The original Curado CU200 was for many years the stock and staple of Territory fishing. When the Curado was replaced with a more "modern" reel a few years ago it just about caused a revolt in the guided fishing industry.
They were not only a workhorse reel performing with inexpereinced punters day after day, but they were of simple construction, easy to mainatin, and a deadly weapon in the hands of an expert. Since 1991 when the series was first introduced anglers have turned to the Curado as the benchmark for modern day baitcasters.
Now, after a few years of experimentation, it looks as though the Shimano engineers have come up with a vision that, by accounts coming in, will match the venerable attributes of the old CU200.
Reinventing a reel is never easy, but as the new Curado E series demonstrates – sleek design and cutting edge performance was at the forefront of Shimano engineering objectives.
Upon first glance, the Curado E series is reminiscent of a high performance Jaguar sport car – featuring a metallic green goblin finish and smooth flowing curves, a return to the green paintjob that defined the Curado in a class of it’s own as one of the world’s best selling baitcasters.
The most notable change is that the new reels start as a 200 size. These reels are much smaller and a lot lighter than previous models. They are pleasing to the eye, with a wonderful dark green shimmer and more ergonomically designed to fit into the palm of the hand. There are now more bearings (from five to seven), an aluminium frame and graphite side plates.
The spool has also changed, an A7075 Aluminium Magnumlite double anodised spool to match the handle. The drag star is now the same as the swept star design found on the top of range Calais!
And to complete the package, a baitcast reel just wouldn’t be the same without the following trademark Shimano features - Super Free Bearing Supported Pinion Gear System, Super Stopper II, Assist Stopper, QuickFire II Clutch Bar, Double Anodized Spool and Handle, Dartainium Drag and Variable Brake System (VBS) with Reduced Mass Hub.
