I've used mine riggin in the ocean and drifting in the rivers and never had a problem. I wash mine after every use though and lube often. what do you consider to be "saltwater ready" I agree with you on the speck, I guess his shirt says it all

Jettywolfs picture, I hadn't even noticed. sorry

Oolie, Where'd you get 5lbs from?

Absolutely Snidely, I even use this reel mated to a Lami XCF 864 for downrigger duties in the Ocean.

zennbassr, I don't consider you argumentative. I consider this a quest for knowledge. let's dispell all rumors / myths here and now. sitting in front of me as I type are the specifications straight off of the Shimano paperwork that came with the reel. if Shimano doesn't know, then who does? here we ...

zenbassr,I don't know how they compare in physical size to the Curado 300 as I don't own one, but I do know that a 201 Speedmaster is larger than a 201 DHSV or 201 DPV as I own both. I "assumed" that since all the specs for line capacity were the same that they were, my bad. a citica 201DSV spool on...

Snidley, I got mine on ebay. there are two gentleman that sell them, one is selling under the handle of "Reelsseller" and the other is selling under "REELS_MART TACKLE" they both have a buy it now price of $195 in the ebay stores listings below the auction portion of the page. they are nice reels me...

Snidley, it's not a "200" size reel. just like the Chronarch 101B isn't a "100" size reel. the Speedmaster 201 is the same size as a Curado 300. 120 yards of 20lb. mono capacity, 15lbs of drag, oversize paddle grips. ARB bearings, 7.0:1 instead of the 6.2:1 of the Curado. weight is 9.8 oz's versus 1...

Snidley, The JDM version of the Curado is called the Speedmaster, it's available with left hand retrieve. the model # is 201 and unlike the Curado it comes with ARB bearings and a reel cover. available on ebay for less than $200. I love it for Kings fresh from the salt.

shimano sustain or twinpower

HOGQUEST here in the PNW. it's a freshwater / saltwater show that covers the likes of Salmon, Steelhead, Halibut, Sturgeon, bottom fish, Trout, Bass. different location and species almost weekly, they show you how, with what and with who.

From one PNW Steelhead slayer to another, WELCOME!

Thanks for the info Bantam1

I have posted the question to Bantam 1 and am awaiting his reply. I am trying to get responses from guys that have actually used these reels in adverse conditions like I experience here in the Pacific Northwest. I already have a Chronarch 101B with Calais 4 bearing handle and spool bearing upgrades ...

The Monkey tells me I need one of the new Shimano DC reels. I fish the Pacific Northwest for Salmon And Steelhead in rain up to my waist in water and my reels get wet. I am a little hesitant as the TT review of the Calcutta 200 said after submerging the reel it took approximately 45 minutes to retur...