster:
Shimano Curado I, 3 different rations, $180 range
Duckett 360 series, 6.3 or 7.1 ratio, $250 range
Abu Garcia Revo MGXtreme, 7.1 ratio, 4.9 oz, $500
These are the three that currently on the top of my list to consider. I have read great reviews regarding the Curado I and know they are very popular. I also know that the Duckett 360 series got great reviews and was selected "editors choice 2015". The Abu Garcia is also very nice but it is also twice the price of the others and I am not sure if it is that much better or just Abu's high price baitcaster. You would think that for that much more it would be a much better reel.
Can anyone give me their opinions on these, either individually or by personal comparison. If I thought the more expensive reels were better than I would go with them but don't want to spend money if it is not going
to give me something in return.
Heading out tomorrow to tackledirect to shop. Really really looking forward to evaluating the products first hand and matching them with great rods.
hzzhangc reply :
$180 range daiwa alphas sv, $250 range shimano metanium. $500 range you can have almost whatever you want from shimano daiwa or megabass. For the three you've listed expect the curado I would highly doubt they are even worth the price at half of their MSRP.
Diggy reply :
On 10/31/2015 at 6:28 AM, fishraptor said:After doing a lot of review I think these three are my choices for my first baitcaster:
Shimano Curado I, 3 different rations, $180 range
Duckett 360 series, 6.3 or 7.1 ratio, $250 range
Abu Garcia Revo MGXtreme, 7.1 ratio, 4.9 oz, $500
These are the three that currently on the top of my list to consider. I have read great reviews regarding the Curado I and know they are very popular. I also know that the Duckett 360 series got great reviews and was selected "editors choice 2015". The Abu Garcia is also very nice but it is also twice the price of the others and I am not sure if it is that much better or just Abu's high price baitcaster. You would think that for that much more it would be a much better reel.
Can anyone give me their opinions on these, either individually or by personal comparison. If I thought the more expensive reels were better than I would go with them but don't want to spend money if it is not going
to give me something in return.
Heading out tomorrow to tackledirect to shop. Really really looking forward to evaluating the products first hand and matching them with great rods.
Most of those reels are less expensive on the auction sites. The MGXtreme is around $350 the curado is 150 or less. I'd get the curado based on price and performance. The reel works well and the money saved on the MGX gives you a lot of extra budget from the store you're buying from, if you choose to hit the 500 mark on spending.
Jrob78 reply :
I would get the Curado 100 times out of 100, of those you listed. Do not spend $500 on a Revo!!
illinifan4152 reply :
Defiantly the curado I! Best band for the buck if you ask me.
clh121787 reply :
Curado is the only reel as far as I'm concerned.
dam0007 reply :
You're first baitcaster definitely take that Abu off the list!!! Still have yet to fish the Curado I series but do own a few dozen Shimanos. You're first BC I recommend quality just for ease of use and it's less frustrating regarding back lashes. Anything in the $125-$175 range should be good. New Citica is $150 I personally would start there. I would even venture to say buy a Citica G series used off eBay. Same price range on a good Rod and all the savings towards baits and line.
JeziHogg reply :
Dude, if you're going to pull the trigger on an MGXtreme, you're better off getting a Metanium or Aldebaran 50 for under $300 on JLS.
Weld's Largemouth reply :
Dont buy a reel from duckett. They only make good rods. I have read some bad things about their reels. Go with the curado.
edfitzvb reply :
I have NUMEROUS reels that I use. I have reels made by 7 or 8 makers, all in the ~$200.00 price point. In that range you can buy a reel that will last for many years and give excellent and faithful service. MY choice in that price range, based on experience, would be either the Curado or a Lew's Tournament Pro. The Curado is a nice, simple, serviceable reel made by people who KNOW reels and is smooth as silk. Ditto for the Tournament Pro, and I prefer it by quite a bit over the Shimano. If I only had one reel, the TP would be it. That being said, Shimano is an excellent reel maker. If you have eliminated Lew's for some reason, BUY THE CURADO.
Done
new2BC4bass reply :
Of the 3 listed, I would add my name to the list for the Curado I. All my Shimnos are older reels. Although I reely like them, my first choice if buying new today would be the Alphas SV because of all the great remarks made about it. Doesn't hurt that about half my reels are Daiwas. 
