Curado 300 or Lexa 300? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

BrokeLoser · 01-15-2013, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Rex

I just ordered Daiwa Lexa 300 7.1:1 last Saturday for $153.99 from Haddrells Point Warehouse.

Is that the place in South Carolina? They reliable?
Where do they ship from and how do they ship.

JeffB · 01-15-2013, 04:57 PM

I've tried both reels and would take the Curado 300 over it for sure. Don't waste your time with Revo's, I had to rebuild my inshore 2x bc they are not very water proof and the gears can only handle so many fish. Don't get confused with the drag power on these reels either. Some claim to have 20lbs+, that's more than so e of my conventional reels. They don't have that much drag, trust me. I had big bass strip line from my Revo, Lexa 300, and Curado 300. If you really want to get a nice reel with real true drag power, then pick up the new Calcutta 400D. It's the nicest reel I have ever owned and has been put through the ringer. Now I'm not saying the Lexa is a bad reel, for the money you can't beat it. Just saying its not the best. I would buy another Curado 300 any day before I purchased another Lexa.

Like everyone else, it's just my $.02

Okuma has some really nice reels as well. They are light, low pro and have nice deep spools. I have a Cedros 273cj that is sick. I've caught numerous 8lb+ fish on it including a 15+ Muskie.

BrokeLoser · 01-15-2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffB

I've tried both reels and would take the Curado 300 over it for sure. Don't waste your time with Revo's, I had to rebuild my inshore 2x bc they are not very water proof and the gears can only handle so many fish. Don't get confused with the drag power on these reels either. Some claim to have 20lbs+, that's more than so e of my conventional reels. They don't have that much drag, trust me. I had big bass strip line from my Revo, Lexa 300, and Curado 300. If you really want to get a nice reel with real true drag power, then pick up the new Calcutta 400D. It's the nicest reel I have ever owned and has been put through the ringer. Now I'm not saying the Lexa is a bad reel, for the money you can't beat it. Just saying its not the best. I would buy another Curado 300 any day before I purchased another Lexa.

Like everyone else, it's just my $.02

Okuma has some really nice reels as well. They are light, low pro and have nice deep spools. I have a Cedros 273cj that is sick. I've caught numerous 8lb+ fish on it including a 15+ Muskie.

So you're saying the claimed max drag spec on the curado, revo and Lexa is B.S.? How do the manufactures get away with making those claims?
Can you be specific; what about the curado makes it better than the Lexa?

P.S.- I already have a luna 253 and a 300 conventional....love em both. I'm just becoming sort of a rod and reel wh@re like most of you...haha

619-SWIM-DOG · 10-20-2013, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffB

I've tried both reels and would take the Curado 300 over it for sure. Don't waste your time with Revo's, I had to rebuild my inshore 2x bc they are not very water proof and the gears can only handle so many fish. Don't get confused with the drag power on these reels either. Some claim to have 20lbs+, that's more than so e of my conventional reels. They don't have that much drag, trust me. I had big bass strip line from my Revo, Lexa 300, and Curado 300. If you really want to get a nice reel with real true drag power, then pick up the new Calcutta 400D. It's the nicest reel I have ever owned and has been put through the ringer. Now I'm not saying the Lexa is a bad reel, for the money you can't beat it. Just saying its not the best. I would buy another Curado 300 any day before I purchased another Lexa.

Like everyone else, it's just my $.02

Okuma has some really nice reels as well. They are light, low pro and have nice deep spools. I have a Cedros 273cj that is sick. I've caught numerous 8lb+ fish on it including a 15+ Muskie.

Yup man knows his sh1T....

T-Rex · 01-16-2013, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokeLoser

Is that the place in South Carolina? They reliable?
Where do they ship from and how do they ship.

Yes, they're in the Charleston area. I've never bought anything from them online before, but when I lived in North Carolina I visited their Mount Pleasant, SC tackle shop quite a few times and was always pleased with their selection and service. For this reel I opted for their 7-14 day free shipping.

BrokeLoser · 01-16-2013, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Rex

Yes, they're in the Charleston area. I've never bought anything from them online before, but when I lived in North Carolina I visited their Mount Pleasant, SC tackle shop quite a few times and was always pleased with their selection and service. For this reel I opted for their 7-14 day free shipping.

Cool. Thanks.
JeffB has me a little concerned. Does anyone know if the 'claimed' 22lbs of drag is real or not?

dmrides · 01-16-2013, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokeLoser

Does anyone know if the 'claimed' 22lbs of drag is real or not?

