Yes TH, I own all three. The Curado, Curado SF, and the Chronarch.
Curado's are pieces of crap.
Curado BSF's are not to bad. They feel cheap, are a little large in the hand, but cast nice and for now, any ways, the drag washer has held up, although I really haven't put it throug the paces yet. If the drag on the SF is anything like that of the Curado, it will fail in a year or so, but it's easy to replace.
The Chronarch is super smooth, casts great, had a great drag, and was flawless for 3 hard years of use. It went back to Shimano for service. They replaced a bunch of stuff for free. 6 months later, it failed again. This time, Shimano replaced some bearings for $12. 2 months later, it's failed again! Drag is very sticky.
Haven't sent it back yet, but I'm sure it's because I am getting water in the parts. It will take a solid month for me to get it back from Shimano. I don't know what Shimano is doing at the shop, but I don't think it's me, seeing how it lasted for 3 years the first go around.
When it comes back, I'll still use it as my primary reel, regardless. If it fails again, I'll probably go out and get the MG Chronarch. Super Free and very light weight.
Chronarch's RULE! Forget the Calais, as it's not a 6:1 gear ratio. Curado's and Curado SF's are good backup reels. I use the Chronarch as my baitcasting reel, but use the Curado SF as my Flydoggin' reel. I'll use the standard Curado on my 1026 as my "slap on some 50lb Power Pro and yard out some Springers on the Wind" reel.
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T.K. Paker