>
>Cons:
>
>Oversize Sideplate: One thing I can't get used to on this
>reel is the oversized side plate. This probably affects
>people differently depending on how they grip their reel. For
>me, I have my hand wrapped almost completely around my reel
>when I've retrieving and the large sideplate makes it hard for
>me to control the reel like I like to. I tried to rip with
>this reel and it was killing me to be honest. I'm curious
>what other people's experience has been with this issue
>because I don't know if how I'm holding the reel is unorthodox
>or what.

I just picked up a Cruxis (new LH Citica was out of stock and I never intended to follow the Curado up) and had the same issue you did with the reel size and trying to rip with it(Cruxis has same oversized gears). I was very unhappy with the reel and with myself for not putting it on a rod before I bought it, but what made me even madder(and disappointed), was the realization that Shimano doesn't have a 100 size low profile reel until you get in the Curado line-up. I feel abandoned by them as I can't afford to spend $199 on a reel. Looks like I'll have to start scouring eBay but first I have a Cruxis to get rid of.
Note: other then the size I think the Cruxis is a very good reel for the money. For $100 I like it better then my Super Tuned Daiwa that was $140. The Cruxis is smooth, cast well, etc, everything I want in a reel except for the size.
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