Restoring OLD Shimano Curado Bantam CU 201 (Crazy Results!)

Today we're restoring an old Shimano Curado. The Bantam CU 201 was from the mid 90's. This was recently featured in my casting distance video (I linked that vid at the end). I said we were going to restore this reel to see how it would preform. I'll show you how to take the reel apart, grease/lube, and change bearings. I'll also take this out to do an updated casting test to see how much of an improvement was made!
COMMENT BELOW --- Do you want to see MORE casting tests???
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ROD:
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REELS:
Shimano Curado K (NEW VERSION)
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LINES I RECOMMEND:
Pline Tactical Fluorocarbon
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Trilene XL
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Seaguar Red Label
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[@nevahenuf]

One reason to be a Shimano fanboy is those old reels hold their value. Even if you thrash it someone will buy it for parts.

[@DEBOSFishing]

This is true!

[@wyattsdad8561]

I just bought one off EBay for 120. It is actually brand new, it’s never been used. I know it wasn’t cheap but I feel grateful to own it now. I should’ve never have sold the two I had.

[@wullgrew1]

I love seeing how things go together, and how they work. It's always awesome to see vintage equipment get refurbished, and given new life.

[@figueroa2191]

I’ve heard those greenies the best curados

[@Dave_Ehlers]

On this episode of "This Old Tacklebox"... I think it would be neat to see the old lures and gear.

[@DEBOSFishing]

Damn, I need to start that series! Hosted by Norm Debroham

[@williamsolly870]

Thanks Debo- love the variety that you bring to your channel

[@kellysatterfield5384]

You're the first person I've ever seen disassemble a reel. Great video!!! Would love to see more casting distance videos and how to on the old reels.

[@DEBOSFishing]

It's a lot of fun to bring them back to life!

[@stormshadow1502]

1991 is when it came out. I bought one when I was 17 in 1992 from Kmart. I remember the frame was and sideplates were made from graphite. I bought it brand new for 70 dollars.

[@noahdboss1195]

watching this while im cleaning out all my reels for the new season! used your older cleaning videos to jog my memory :)

[@DEBOSFishing]

Hell yeah! Glad that vid could help 👊

[@michael476b]

I still use my bantam. I wish shimano still made it. It casts a mile.

[@clyderussell6005]

Thoroughly enjoyed that video and icing on the cake catching first open water bass of the yr with it.💪

[@jplumb5591]

So glad I found this vid. I want to try this on mine. I have this reel and still use it for bass fishing. Literally one the my favorite I have ever used.

[@mikeford9176]

Thanks for this. Just cleaned and lubed all my parts including the bearings. Tight budget so I just cleaned them and re lubed them. Cast like a dream!

[@davewashburn8930]

Debo, do enjoy these vids on the retro gear. It’s amazing how a bearing upgrade & a little cleaning & grease/ lube can bring great ol’ reels back to life! Keep’um comin 👊

[@mattharvey968]

Giving old equipment new life!! Great stuff Debo!!

[@rolandpatino6448]

Great video! I just bought this reel for $40 with a rod. I figure a little maintenance will be needed and your step by step has me confident that I can do it myself.

[@turinx]

Yes, I've been waiting for this video.

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

I've put together three vintage casting outfits with rods. Just picked up an old Falcon Rod out of Texas. Love old vintage tackle!

[@shannonkirby9295]

That was fascinating, Debo. Thanks

[@gregsreelrevival]

Thanks for the video! Thanks to this i was able to take apart, clean, lube and reassemble all 3 of my shimano reels (2 citicas and 1 curado)from that era AND replace their drag washers w carbontex. No problem w reels of this era. Thanks Debo!

[@richardurbina5654]

After a year bro Mann you’re video finally helped me fix my reel o had assembled one part wrong and you’re video saved me some money thanks and hope to see more videos from you

[@tdeeb6359]

Another great viDEBO! I always learn something from them!!👍🏼

[@cerebraltackle]

An old greenie! Yep, it's a classic!

[@kirk.818]

The best feeling is when you get back to back good cast where you’re almost spooling yourself is the best feeling out on the water

[@DEBOSFishing]

Indeed!

[@MAGNUSDRONES]

Nice! Great testament to keeping your gear clean and lubed.

[@oyabun8538]

I would like to see some more of these old reel videos. I recently just started purchasing some old reels myself to fix up and see if I can get them to work better than they did. Great video!

[@bobgrobe5022]

I have 2 of these and I still use them every year!

[@wolfgsooner5058]

Man this video makes me wanna search garage sales and flea markets for old reels and refurbish them see how well they work!! Great video debo!!

