JPD,
There is a reason why that reel is still going for $140 -160 us on Ebay. I still fish with 4 of them. They are a fantastic reel. I love my Curado B series reels. The new green ones are not standing up. I spend around 150 days on the water and burn some higher end reels out also. I burned 2 Steez reels out last season. Strickly a finesse reel imo, not geared to much for heavy apps. Same as the Core, to much of a finesse reel. Wont stand the long run, just the way the gears are set up. Swap out the gears for a JDM set and you have an entirely different reel.
I cant wait for Icast to see whats unveiled. 100 series in Shimano perhaps, need that void filled. USDM market copy of Alberdan, I have this reel. Not to bad but a tad over estimated. Graet marketing though.
Enough. I can talk for hours about reels and mods.
PS JPD, Japan tackle has a mod you would like for the Pearl Chronarch. Avil spool and a Bassart handle with Calais rubber. Sweet setup.