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[Justin]

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to get some input on reel selection as I am in the market for a new baitcasting setup for steelhead.  The reels I am looking at are the are the Daiwa Luna 253 and the Shimano Curado 300E.

What reel do you people prefer in regard to performance and quality?  That being said any other input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Justin

[n8]

Luna is solid, good drag, a little heavier though (not by thaaaat much...). Curado is low profile! gotta love it... faster retrieve at 6.2:1, lighter in weight, has more bearings, holds just as much line, and looks kool too! (imo anyways...) My vote for Curado! (unless u REALLY want a thumb bar in the Luna...)

[Matt]

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewabugarciarecord.html

Stock line capacity is lacking, but the Abu 5500 C3 spool is a direct swap and has plenty of line for steelhead in coastal rivers.  Its light, smooth, durable and simple.  Good reel.                                                                                                                         

[Danube Boy]

It really just comes down to whether you like traditional round or low profile reel. I've never fished a Curado but have no doubt that it's a smooth quality reel. I do, however, own a Luna 253 and it's top quality in every possible way. I am not sure how it could operate any smoother, even if you added a bunch more bearings, I doubt you'd notice the "difference". It's a beautiful reel at a decent price, but like any aluminum reel, it does scratch easily. Lastly, I don't know if this matters to you as I'm not sure what to think of it myself, but Daiwa reels are still made in Japan while most Shimano reels including the Curado are made in Malaysia. I only mention that as I've come across online material (I know, it must be true  ), where some long time Shimano users have noticed a decrease in quality since the movement of manufacturing out of Japan.

Anyway, good luck with your choice as I don't think you can make a mistake either way.

[EZ_Rolling]

I have the Curado and love it but have never fished the Luna so I cannot offer a comparison

[fullahead]

Justin
         I have a Shimanno Calcutta 400; I now use it on the Fraser River. A couple of years ago I started using the Shimanno Curado 200 on the Vedder. I find its, unreal how far you can cast with the Curado. The Calcutta broke this year on the Fraser. Fred’s sent it in for repair; Shimanno repaired it, no problem. I used the Curado 200 as a back up reel this year sockeye fishing. I landed springs on the Fraser with that little reel. Fishing the Vedder, with a level wind, the Curado 200 is my go to reel. You will not be disappointed if you buy one.

[n8]

and i don't know if it'll make any difference to you at all, but obvs. the luna is gold and the curado is green... what do you think will look better on the rod ur gonna put it on? yea it's not too important, just giving you advice on anything else i can think of

[BwiBwi]

I've used both reels before.  This is what I think.

Curado - nice light reel good cast but not great for windy conditions.

Luna - 253 better than the luna 300.  Good adjustments great for any casting condition. 

[norm_2]

BwiBwi, interesting information.  I have thought about a Curado and wonder why it would not be ask good in windy conditions?

[EZ_Rolling]

with the right adjustments to the Curado I have never had a backlash issue that I could not deal with. the side plate opens and offers a lot of settings that are easily adjusted on the fly, if you play with them you can dial in the reel to fit your needs.

[Justin]

Thank everone for the input.  I'm really having a tough go with this one.  I still have some time though.  Its going to be going on a Loomis GL3.

Thanks again everyone  .

Justin

[BwiBwi]

Curado has the 'tab' adjustments inside the side plate.  When adjusting for windlash you can adjust these tabs to prevent windlash.  However, the way the tabs are rearranged if you did not adjust them to balance the spinning you'll loose that smooth casting when using small weights and also loose casting distance. 

Luna 253 is a continuous turn dial adjustment which does not have the problems of the Curado.

[BwiBwi]

Thank everone for the input.  I'm really having a tough go with this one.  I still have some time though.  Its going to be going on a Loomis GL3.

Thanks again everyone  .

Justin

Which GL3?

[Justin]

A STR1263C (GL3)

[chromer]

I'm partial to the Shimano. I've had my 300DSV for a few years now and I love it, no issues. The 1263 (GL3) is a sweeeeeeeeeeet rod as well. Not as purdy as some of the others but man does it have nice action and some snap to it.