Shimano Curado E7 Review
Announced at the 2008 ICAST show, and available only a few months later, Shimano has overhauled the new Curado reel. Its reduced size and weight are a few of the features you are sure to notice, but does it pack the punch you need on the water? Lets find out…
In Depth:
Manufacturer: Shimano
Type: Low-Profile Baitcasting Reel
Weight: 7.6 oz
Gear Ratio: 7.0:1
Drag: 11lb
MSRP: $179.99
Retailers:
Anglers International Resources – $179.99
Monster Fishing Tackle – $179.99
Land Big Fish – $179.99
Tackle Warehouse – $179.99
Bass Tackle Depot – $179.99
The Curado line started at Shimano in 1991. Since then, every new series had made innovations that result in being the benchmark for other baitcasting reels at Shimano and its competitors. This years version is no different. I will go in depth into what makes the new E7 a contender for your wallet as well as your attention on the water.
The new and improved Curado. Rigged up on the Cumara.
It seems that every time Shimano redesigns the Curado line, anglers come out of the woodwork. There’s always tons of strong comments that can be found in fishing forums, comparing it to the previous years version.
This year, Shimano made sure they would get everyone talking. For starters, they redesigned the entire frame and making it smaller than the previous Curado 100D but with the same line capacity as the previous years Curado 200DHSV. Shimano also stepped up and made the reel lighter. Its now 2.2oz lighter to be exact. Reduced from 8.8oz down to 7.6oz.
More bearings. 7 total now.
You will also notice a smoother reel due to the 7 bearings. This includes 1 Stainless A-RB, 5 Shielded Stainless Steel Bearings, and 1 A-RB Roller Clutch Bearing.
It features a new looking Magnumlite spool which I weighed in at a light weight 14 grams. Only 2 grams heavier than the 50mg spool, at 12 grams.
The 1/8 turn is very slick. Remember the old days?
Opening the lightweight graphite sideplate reveals a 1/8 turn design. Its one of those simple things to overlook, but makes you feel like you found a hidden feature every time.
For the tweak demon in us all.
Opening the sideplate reveals our braking setup and a look at the spool design.
Very fluid line guide management.
The titanium line guide can be seen here as well as the sparkling paint job that Shimano introduced this year. Its very similar to a chameleon color changing paint job, but with sparkles. This is something totally new for 2008 from Shimano.
April 25, 2009
have an e5 running 30lb braid, so far very happy, same as all shimano though overpriced
May 21, 2009
I have a 300e sitting here waiting till Father’s Day. Hope it gets here soon!!!
February 28, 2011
Just bought mine yesterday and had a great day fishing…. despite the 25mph winds. Even into the wind, with the proper adjustments the reel handled great. Nice distance, smooth action, and it looks amazing. Side by side with the new Abu G. Revo STX, I’ll be using the Currado much more. While both are great with very little difference, it’s the Currado’s ability to function in the elements that makes it my first choice.