Do you really need 22lbs of drag on a bait caster? Are you fishing for calicoes or tuna? I would assume you will usually be fishing around 10-15lbs max and it will easily do that. That's enough drag to bring in anything you will find locally, especially when paired with the lighter weight rods you use for these types of reels. The Lexa IMO is an awesome reel and you will be stoked with it.

BrokeLoser · 01-16-2013, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmrides

Do you really need 22lbs of drag on a bait caster? Are you fishing for calicoes or tuna? I would assume you will usually be fishing around 10-15lbs max and it will easily do that. That's enough drag to bring in anything you will find locally, especially when paired with the lighter weight rods you use for these types of reels. The Lexa IMO is an awesome reel and you will be stoked with it.

Probably won't ever need the 22lbs but you never know when you might hook into a toad WSB or big yellow and it could come in handy to yank them out of kelp or structure. Plus, that drag plays a factor in me opting for it over the curado.

T-Rex · 01-16-2013, 11:39 AM

FWIW my Daiwa Saltiga SA20 is rated at 22lbs and it measures 22 lbs plus/minus about 2 lbs on my scale. I think any of these reels will have plenty of power -- otherwise the pros wouldn't be using them. My Citica 200 only has 11 lbs of drag and works fine on calicos.

JarrodMc · 01-16-2013, 04:16 PM

Lexa 300 w/ the power handle. for the price it's like a limp dick, you can't beat it.

BrokeLoser · 01-16-2013, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JarrodMc

Lexa 300 w/ the power handle. for the price it's like a limp dick, you can't beat it.

I'm thinking I'll order the power handle later. I hear the paddle handle it comes with is oversized? I really only intend on fishing bass with it. I want it to maintain that light tackle feel and I'm guessing with a power handle and all that drag it may lose that?
What's your thoughts?

JeffB · 01-16-2013, 05:32 PM

Just saying the claim to have all this drag power. I can pull the drag out of my Revo inshore with the upgraded drag disc with my hand. I can't even come close to pulling the drag out of my conventional reels at about 80%.

On the Curado, its smoother and more durable. The gears are a lot stronger, hence why it cost a little more. The Lexa is nice a smooth as well. But the gears are not going to last you as long. You never know what you may hook, that's the perks of saltwater fishing. I snagged an 80lb batray with my Curado 300 and spooled me a couple times but got it in. Snag an 80lb batray or something else and you will be rebuilding your reel. I snagged about a 30lb stingray on my Revo inshore and stripped the gears.

Not trying to confuse you. You won't go wrong with almost any reel now a days. Just some wont last as long as others. Just remember you never know what you may hook in saltwater. If all your doing is guaranteeing that you will only catch bass, then any reel is a good choice. But I would like to meet the person who could guarantee that. Not trying to confuse you. I own/ or have owned all of the reels. Just prefer my Curado 300 over the my Lexa 300.

outdoorzen · 10-21-2013, 10:16 AM

I just bought a Daiwa Lexa 300 7.1:1 from ebay last night for $133+free shipping, BNIB. It shipped this morning. That's the best deal I've seen. You have to click the "buy it now" button to see the price...I'll let you know if I get a box of rocks!

YakDout · 10-21-2013, 12:06 PM

Revo toro NaCl 50. Great reel. Casts well, smooth drag, and awesome Eva handles (2 in box) but definitely not 22 pounds of drag.
Have thrown a lexa for a half day. Casts really well even with smaller the smaller baits. Spool speed all the way out, still no backlashes.
No experience with the curado.
I really like my Luna 300. Does really well on yellows up to 30lbs. Haven't hooked a tuna on any of these smaller reels yet.
I would like one more low pro reel, may pick up the new lexa 400, and will review that when I get to fish it.

Nic D · 10-22-2013, 07:48 AM

anything but the curados... I have 2 revo toro 50s & 2 Lexa 300's, love both but love the lexa more

urbanforest92 · 06-21-2014, 12:56 AM

@BrokeLoser

Do you have the lexa 300 on a Heavy action Teramar SE inshore series rod? Is the rod too stiff to throw smaller swimbaits?

makoslayer · 02-22-2015, 01:05 PM

I have the Lexa 300 w/power handle. Fished on the east coast for reds/trout/flouder and almost everything else. Caught a 36 inch bluefish on it no problem. cast like a dream barely any cleaning needed adn holds tons of line.

http://goo.gl/JBwwy0 its 147 right now

surfisher · 02-22-2015, 04:03 PM

Thanks for all the replies guys! The only thing I kept reading was some crazy noises going on when casting, never got the full details on it though. The price points are insanely good for how they perform... Looks like I'll be investing in a 300 and a 400 soon here.... Thanks again!!!

