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

T-Rex · 01-15-2013, 01:19 PM

I just ordered Daiwa Lexa 300 7.1:1 last Saturday for $153.99 from Haddrells Point Warehouse. All three are sweet reels, but at that price point it was pretty hard to pass up the Lexa. It's about $120 less than what I could find a Revo NaCL for and $80 less than a Curado 300ej.

BrokeLoser · 01-15-2013, 01:38 PM

Thanks for the advice guys...now I just need to decide...power handle or paddle handle?
I'll be fishing for calico's with this setup most of the time.

T-Rex · 01-15-2013, 02:33 PM

For calicos in kelp or heavy structure I'd go with a power handle. For lighter inshore applications and bays I'd go with the paddle handle.

BrokeLoser · 01-15-2013, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Rex

For calicos in kelp or heavy structure I'd go with a power handle. For lighter inshore applications and bays I'd go with the paddle handle.

Sounds to me like you're saying I need to buy two reels?...haha

T-Rex · 01-15-2013, 02:54 PM

Two handles! I ordered my Lexa with the paddle handle, but I'm pretty sure I'll end up buying a power handle down the road. I was a little disappointed it didn't come with both. I think the Curado and Revos come with both the paddle and power handles so you can change them out as needed.

INGRIDSDAD · 01-15-2013, 02:56 PM

At $154 for a Lexa 300 I'm tempted to pick up another. If my Curado 200 takes a dump this year I will buy another Lexa. I love the way it cast.

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?

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.

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

01-15-2013, 01:19 PM	#1
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	Lexa 300 HSP I just ordered Daiwa Lexa 300 7.1:1 last Saturday for $153.99 from Haddrells Point Warehouse. All three are sweet reels, but at that price point it was pretty hard to pass up the Lexa. It's about $120 less than what I could find a Revo NaCL for and $80 less than a Curado 300ej. __________________ Last edited by T-Rex; 01-15-2013 at 01:26 PM.

01-15-2013, 02:33 PM	#3
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	For calicos in kelp or heavy structure I'd go with a power handle. For lighter inshore applications and bays I'd go with the paddle handle. __________________

01-15-2013, 02:54 PM	#5
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	Two handles! I ordered my Lexa with the paddle handle, but I'm pretty sure I'll end up buying a power handle down the road. I was a little disappointed it didn't come with both. I think the Curado and Revos come with both the paddle and power handles so you can change them out as needed. __________________

01-15-2013, 04:57 PM	#8
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	#15
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. __________________

01-15-2013, 01:38 PM	#2
BrokeLoser Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 472	Thanks for the advice guys...now I just need to decide...power handle or paddle handle? I'll be fishing for calico's with this setup most of the time.

01-15-2013, 02:56 PM	#6
INGRIDSDAD Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Riverside Posts: 108	At $154 for a Lexa 300 I'm tempted to pick up another. If my Curado 200 takes a dump this year I will buy another Lexa. I love the way it cast.

01-16-2013, 04:16 PM	#16
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	#18
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	#19
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.

02-22-2015, 01:05 PM	#20
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)