[@kasonrmac]

You are a wizard with those reels man. It’s crazy what just a little bit of love will do on that old stuff

[@DEBOSFishing]

Dude, it's a lot of fun to bring them back to life!

[@JJEaton]

I have one of the same reels. I dug it out cleaned it up and I'm gonna use it this year. Thanks 😊!

[@garrettmccoy6863]

Great video! These videos are awesome; keep up the equipment videos-tremendously informative!

[@austinholden2826]

Debo you taught me how to clean a baitcaster, heck that is how i discovered your awesome channel😀😃

[@frankh2213]

Awesome man. Love it. It reminds me of your old school videos. I went to a local tackle shop today looking for an SLX DC but they didn't have what I wanted so I "settled" for a Curado 200k. I'm really looking forward to trying it out. Keep up the great content man!

[@leeroberts2134]

Good video again I will definitely be using this to help me clear my old reels.

[@TheApostateTapir]

Those Smooth Drag washers are good stuff. Love Scott's bearings too!

[@jack03111969]

I got 5 of the old green curados and 3 of the e7s I would not trade for anything

[@legionssb]

Nice! You do such a good job of cleaning and fixing reels, and then explaining how to do it properly, I use a lot of the same techniques when cleaning, works pretty well, nice to see a bass again. That was the lipless fish Nate was talking about in his last vid with his homemade swimbaits

[@victorsimonsen921]

like watching about the old stuff but im a old guy that is still using lots of old gear keep it up and thanks for sharing.

[@beegee3136]

I love my old curados (CU201 BSF) and Scorpions (1501). Steve Kennedy still uses them in the Elites! I would recommend using oil instead of grease on the worm gear. Less prone to collecting dirt and grit.

[@Oldbasshole]

Very cool video seeing how to take apart an older reel ! Not something I’m confident doing yet ( very basic cleaning for me ) congratulations on the first Bass !

[@DEBOSFishing]

Thanks man! After a few times you'd be good with it!

[@fatguybassin8046]

Great video with tons of info and yeah would love to see more gear stuff 🎣🎣🔥🔥

[@stratohealing]

that old bantam look pretty cool. The retro style will give an amazing confidence boost so much you'll slay debos dinks like there was no tomorow. That ratio should be better for mid or deep crankbait though it's really slow.

[@rvfishingyet]

The reel cleaning videos are very helpful. I would like to see that sit down video with your Dad discussing the different baits and techniques from his experience.

[@petefasel]

Love watching these cleaning videos. Still a bit scared to take mine apart but give me a little more time.

[@martinthefisherman]

This reminds me to clean my reel which I haven't cleaned in a year! 😬 At least I'll finally be able to use them since this ice is finally melting! Tight Lines!

[@zachmoran2814]

Laughed my ass off when you got to the main gear. I had the exact same reaction. Glad I found your video so that I know that I can try and force it off 😂

[@Sassmk2]

Great vid on how to clean a baitcasting reel Debo! Keep em coming.

[@brianlee9074]

Great video Debo. I do like when you mix it up with reel cleaning, and lure painting videos. Getting some of your Dad's older gear and lures would be cool to see. Thanks man. 🎣👍

[@OscarHernandez-lu1ze]

Debo awsome!! Your first BASS Now your on THE BOARD!! 🙌😎✊🐟

[@josephnywayfarer1345]

Grats on first open water Bass of 2021 nice work on cleaning up that reel

[@IceInNE]

I’ve never had a Shimano Curando, but I’ve always wanted one.....wait, stimulus check is coming soon right!?

[@JesseG085]

Put that Uncle Joe money to good use! 👍

[@retflo2583]

I recently got my first, unbelievable.....

[@aaronhiggs]

Got my Biden Bucks and just bought a new curado. I regret nothing.

[@Mrs.Tincher]

Just booked a trip to Gulf Shores with our funny money from Joe. Whole week of surf and deep sea fishing.

[@CarolinaBassHunter]

Great video idea man!

[@timtweet8149]

Great work!

[@SD-wo2gx]

Mr. Debo I just picked up a bantam citica c1-200 for $20...gonna watch this a couple more times and tear into it. The guy I bought it from was using it for a frogging reel so it's functional, but it is d i r t y inside! Thank you for the honest and detailed videos you put out, they have helped me so much since picking up fishing again this year!

[@SD-wo2gx]

You arent a dummy. To get the gear that drives the worm drive gear off, you do have to take the inside shield and c clip off. My screwdrivers aren't small enough to get the little shield off so I'll clean and grease evertlything else as good as I can.

