70
« on: September 27, 2023, 10:25:47 AM »
Old reel compared to new(er) reel.
Shimano Scorpion BFS and Shimano Curado BFS casting reels.
Scorpion BFS original retails for around $350 USD compared to the released Curado BFS at $200. In 2021 the Curado BFS was born from the Scorpion BFS that had been retired. A lot of the Shimano reels have a retail production of about 4-6 years. In Japan it is the SLX BFS reel.
Anyway these reels share the same parts like 99% interchangeabl e. The Curado BFS compared to it's prior version the Curado 70I series seems to not feel as solid. However when given the lighter lure used for casting the BFS version most certainly get's better cast distance as well as expand the range into much lighter weights. Although I mostly used these reels for ice fishing and that was their primary use, there is an experience to be felt for open water use.
In terms of smoothness and operational use, the older Curado 70 has better refinement. However for ice fishing practicality, the Curado BFS functionally is better. The larger arbor of the spool makes a lot of difference. To also have a lighter spool weight also means that those tiny ice fishing lures are able to pull line off more freely. I still have to manually pull line off when using light weights of like 1/32 oz or light but that is the same on spinning reels too. This is almost like a game changer, but more so of practical refinement. Plus have a clicking drag pull is the biggest advantage.
Thus this led to a comparison of the older Scorpion BFS reel with it's replacement Curado BFS. In use and function, the replacement did not do a better job overall. However, when considering the retail pricing, it is what it is. The affordability and exposure of BFS to consumers is goal. While the older Scorpion BFS pricing strictly only targeted purist. In real world practicality, it is that the Scorpion BFS is superior in many subtle ways. For sure final product representation with a better paint job sort of clues in to final assembly and performance of unit.
In comparison the Scorpion does have a smoother feel in empty operation. A quick check of even the star drag and thumbing down the spool to check the drag pressure operatoin is also better. Free spool spin on empty also smoother and quieter in operation. For ice fishing, yes it did everything that the Curado BFS reel did, and with a subtle but obvious refinement over that of the Curado BFS. Perhaps it all has to due with the better bearings found on the Scorpion BFS. There is also the price difference that hints towards the performance differenct. For full sized rod casting performance, the Scorpion BFS operationally is better as well. Further casting distance, easier to achieve distance with less effort, less line fluff during and at end of casting.
Newer is not always better. Cheaper more affordable isn't so bad either.