However, after owning a Primmus, I would suggest also looking at the Primmus Xi XS and Optimus Xi XS hand-tuned reels. Not much about them here, but my Primmus quickly became one of my favorite reels. I'm like edfitzvb in that I own numerous reels of several different brands. I don't dislike any of my reels, but the Primmus, 50th Zillion, Alphas models, Chronarch 100B, Curado 201E7, Curado 51E, Tatula and TD-Z 105H are reels I reach for first. I am not as enamored with the Lews TP as some. Probably because a grandson claimed it as his so I seldom get to use it. It is a nice looking, light, good casting reel....from the little I've been able to use it.
kickerfish1 reply :
Frankly, I wouldn't get any of those to learn for your FIRST baitcaster.
drew4779 reply :
I own many reels by many brands. My first choices are always my shimano chronarchs or my daiwa 105 sv. No question.
For your first bait caster, I'd go with a shimano. These are the easiest to dial in and are the most forgiving.
Bass Turd reply :
Another vote for the Curado I. Be aware that there are two different types of breaking systems on bait casters. Magnetic and Centrifugal. Modern bait casters can have one, the other or both. I learned to cast a bait caster on a Curado so I know the centrifugal breaks work for me. Tackle Warehouse has a program that you can try out the reels they sell. I'd look into that option and it might help you decide. Good luck.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 10/31/2015 at 9:59 PM, kickerfish1 said:Frankly, I wouldn't get any of those to learn for your FIRST baitcaster.
Please explain why not. What reel would you suggest for a first baitcaster?
k3bass reply :
For 199 bucks on sale at tw the lews team gold speed spool would be hard to beat!
Why would anyone choose the curado over the new citica if its basically the same reel? Can the curado still be found for less than the citica?
kickerfish1 reply :
On 11/1/2015 at 6:50 AM, new2BC4bass said:Please explain why not. What reel would you suggest for a first baitcaster?
You couldn't pay me to fish a Duckett reel. The Curado I is a love it or hate it reel. The Abu is way over priced. However the criteria I would use vs what the OP may be looking for in a reel is vastly different. Also the budget seems all over the place. Can't understand why someone would drop $500+/- on a reel they will be attempting to use for the first time. I would much rather spend under $150 for a reel to learn on than 3x that much. I have my suggestions but I don't won't to suggest something other than what he is considering.
deep reply :
For the longest time I thought the VBS system was more forgiving than the SVS (I have 4 VBS Shimanos and 3 SVS ones), until one day I figured out what works for me.
For the VBS brake-equipped reels, I set the spool tension high (like you do so that the bait slowly falls), and the brakes low (one or two out of 6). For the SVS ones, I set the spool tension low (barely enough to stop side to side play) and the brakes are at about 50%.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/1/2015 at 10:03 AM, kickerfish1 said:You couldn't pay me to fish a Duckett reel. The Curado I is a love it or hate it reel. The Abu is way over priced. However the criteria I would use vs what the OP may be looking for in a reel is vastly different. Also the budget seems all over the place. Can't understand why someone would drop $500+/- on a reel they will be attempting to use for the first time. I would much rather spend under $150 for a reel to learn on than 3x that much. I have my suggestions but I don't won't to suggest something other than what he is considering.
Commendable, but really..............when has it ever stopped any of us from making other suggestions. 
I've become as guilty as the next person. I've never used any of the 3 the OP posted. However, I'd pick the Shimano because of my experiences with the older models. I also like my older Revos, but 1) I can't afford $500 for a reel, and 2) after reading about the Gen 3 reels for the past couple years, I'd rather have a Gen 2 or older reel. Have never read a thing about the Duckett reels therefore I wouldn't try one until it has been proven. Especially since there are 3 or 4 other reels I think I absolutely HAVE to have first.
fishraptor reply :
Well I sincerely wish to thank everyone for their input. I value your opinions and expertise. After reading all post and getting my hands on some gear I made the following purchases yesterday at tackledirect:
Even though the Curado I got the unanimous vote I went with it's big brother the Shimano Mentanium.