[@wyattsdad8561]

I love these old curados. I had sold two of mine so I could buy a guitar I wanted. Well now I want to get back into fishing after an 8 year break. So I just bought a 200 and a curado super free. Plus I just bought one of the new curado 201’s. I like the new 201 but as of now I still like the old curados. I like to use a 200 for salmon fishing to float beads, it’s durable enough for salmon fishing and the spool holds a bit more line than the super free or the new curado 201. Great vid btw thanks for making it.

[@larryguevara3350]

I have five of them. Put new ceramic bearings in them cast a mile .bought them all used and some put together with spare parts . They've gone up in price used .great reels.

[@williamtomlin192]

Awesome video

[@johnhancock517]

Ha! I got the same $5 TW shirt! Great video man! Glad you got it working better!👍

[@blackbirdrc8348]

I kind of have a special spot in my heart for this reel. Was the reel my cousin loaned me to learn bait casting on sometime last year. Now here I am with reels from japan and all sorts of combos lmao. If you ever want to sell this reel PLEASE make a post. I'd love to buy it.

[@marctheriault]

Impressive results, and great to see the process!! Pics and ordered parts placement is definitely key, though I'm thinking shoot the process on video and then do an edit of it in reverse to reassemble might be the best bet. 😆Thanks again, for still more informative/entertaining content. And

[@DEBOSFishing]

Thanks man, always appreciate the support 👊

[@user-qm1zq8ud3w]

My great grandpa gave me one of these and it still works pretty good and ive caught a few fish on it

[@paperhandape1981]

I've been waiting for another bantam curado vid

[@nojoeoutdoors4623]

I have that same reel, but the handle is on the correct side lol

[@joehebel2284]

I've got four of those reels! Still going strong! Will watch the vid, but I send out for reel service and repair. Downside is that parts are hard to come by. I will use them until they give up the ghost!

[@otroflores91]

My 12 year old nephew started fishing. Tuned up a cu200 a fellow angler gifted me. Letting him learn on that. New handle, drags, and bearings rejuvenate it. That reel still works well and we actually use it for saltwater bass fishing. Handled a 10lb halibut by catch no problem. The plastic bearings/bushings look interesting for saltwater. Kinda like the concept Z reels. My reels get cals grease on main gear and the bearing under the shaft. Corrosionx for oil everywhere else.

[@danthompson1467]

Great job yes fix up the old ones there’s got to be some old work horses out there that can be made to work

[@boatman1ful]

Great job

[@johnschauder]

Nice I have one of these that I picked out of an old man’s barn that I was helping him clean out. I’ve used it a few times for cranking but I just hated the small handle. I think I’m going to get an upgraded handle because I do like how it casts.

[@tnbass2833]

I absolutely love the xt1500 scorpions Ive bought several good condition ones for my day in day out reels.

[@ericwakeman6665]

Nice work with that reel

[@travisbruno1988]

Love your vids Debo cant wait to see this..thanks god bless

[@travisbruno1988]

I think you did one heck of a job ..114 ft is damn good bro

[@rafabonati7757]

You are quite handy. That was a significant increase in distance.

[@marting7665]

I would like to see the old lures,That would cool.

[@Alvaro.240]

I have exactly this one reel (that's why searching the first video I found it is this one haha) and I have the same problem it breaks and don't cast to long. I open the the tape but mine is pretty clean he is always in his plastic bag and works well. Maybe I have to open it and clean up the whole reel and put new grease this video can help me no doubt. Good video.

[@joshpenfold1023]

Very cool video man!!!!! Would love to see what your dad had hiding in his tackle box.

[@84neilbone]

If I had to take a guess of the most purchase baitcasting reel now, I would guest the Abu Black Max. I feel like that's everyone's first bait casting rod for the most part.

[@HookLife]

Great video

[@bobdavis7853]

Good job on cleaning and tweaking Senor 👍🏻🎣

[@fatboifishing]

Dang....I take a spool out and I get confused how it goes back together, I’d be lost if I took one apart that much lol

[@rodroyal1779]

Correct

[@DEBOSFishing]

Nah, it's like riding a bike...or...taking one apart...😂

[@wickedwatertv7656]

@@DEBOSFishing I just happend to see that and that’s hilarious

[@mikeford9176]

I have this exact reel. Good time to take it apart and at least clean it. It’s in great shape. Maybe I will sell it! We’ll see

[@DiamondHead2010]

That shimano star drag grease is awesome Very light

[@DewDrinker87]

Oh man almost to 100k

[@Cornelius798]

Thanks, Debo. I have a Curado Bantam 201B5 and it needs cleaned. I bought a new Shimano SLX...love it but I want to use my old Curado I have 2 casting rods.

