Shimano Castaic super free

[bassbusta01]

just wondering what you guys think about these reels and maybe a couple of reasons why.thanks

[Wolfeman]

I love em. They're lighter than the old Curado. The thumb bar lets me engage the reel right after the bait hits the water (someday I'll learn to flip lefthanded )
Hold lots of 17lb test. Smooth operation.
- Wolfeman

[fish_food]

The thumb bar lets me engage the reel right after the bait hits the water (someday I'll learn to flip lefthanded

???

But your reel should be engaged when you're flipping--it's only disengaged when drawing the line out and then put back into gear after you've pulled out enough for the flip.

That's what flipping switches were mainly made for...but that's not to say that you can't use it instantly re-engage the gears after a cast, o' course.

just wondering what you guys think about these reels and maybe a couple of reasons why.

The Japanese version (Scorpion Quickfire) is pretty nice. Same burgundy color as the Scorpion 1000, has big power grips on the handle and is a bit smoother/tighter feeling. It's nice but I'd rather have one of Shimano's newer reels...

[BassManDan]

Awesome reels. I have 2 that I use thoroughly.
the "instgage clutch" is great, lets you reengage the reel as soon as the bait hits the water (pitchin) and allows quick and easy adjustment of line out when flippin.

I think they are the same weight as the old curado 200's but with the clutch and deshielded bearings (ARBB), they are tough to beat.

Scope out ebay, that where you can usually get them cheaper for a new or lightly used one.

BassManDan

[ash]

I also have two that I use for flippin, pitchin and vertical jiggin. I have left haned models as I like the fact that I dont change hands during my presentations. Two thumbs up from me!

[whazup]

I have two, and if I could afford them, I would have more. I love em.

[Brian]

I have 4 or 5 of them and like them.

[brambo0311]

From what I have seen the japanese stuff made for the japanese market has allot of attention to detail. They have to market to there own people that are allot pickier than a hill billy like me. Kind of like the lucky craft real skin stuff compared to the made in usa standard stuff. Both great baits, but those real skin ones are art work. But I think there are issues with getting them serviced by shimano over here. But my scorpion hasnt had a problem yet so I dont know for sure.

[Mike]

They are a good reel for flippin and pitchin. I like the old model better, but they are hard to find. The switch id just a little bigger.

[Jim Conlow Sr.]

The reason that I have the Castaic is because when I tried my first one in comparison with the two Chronarchs that I owned I coulddnt see any real difference in their performance. 15 of mine are the old style and I have to look at the reels to really know the difference. Performance wise I dont really see much difference at all.
The reason that I went to all Castaics is because I want all of my reels to function the same so that my hands and fingers automatically go to the right spots on the reels.
I really haven't needed much service for them over the 7 or eight years since I got my first one but have never had any problem getting service work done.

[Long Nguyen]

They are a good reel for flippin and pitchin. I like the old model better, but they are hard to find. The switch id just a little bigger.

I'm with Mike on this one. I have 4 of the original Castaics and prefer those over the newer SF models. The Instagage clutch on the old one is easier for me to operate.

[Steve45]

I have 3 and plan to pick up acouple more. I had the older one but like the newer one better feels good in my hand and love the instagage for flipp'n and pitch'n.

[BassManDan]

As SOCB said, leftys are the way to go, no switching hands, no moving your hand around to adjust your grip, just plain and simple efficiency!!!

BassManDan