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Bigger and better, the Shimano Citica D edges into previous
generation Curado territory (continued)
 Durability:
The new reel is definitely
more durable than the previous one both inside and out. The larger gears hold up
to abuse better, and the reel is devoid of any cheap looking molded plastic. In
place of the black plastic knobs and drag star are nicely finished gold aluminum
components. They not only look aesthetically pleasing but Shimano went a step
further to minimize weight by drilling the handle shank for some weight
reduction. While the reel is no featherweight by any means it is built like a
tank.
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Pop out the
spool and get a better look the redesigned VBS |
Price & Applications:
Pricing wise Shimano has upped the price 20 dollars over the previous generation
reel. This makes sense as the Citica caters to a new target audience while the
Cruxis now addresses the very mainstream baitcast consumers. Is the reel worth
the money? Let’s just say this is a whole lot more reel than the old Citica B,
and for 19 more dollars you are getting all metal construction, a big bearing
boost, a superior drag, and a spool that you had to go all the way to the
previous Curado SF to acquire.
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The
spool features porting inside the center for mass reduction |
The Citica’s size and power
makes it an excellent bass reel, but also a good reel for light salt species as
well. The DPV model is ideal for species that require a little more muscle, but
also make it easier to retrieve oversized full bodied cranks.
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The reel
features a sleeker more modern profile, one that will please anglers with
larger hands |
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Coercing
fish to the surface is made easier with the Citica's powerful "HEG" gearing |
Ratings:
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Shimano Citica D (CI200D)
Ratings (?/10) |
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Construction/Quality |
The build quality surprised us on the Citica,
this is certainly a nice upgrade from the old 2 bearing reel which had
plastic and graphite everywhere. The new reel is all about metal, and is
built with very good tolerances for a reel in this price range |
9 |
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Performance |
The reel isn't as refined as a Curado but it
is close. The Citica excels at power and while it doesn't feel as much like
a finesse reel as it used to when it comes to solid gearing and a great drag
the Citica is rock solid |
8.5 |
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Price |
A tough category...sure it got a price hike,
but not nearly as much as the Curado D. The bottom line is whether or not
the price increase is justified, and in the case of the Citica D....
it is. |
8 |
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Features |
All the features you expect from a higher end
Shimano Baitcaster have made their way into the Citica. Minus some of the
refinement this reel could easily pass for a Chronarch just a few years back |
9 |
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Design (Ergonomics) |
Another tough category. The larger profile may
be hard to accept for some anglers but Shimano brings them back with a
recessed foot and superior ergonomics in every other way. Paired with the
right rod the reel is certainly palmable, and actually will be more
comfortable for anglers with larger hands |
8.5 |
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Application |
The Citica may not be as easy to palm as
smaller reels but it has a great range thanks to the solid construction and
powerful gearing. This is a reel that can be used for multiple species in
fresh to saltwater environments |
9 |
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Total Score |
8.66 |
Pluses and Minuses:
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Plus Minus |
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J
Everything the old Citica was and encroaches on Curado space |
L No
100 size for anglers looking for a smaller palming reel |
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J
Better build quality |
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J
Excellent materials, gone is the black plastic |
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J
Numerous technological upgrades |
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J
Multiple applications |
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J Still
a good value |
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Conclusion: The
Citica D is a quality reel any way you look at it. At 119.00 the Citica is a
great investment for anglers that can accept the reel’s slightly large
dimensions. I would have loved to see a 100 size Citica, but then I am sure that
this reel would cannibalize the Curado 100D’s position. Nonetheless the 200 size
Citicas are a lot of reel for the money, and easily worth 129.00-149.00 dollars.
If you are moving from a previous generation Curado to the Citica you won’t be
disappointed unless you really are dead set on a 100 sized reel….if that’s the
case you will have to pony up for the Curado D. The Citica is a fine reel, and
stands up to the reputation of being a quality workhorse reel, one that will
probably provide anglers with another decade of satisfaction. The Citica D is so
good that it has peaked our interest about just how good the larger Curado 200D
reels are, making this one of our next review priorities so stay tuned….
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