CU200i on deck ... First impression.
CU200i on deck ... First impression.
I had a chance to fish the 6 gear for a couple hours today.
Didnt tie into anything of size but did get to chunk Little John MD's and a Rapala DT-10 on a Cumara (Gen 1) 7' Heavy Mod Fast spooled with 15 mono for ripping tops of grass near creek channels.
I usually give a reel several outings and a break in period before passing judgement ...
Long story short ... I hate to say this early but this thing rocks !
Its a casting machine once you get it dialed in ! Even though not overly large plugs the X-Ship seems to be the real deal on keeping thigs running smooth !
Is this a Antares replacement ... probably not. I'm keeping in mind the price point and a open mind. At $179 the reel seems to pack a big punch and offers a whole lot. It has me thinking this may be the best Curado to date !
I know that looks, feel, and performance are all subjective ... and not everyone may feel the same. This is my opinion of the CU200i.
Your results may vary ...
Here are a couple of pics of some of the other reels I had on deck today. As you can see It had some competition to stand up against ...
Didnt tie into anything of size but did get to chunk Little John MD's and a Rapala DT-10 on a Cumara (Gen 1) 7' Heavy Mod Fast spooled with 15 mono for ripping tops of grass near creek channels.
I usually give a reel several outings and a break in period before passing judgement ...
Long story short ... I hate to say this early but this thing rocks !
Its a casting machine once you get it dialed in ! Even though not overly large plugs the X-Ship seems to be the real deal on keeping thigs running smooth !
Is this a Antares replacement ... probably not. I'm keeping in mind the price point and a open mind. At $179 the reel seems to pack a big punch and offers a whole lot. It has me thinking this may be the best Curado to date !
I know that looks, feel, and performance are all subjective ... and not everyone may feel the same. This is my opinion of the CU200i.
Your results may vary ...
Here are a couple of pics of some of the other reels I had on deck today. As you can see It had some competition to stand up against ...
- fishingandfords
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- Location: Southside Chicago
Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
Atleast 2 sexy reels on the deck Can't wait to get the curado out and for this winter to end
- IlliniDawg01
- Pro Angler
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Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
Based on your experience with the reels on your deck how would you rank them for:
Distance casting 1/2 oz + baits
All around casting versatility
Reeling Performance under load
No pressure.
Thanks for sharing.
DaveJ
Distance casting 1/2 oz + baits
All around casting versatility
Reeling Performance under load
No pressure.
Thanks for sharing.
DaveJ
Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
Way to be impartial and represent multiple companies that make refined reels and rods. All good choices.
Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
I have high hopes that the CU i Series will be the best yet. From everything I have read and have seen, the CU D series finally has a true legacy.
- Bootytrain
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Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
Nice gear! Id also be interested to hear the performance vs those significantly more expensive reels.
Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
Casting aside, as these reels will excel with different type/size lures in my book...I want to know the torque/power comparison.Bootytrain wrote:Nice gear! Id also be interested to hear the performance vs those significantly more expensive reels.
Granted you may not have put all the reels through lures with heavy resistance, from say, 1 - 3oz +?
BTW...that new design/look on the Cumara is hideous! Your D7/D5 deserves better!
- Jason Penn
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Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
thanks for the review. the last curados i owned were 100 b's, but that may change soon. the more i see and read on the i's, the more impressed i am.
Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
Dave at this point I would say even without the CU200i in the mix it would be hard to make a fair comparison between the other reels alone. They have not all shared the same rod, line, and lure weights.IlliniDawg01 wrote:Based on your experience with the reels on your deck how would you rank them for:
Id say only because of using from 3/8 to 2 oz. on my Z200/795 combo (my Z2020/zillion 7'6" pictured) and having used braid, mono, and fluoro between them and different apps id say they are the most powerful/refined/versatile/performing reels so far I've owned. Although most would argue the size and weight and miss out on the marvel.
Not much finesse in my style of fishing ... I like my combos to be able to handle heavier in most cases if need be. Where here on Tackle Tour there is a lot of emphasis on lighter is always better. Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Lake Fork, and the Red River down here will break your heart if you get caught up with too light of gear.
Up to a year ago I was "Branded" by one company. Im really glad I opened my mind to experience a little more of whats out there. Although my wallet would disagree ...toddmc wrote:Way to be impartial and represent multiple companies that make refined reels and rods. All good choices.
Thanks !Bootytrain wrote:Nice gear! Id also be interested to hear the performance vs those significantly more expensive reels.
That reel will not be used for over 3/4 oz. in m y arsenal. I have other tools for above that weight. It was my first outing with it and I am really impressed for plugs in the 3/8 to 1/2 oz range in casting and retrieve so far. I used the reel with a open mind and knowing its price point of $179.
Im going to try and not get into Shimano vs Daiwa but will say that when compared to the following reels: The CH150 Ci4, Tatula R, CU/CH 200E and the CH100D the CU200i mat be my favorite. Can the CH100D7 throw lighter ... Maybe (spool start up speed) , is the Ci4 lighter ? yes or better for salt ? Maybe , is Tatula larger ? yes, ...
So far... for the way it palms, casts within the range tested, and the fluid feel at its price point is why im so stoked.
Im sure it will not dazzle everyone ... and that's ok. Will it be perfect for every application ... probably not.
But for a general use reel and after adding up all of its high points I find Shimano brought it with this one.
Bingo !dragon1 wrote:Casting aside, as these reels will excel with different type/size lures in my book...
No I have not Van ... I have a tendency to grab a Z above 1 oz. resistance.dragon1 wrote:I want to know the torque/power comparison.
Granted you may not have put all the reels through lures with heavy resistance, from say, 1 - 3oz +?
When pitching 3/4 oz. up to 1 1/2 oz. I grab a Zillion type R and If I pitch above 1 1/2 oz. back to the Z.
I agree ...dragon1 wrote:BTW...that new design/look on the Cumara is hideous! Your D7/D5 deserves better!
That rod and I have a love hate relationship. I love its action for cranks 1/2 oz. and under. I've made it past the handle and have gotten use to it. However ... I cant stand to look at it !
Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
Nice initial thoughts. The more I read the more these sound like the real deal.
I am really tempted to try one of these but I just can't justify the $209.99CAD + 13% tax = $237 price tag up here in Canada. I just feel like I could do better used for that price. Still very tempting though, been wanting to branch out to Shimano as of late.
I am really tempted to try one of these but I just can't justify the $209.99CAD + 13% tax = $237 price tag up here in Canada. I just feel like I could do better used for that price. Still very tempting though, been wanting to branch out to Shimano as of late.
- Afrayedknot
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Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
It will be on sale in a little while. St. Patrick's day and Memorial Day are coming up.biggs wrote:Nice initial thoughts. The more I read the more these sound like the real deal.
I am really tempted to try one of these but I just can't justify the $209.99CAD + 13% tax = $237 price tag up here in Canada. I just feel like I could do better used for that price. Still very tempting though, been wanting to branch out to Shimano as of late.
Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
Thanks for the insight
- Afrayedknot
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Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
The second picture down is blowing my mind. The reel looks so small next to the D7 and zillion.
Re: CU200i on deck ... First impression.
This may be the case...however it is also farther back in the pic.Afrayedknot wrote:The second picture down is blowing my mind. The reel looks so small next to the D7 and zillion.