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

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.

BrokeLoser · 01-16-2013, 06:11 PM

No problem Jeff...I hear what you're saying.
One more thing peeps...you guys all seem to be going for the 'high speed' 7.1:1 model...wouldn't the lower geared model be better for those times you hook something big?
I'm probably over-thinking it now.

JeffB · 01-16-2013, 07:17 PM

I use higher ratio reels for my crankbait rods and and spinner baits. I got to a lower ratio when I am jigging for sand bass or calico in the kelp or rocks. Same with my conventionals. I use a high speed for my surface irons and a lower gear for my dropper loop rigs. If you go with a 6:2:1 you fall right in the middle and perfect for anything. With bass reels just gear for the lure you will be using the most. I hope that helps out a little. I speak for myself on this, not everyone else.

If your burning rattle traps, wax wings, or something of that sort, then I use a 7:3:1. When I swim jigs, umbrella rigs, or swim baits I use a 6:2:1. For crawling bait on the bottom and jigging, or if I just want to slow roll a bait I use a 5:0:1.

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?

Widgeon · 06-21-2014, 06:36 PM

I just got a Lexa 300 hsl-p and mounted it on a graftech GIS 7' H (20-30) but haven't had a chance to fish it yet.
Planning to use it for heavy (1oz+) swim baits.

45user · 06-22-2014, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbanforest92

@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?

I have teramar SE inshore heavy and I would think it probably is too stiff for swimbaits under 1 oz
45

surfisher · 02-22-2015, 09:32 AM

Bump:

I'd like to bump this thread as everything I have googled lately brings up older posts.

Looking to purchase the Lexa for a heavier bass rod. I respect Jeff's opinion on the Curado, however I was wondering if over the years Daiwa has improved on this reel? Anyone have some feedback on the Lexa? Specifically how they are holding up .... Thanks in advance.

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!!!

01-16-2013, 11:39 AM	#4
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	#7
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

01-16-2013, 07:17 PM	#9
JeffB Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: La Jolla Posts: 1,216	I use higher ratio reels for my crankbait rods and and spinner baits. I got to a lower ratio when I am jigging for sand bass or calico in the kelp or rocks. Same with my conventionals. I use a high speed for my surface irons and a lower gear for my dropper loop rigs. If you go with a 6:2:1 you fall right in the middle and perfect for anything. With bass reels just gear for the lure you will be using the most. I hope that helps out a little. I speak for myself on this, not everyone else. If your burning rattle traps, wax wings, or something of that sort, then I use a 7:3:1. When I swim jigs, umbrella rigs, or swim baits I use a 6:2:1. For crawling bait on the bottom and jigging, or if I just want to slow roll a bait I use a 5:0:1. __________________ If you're looking for me I'm Last edited by JeffB; 01-16-2013 at 07:22 PM.

10-22-2013, 07:48 AM	#12
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	#5
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.

01-16-2013, 06:11 PM	#8
BrokeLoser Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 472	No problem Jeff...I hear what you're saying. One more thing peeps...you guys all seem to be going for the 'high speed' 7.1:1 model...wouldn't the lower geared model be better for those times you hook something big? I'm probably over-thinking it now.

10-21-2013, 10:16 AM	#10
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	#11
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	#13
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?

06-21-2014, 06:36 PM	#14
Widgeon Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Clairemont Posts: 175	I just got a Lexa 300 hsl-p and mounted it on a graftech GIS 7' H (20-30) but haven't had a chance to fish it yet. Planning to use it for heavy (1oz+) swim baits.

02-22-2015, 09:32 AM	#16
surfisher Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 388	Bump: I'd like to bump this thread as everything I have googled lately brings up older posts. Looking to purchase the Lexa for a heavier bass rod. I respect Jeff's opinion on the Curado, however I was wondering if over the years Daiwa has improved on this reel? Anyone have some feedback on the Lexa? Specifically how they are holding up .... Thanks in advance.

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!!!