I have Curado's that I paid $150 dollars for. I also have some Bass Pro Shop Extremes. I find my self picking up the extreme more than the Shimano. I have 2 of them and they have never given any problem. Both are great reels. You can get the extreme on sale now for about $49. If you can find and old model Curado you should be able to pick one up for a little over $100. The newer model they just came out with is closer to $200. The Extreme reel and rod combo at $114 dollars is a hard combo to beat for the money. All my fishing friends agree. The extremes let you adjust the braking from outside the reel also. The Shimano Citica has been updated this year and sells for $119, might be worth a look. I am a Shimano man but when they are on sale I can buy 3 Extremes for the price of one Curado and they stand behind the warranty so the extreme gets my vote. I just bought 2 high end $200 dollar Quantums and had to send both of them back for a loud noise when casting so I would not recomend them at this time. Good Luck.