The rod that i selected for that was a Megabass Orochi xx F4.5 6' 8" (1/4 to 3/4oz) 8-18lb.
for a rod to use with the knew (blue color) Plueger President spinning reel I got a:
Gloomis NRX 842S SJR blue rod, 1/8 to 3/8, medium, fast (I hope she HATES it) !
One point.... the NRX does have Sic guides below and Recoil above and I am not real familiar with them, I know some do not like but ??? I am finding it super hard to believe that these "springy" guides will hold up to braid. I would assume that if they don't rod manufactures will stand behind as it has a lifetime guarantee ?? If I see they are going to be a problem I will just switch to sic guides down the road. Thoughts anyone ?
They asked me what they needed to do to "close the deal" so I picked out 2 300yard spools of Suffix 832 camo braid (10 for the Plueger and 30# for the Mentanium) and 2 floating frogs of different manufactures (as I had only used jitterbugs and these seemed very versatile). Not sure if braid will work well on the Mentanium as apposed to floro but will give it a go. Thoughts anyone ?
They said o.k.
Free shipping to my house, no tax
I was very disappointed that they did not have any phoenix rods or St. Croix Legends xtremes or Gloomis GLX's for me to look at.
While there I looked at the Stradic C14 in the 3000 size, SUPER nice and definitely plan on getting one of those probably at a spring show where I can match it up on a nice Phoenix or ??
Thanks again everyone for your help.
P.S. Now my collection consists of:
1 Stella 10000 on a 11' Century surf rod
2 Talica 16II (trolling reels for the boat)
1 Saragosa (for my girls St. Croix Avid)
1 Metanium on the new Megabass Orochi xx
1 Penn spinfisher 4500 on a St. Croix Avid)
1 Pluegger on the new NRX
1 Pluegger on a Wright & Mcgill (Skeet Reese) light spinning rod
kickerfish1 reply :
On 11/1/2015 at 9:31 PM, new2BC4bass said:Commendable, but really..............when has it ever stopped any of us from making other suggestions.
I've become as guilty as the next person. I've never used any of the 3 the OP posted. However, I'd pick the Shimano because of my experiences with the older models. I also like my older Revos, but 1) I can't afford $500 for a reel, and 2) after reading about the Gen 3 reels for the past couple years, I'd rather have a Gen 2 or older reel. Have never read a thing about the Duckett reels therefore I wouldn't try one until it has been proven. Especially since there are 3 or 4 other reels I think I absolutely HAVE to have first.
I agree with what you posted. Perhaps the most interesting thing is the rather large price gap he is considering. Most people are only wanting to spend no more than $100 or so on their first baitcaster. Heck I learned on some old Shimano and Daiwa reels from the 80s. The kind of reels you actually had to provide my user input on to control. These reels were heavy, bulky, uncomfortable and very non sophisticated. Learning on such reels actually taught me thumbing, motion, and adjusting the brakes. Todays reels will spoil folks in terms of how much they can really do for the user without requiring much user input/skill. By input I mean thumbing, skill, casting motion, etc.
I spent the better part of a few days this year helping guys learn baitcasters. The first guy simply had a hard time adjusting to it and struggled to find the balance between casting distance and backlashes. Ultimately he decided he was going to use all spinning gear and visit the idea of casting gear another year where he had more time to devote to casting. The 2nd guy had a bad experience with casting gear and hated the idea of thumbing, casting into a wind, and the likelihood of having to pick out backlashes. When he and I were out fishing one day asked what I was using and I told him it was a Shimano Exscence DC. He looked at it and said "probably another reel that would frustrate me". Well I said actually it has a basically an dummy mode on there they call "night mode". It essentially provides all the breaking you would need throughout the cast even to the time where it hits the water. I also told him the that mode was immune to wind, wind resistant baits, and thumbing of any kind. He grabbed the outfit and made a cast with it and said "Wow, I never thought something existed". He made a few more casts and looked over at me and smiled and said, "I am ordering one tonight", and sure enough he did. In addition to the night mode the reel also has several other modes that offer more enjoyment and casting distance for most of us.
If I was spending what I would be considered a large budget on a reel I would get an Exscence DC, any Shimano E series reel in good condition, or any Daiwa reel that has an SV spool. These reels seem to offer the most performance and user friendliness.