[@sjones7400]

Love these kind of videos! Those old Shimanos are cool reels for sure. I still use an old bantam 100 from the eighties. Bought it brand new and have been regularly maintaining it for almost 40 years. So old it doesn’t even have a thumb bar. Has a thumb activated push “lever” on the frame and wood handle knobs. Still works perfectly. Great vid as always bro👍👍👍

[@garyelliott1050]

Yeah buddy. I just got back into fishing after many years. Got out the old Bantam 100 from the tackle box I have been hauling around for years. Took it somewhat apart and did a little cleaning. Not confident in my putting it back together skills. Took it out and it casts pretty good. Still got skunked. operator error. Not reel.....

[@stevesmith7164]

Good vid

[@kenappleby8481]

Pretty neat. I wouldn't mind more of these types. You could even do a 'quick and cheap way to improve a cheap reel' type video showing us replacing bearings or whatever would help :) Question - how do I know what to grease and what to oil?

[@Roboworm99]

Love my old green curado

[@tylervarnell5584]

Can you do a cleaning of an e7 please

[@danlindner9274]

Those white "3D Printed" bearings are full ceramic bearings. They are quite loud but are suppose to have the best spin out of all bearings other than micro bearings

[@jpap967]

Hey Dan, This is John from Category 5 Bearings. Actually, the all-white bearings are our POM/Delrin bearings. They weigh sometimes up to a full gram less than their other hybrid ceramic counterparts, which is huge since the standard hybrid ceramic bearings weigh about 1.2 to 1.4 grams. They are not 3d printed or molded. They do have ceramic ball bearings for increased durability and smoothness inside instead of glass balls which other manufacturers have used in the past. We found that these bearings are very tough, self-lubricating thanks to the Delrin, and they spin very well when installed in a reel. They don't spin great on their own because of how little they weigh - there's not as much momentum as the metal shielded bearings. The upside to using these Delrin bearings or the "Lites", is that they are great for BFS (bait-finesse) applications that require lightweight spool setups to cast very small and lightweight lures. They have a more controlled spin which is great for accuracy and spot-casting and they take less force to begin spinning which again aids BFS applications. Although they are great for that niche use, they also work well for general purpose use though. From our testing they also bomb-cast heavier lures! We have 3 types of bearings currently on our website, but we plan to carry full-ceramic bearings someday and even other technique-specific bearings as we go. Stay tuned!

[@danlindner9274]

@@jpap967 my apologies I guess I was misinformed.

[@jpap967]

@@danlindner9274 no worries! It's an all-new product we tested and experimented with ourselves for a while now, and we're excited to bring unique products like this to enthusiasts like us 😉

[@paulfinger6975]

These have been great videos for me the last couple of years. (I just took up bass fishing). Question I am in Colorado. Our ponds are freeing up but it is still a little cool (45-55 degrees) 1) would you go fishing? 2) do you change your tactics or techniques or baits? Keep up the great vid's

[@christinecannon7758]

Love this video. Would like to see a video with your dad.

[@swamp_rat_fla1126]

Got one just like it and use it every week. It’s a work horse

[@crashbomber]

Got my first open water largemouth tonight, first trip out on my kayak! Then another 2 aferward! SO HAPPY THE ICE IS GONE. I like seeing how these things are put together. It's awesome you can refurbish an old reel and itll cast just as far as a new reel. I had my new Curado DC out with me tonight and good god that thing can cast a MILE. Does the SLX DC cast that well?

[@bnasty2306]

Great relaxing video! Would be great to see more videos like this ! Also do a video with your dad !! Have Randizzle help with the casting test 🔥🔥

[@alduro6505]

Yep, No matter what I am working on I hate it when I have extra parts!

[@anelson19801]

Hey friend, call shimano give them the model number and have them email you a schematic of that reel. The schematic well show the part numbers. Get the part number and eBay helps. I had originally 3 reels of that era and I cleaned and oiled it well and replaced parts. I’m using them in my Arsenal of rods. They are sweet reels. Awesome videos my friend keep them coming.

[@rayadams5135]

Any idea where to find a replacement casting tensioner cap and spring for these reels?

[@jamesblack8166]

thinking of trying the plastic bearing in a reel im cleaning, how do you know what size bearings you need?

[@kabanchan5768]

this reel older then me i just acquired one but the the drag is stuck on mine is it mean to be locked ? or just jammed on mine ?

[@josephkem9689]

So not related to this video but I see from other vids that you are from Iowa. Just kinda curious as to where abouts because I am from Iowa as well so its cool to see somebody on here that is from here with info about fishing here.

[@mikeford9176]

How did you get the pin out on spool shaft to get the bearing off