Hi, I wanted to ask a question about the Daiwa Advantage Cranking reels. I'm making a custom Loomis CB845 to handle most of my cranking and rippin' duties. Realizing I need a lower 5.1:1 gear ratio reel, I began looking around for reels in the $100 or so price range. I've seen the Curados are only about $20 more than the Advantage but from what I've read they are about equal in performance. So I'm looking at the Advantage. Does anyone have any feedback on this reel? It would be greatly appreciated.

I've got the advantage, but I prefer the millionaire for cranking.

cabelas had the cvz for $130, the gearing is meshed so good that you can hardly feel the weight of the crankbait, only the action.

the advantage isn't as smooth but its a trusty reel. I've been catching stripers to 6lbs no problem. Still waiting for the bigger ones to really test it out, I'm sure it'd be perfect.

go for the millionaire I guarantee you will love it.

Check out the new Shimano Citica. They now have a cranking model with 5.0:1 gear ratio and a super free lo mass drilled spool. It also has a 5 bearings,a bigger cranking handle and I believe it has dartanium drags. You can't beat that for $120!

http://fish.shimano.com/catalog/fish/products/group_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302036642&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181270&bmUID=1134333111886

The advantage is not a very nice reel its a bit too bulky for my likes