I have several models...green 200 curados, scorpion 1000, scorpion 1500, scorpion quickfire, silver 100 chronarch, 100 SF chronarch, scorpion mg 50, the new CU200DHSV 7:1 curados, CU100D curado. Scorpion models are japanese versions of a similar usa version. Some of the scorpion models do offer external brake adjustment, that the usa version doesn't.

IMO, the green curados offer the best bang for the buck, especially when you can pick them up for ~$80. They are a basic well built reel, that will last, and easy to service.

The new model CU200DHSV curados seem to offer the best casting distance, partly due to the larger diameter spools, but they are heavier. The 7:1 retrieve is handy for buzzbaits, jerkbaits, rattletraps.

The SF models with the wiffle spools seem to do better casting very light lures like a shad rap, over the standard spools.

The scorpion mg 50 @ ~6.5 oz is the lightest reel I've ever used, very nice setup if you're after the lightest setup you can get. I put it on a Kistler LTA rod, and it was an extremely light setup. It does has a small spool with limited line capacity, and wouldn't be practical for very long casts. It's a perfect setup for a worm rod.

You can improve casting performance by upgrading bearings to ABEC7 grade, available for ~$7-$9 per bearing, and using rocket fuel lube.

My favorite reel uses:
scorpion 1000 for shad raps, 1/8 oz rattle traps, or 1/8 spinnerbaits
CU200DHSV for buzzbaits, rattletraps, jerkbaits, poppers
mg50 for plastics
100SF chronarchs for crankbaits
200 green curados, or 1500 scorpion for c-rigs

The old green 200 curados are sort of a jack of all trades, all around reel, have an average size spool, and do well in most applications, though they do struggle with really light lure weights. I use the higher $ reels more for specialized applications. You certainly don't get twice the reel by spending $200 vs $100. The law of diminshing returns certainly applies to the amount of added perormance per $ spent.