OnthePotomac reply :
I have three Curado I's and love them and also have three Chronarch 150 C14's and if you have that kind of money look at the Chronarchs. They are incredibly smooth.
Maknora reply :
I would go with pro speed lews on sale at tackle speed for 199. Absolute best for new baitcast learners. I got one and it's amazing.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/2/2015 at 12:15 AM, fishraptor said:Well I sincerely wish to thank everyone for their input. I value your opinions and expertise. After reading all post and getting my hands on some gear I made the following purchases yesterday at tackledirect:
Even though the Curado I got the unanimous vote I went with it's big brother the Shimano Mentanium.
The rod that i selected for that was a Megabass Orochi xx F4.5 6' 8" (1/4 to 3/4oz) 8-18lb.
for a rod to use with the knew (blue color) Plueger President spinning reel I got a:
Gloomis NRX 842S SJR blue rod, 1/8 to 3/8, medium, fast (I hope she HATES it) !
One point.... the NRX does have Sic guides below and Recoil above and I am not real familiar with them, I know some do not like but ??? I am finding it super hard to believe that these "springy" guides will hold up to braid. I would assume that if they don't rod manufactures will stand behind as it has a lifetime guarantee ?? If I see they are going to be a problem I will just switch to sic guides down the road. Thoughts anyone ?
They asked me what they needed to do to "close the deal" so I picked out 2 300yard spools of Suffix 832 camo braid (10 for the Plueger and 30# for the Mentanium) and 2 floating frogs of different manufactures (as I had only used jitterbugs and these seemed very versatile). Not sure if braid will work well on the Mentanium as apposed to floro but will give it a go. Thoughts anyone ?
They said o.k.
Free shipping to my house, no tax
I was very disappointed that they did not have any phoenix rods or St. Croix Legends xtremes or Gloomis GLX's for me to look at.
While there I looked at the Stradic C14 in the 3000 size, SUPER nice and definitely plan on getting one of those probably at a spring show where I can match it up on a nice Phoenix or ??
Thanks again everyone for your help.
P.S. Now my collection consists of:
1 Stella 10000 on a 11' Century surf rod
2 Talica 16II (trolling reels for the boat)
1 Saragosa (for my girls St. Croix Avid)
1 Metanium on the new Megabass Orochi xx
1 Penn spinfisher 4500 on a St. Croix Avid)
1 Pluegger on the new NRX
1 Pluegger on a Wright & Mcgill (Skeet Reese) light spinning rod
Great choices! Enjoy.
cottny27 reply :
With the Duckett reel it seems like you don't get a whole bunch for $250. And I wouldn't spend $500 on the Abu...EVER.
Fisher-O-men reply :
For $500 that thing should cast itself, net your fish and light your cigar!!!
amac44kc reply :
On 10/31/2015 at 8:08 PM, Weld's Largemouth said:Dont buy a reel from duckett. They only make good rods. I have read some bad things about their reels. Go with the curado.
this is one of the reasons that the duckett 360 is now going for less than 150 on ebay LOL! just got mine yesterday and if im being 100% honest it is now only behind my alphas and my steez on my list of go to reels. my team lew's is probably more impressive looking but doesn't come close in the casting distance or spool feel same with my metanium ('10) and the rest of my shimano collection isn't as refined feeling. though my curado collection is like a group of roaches during a nuclear holocaust......they'll last forever. these aren't one off abu clones like people think. duckett made a quality reel and they have been rumored to death. now you can get one, try it and sell it back and get most of your money back. my point is don't type what you heard about a reel. type what you've experienced.
SenkoGuru reply :
I am a big time Duckett Rod supporter, I use Megabass and many, many other rods but my favorite is Duckett for rod's. Having said that I would not recommend the Duckett reels to anyone. I tried them and (IMO) found them lacking, They are just not as Good as Diawa or Shimano to me. Out of what you listed I would have gone with the Shimano. The reel you picked is an Amazing Baitcaster and it should be a great first reel to learn on. I think you will be happy with it.
EDIT....The Duckett Reels were closer to Quantum than Abu IMO.
WdyCrankbait reply :
Yeah, out of those three you listed pick up the Curado.
If you're open for suggestions look at Lews.
Good luck!
robster80 reply :
curado . by far .
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