01-15-2013, 04:57 PM	#2
JeffB Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: La Jolla Posts: 1,216	I've tried both reels and would take the Curado 300 over it for sure. Don't waste your time with Revo's, I had to rebuild my inshore 2x bc they are not very water proof and the gears can only handle so many fish. Don't get confused with the drag power on these reels either. Some claim to have 20lbs+, that's more than so e of my conventional reels. They don't have that much drag, trust me. I had big bass strip line from my Revo, Lexa 300, and Curado 300. If you really want to get a nice reel with real true drag power, then pick up the new Calcutta 400D. It's the nicest reel I have ever owned and has been put through the ringer. Now I'm not saying the Lexa is a bad reel, for the money you can't beat it. Just saying its not the best. I would buy another Curado 300 any day before I purchased another Lexa. Like everyone else, it's just my $.02 Okuma has some really nice reels as well. They are light, low pro and have nice deep spools. I have a Cedros 273cj that is sick. I've caught numerous 8lb+ fish on it including a 15+ Muskie. __________________ If you're looking for me I'm

01-16-2013, 11:39 AM	#9
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	FWIW my Daiwa Saltiga SA20 is rated at 22lbs and it measures 22 lbs plus/minus about 2 lbs on my scale. I think any of these reels will have plenty of power -- otherwise the pros wouldn't be using them. My Citica 200 only has 11 lbs of drag and works fine on calicos. __________________

01-16-2013, 05:32 PM	#12
JeffB Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: La Jolla Posts: 1,216	Just saying the claim to have all this drag power. I can pull the drag out of my Revo inshore with the upgraded drag disc with my hand. I can't even come close to pulling the drag out of my conventional reels at about 80%. On the Curado, its smoother and more durable. The gears are a lot stronger, hence why it cost a little more. The Lexa is nice a smooth as well. But the gears are not going to last you as long. You never know what you may hook, that's the perks of saltwater fishing. I snagged an 80lb batray with my Curado 300 and spooled me a couple times but got it in. Snag an 80lb batray or something else and you will be rebuilding your reel. I snagged about a 30lb stingray on my Revo inshore and stripped the gears. Not trying to confuse you. You won't go wrong with almost any reel now a days. Just some wont last as long as others. Just remember you never know what you may hook in saltwater. If all your doing is guaranteeing that you will only catch bass, then any reel is a good choice. But I would like to meet the person who could guarantee that. Not trying to confuse you. I own/ or have owned all of the reels. Just prefer my Curado 300 over the my Lexa 300. __________________ If you're looking for me I'm

10-22-2013, 07:48 AM	#15
Nic D Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Clairemont Posts: 813	anything but the curados... I have 2 revo toro 50s & 2 Lexa 300's, love both but love the lexa more __________________ instagram - @DRAGO619

02-22-2015, 01:05 PM	#17
makoslayer Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Coronado Posts: 234	I have the Lexa 300 w/power handle. Fished on the east coast for reds/trout/flouder and almost everything else. Caught a 36 inch bluefish on it no problem. cast like a dream barely any cleaning needed adn holds tons of line. http://goo.gl/JBwwy0 its 147 right now __________________ *http://www.fishyakhunt.com* Stealth 14 (Sand Camo)

01-16-2013, 04:16 PM	#10
JarrodMc Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vista Posts: 411	Lexa 300 w/ the power handle. for the price it's like a limp dick, you can't beat it.

10-21-2013, 10:16 AM	#13
outdoorzen Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 64	I just bought a Daiwa Lexa 300 7.1:1 from ebay last night for $133+free shipping, BNIB. It shipped this morning. That's the best deal I've seen. You have to click the "buy it now" button to see the price...I'll let you know if I get a box of rocks!

10-21-2013, 12:06 PM	#14
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	Revo toro NaCl 50. Great reel. Casts well, smooth drag, and awesome Eva handles (2 in box) but definitely not 22 pounds of drag. Have thrown a lexa for a half day. Casts really well even with smaller the smaller baits. Spool speed all the way out, still no backlashes. No experience with the curado. I really like my Luna 300. Does really well on yellows up to 30lbs. Haven't hooked a tuna on any of these smaller reels yet. I would like one more low pro reel, may pick up the new lexa 400, and will review that when I get to fish it.

06-21-2014, 12:56 AM	#16
urbanforest92 Junior Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 10	@BrokeLoser Do you have the lexa 300 on a Heavy action Teramar SE inshore series rod? Is the rod too stiff to throw smaller swimbaits?

02-22-2015, 04:03 PM	#18
surfisher Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 388	Thanks for all the replies guys! The only thing I kept reading was some crazy noises going on when casting, never got the full details on it though. The price points are insanely good for how they perform... Looks like I'll be investing in a 300 and a 400 soon here.... Thanks again!!!