opinion on a new steelhead reel

[MtnMuley]

ABU Revo's stx's all the way!  Excellent reels!

I've went through 2 Revo STX's, (Gen 1 and a Gen 3)  and a Revo Wench. One year and work had to be done to all if them. Out of the box, the STX's were impressive.

[MtnMuley]

Also, I'd take a new Curado over an older Curado any day. Definately better reels in my opinion. Shimano is basically at the top of the baitcast reel market, so why would they put out a new Curado that wasn't superior to an older model? Actually now that I think about it, I have a Calcutta 50 on one of my steelie rods now. Every bit as nice as any Curado.

[eastcoastguy]

Really like the comments. Going to look into those mentioned.  I do love my abu c4 but never used shimano before

[MtnMuley]

Your C4 is one of the best priced, most dependable reels ever made.

[eastcoastguy]

I know. That's why i bought it.almost thinking about getting a second one for steelhead. Just have been thinking about the low profile  ones and there benifits

[MtnMuley]

I personally feel the low profile reels are nicer on light rod set ups. Question is, what's your budget, and how much time on the water will the reels be used every year? Also, are you a lure/drifter or a bobber guy? I chose a reel on the amount of use it'll get for the ounce's it will constantly throw. Certain reels won't hold up as long, but will throw a true 1/8 the best.

[eastcoastguy]

I'm all of those lol. I throw up to 1/4oz depending on conditions. Id like to stay between 100 and 150for now if i could. And as for time on the water it varies from season to season.last yr not about.Yr before all weekend the whole season. IrI refuse to buy junk. I want something i don't have to worry about.

[MtnMuley]

Ha, if you're like me, the more you wait and think about it the more your budget will go up.  Sounds like you need a Curado. New or old, find one in new or great shape and give er a whirl.

[RadSav]

I'm sure Shimano put some useful new things on the Curado E over what we had on the old ones.  But I really don't like the ergonomics of the new reel compared to the old.  I expect I would get used to it after awhile, but I'm a stubborn old fart.

[Cap.Silver]

I like Shimano reels - especially models like Exage with 2 sided handle and fighting back brake .....not sure if they are available here ,but we get them in Europe .

[MtnMuley]

All spinning reels have 2 sided retrieve that I've ever used. Rear brake 2 as priceless for me for many years until I was forced to use front drags because of the rear drag disappearance. The Shimano Spirex, which is a cheap priced ($60ish) reel is a good choice which still offers a rear drag double handle model. However, it is a spinning reel and not a baitcast reel like he's looking for.

[Cap.Silver]

My bad , didn't realized it .... in that case I'd go with Shimano Castaic or better Curado .....

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

I really like the Shimanos as well. If you could find the old red winch's around I still run two of them. They are pretty bullet proof.

[RadSav]

I ran an old Millionaire Blue Body for a lot of years.  A lot of those old round body reels held up unbelievably well as long as you rinsed well with clean fresh water after tasting salt.  I always liked Diawa's drags better than Shimano, but eventually switched to Penn Intl and Calcutta.  Both companies treated me VERY well when I was in the industry.  Been wondering if the new Daiwa Saltist-HC is any good?

[eastcoastguy]

Well i bought the curado.went in to look and walked out with it. Thanks for all the help.