Shimano Curado E7

Type: Shimano Low-Profile Baitcasting Reel

Weight: 7.6 oz
Gear Ratio: 7.0:1
Drag: 11lb
MSRP: $179.99

Announced at the 2008 ICAST show, and available only a few months later, Shimano has overhauled the new Curado E7  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…

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

The new and improved Curado E7

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 about the Curado E7. 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. They reduced the Curado E7 from 8.8oz down to 7.6oz.

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.

Opening the lightweight graphite sideplate of the Curado E7 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.

Opening the Curado E7 sideplate reveals our braking setup and a look at the spool design.

The Curado E7 small details like the machined handle cap, and the drilled handle really make you feel like you got your moneys worth. It should also be noted that this years Curado MSRP is $20 cheaper than the Curado D.

The clicking star drag and machined brake knob are nice details to the reel. The star drag is Cold Forged Aluminum and is the same style found on the more expensive Calais. The machined brake knob allows for easy adjustment even during wet conditions and is large enough for most hand sizes, unlike other small reels.

Schematics Curado E7

source Tacklereviewer

Tags: Curado E7, Deta, E7, Gear Ratio, Hidden Feature, Icast Show, Innovations, Lighter, Lightweight Graphite, Low Profile, Moneys, Msrp, Previous Years, Shimano Curado E7, Spool Design, Stainless Steel Bearings, Star Drag, Starters, Strong Comments, Woodwork