Quantum Energy or Shimano Curado?

[keenfisher]

I'm going to buy myself a new reel and rod this spring.  I want to make sure I have something that will last me for years and is as versatile as possible.  I've only used a spinning set-up but am liking the idea of getting a baitcast rig. 
So I think I've narrowed it down to two possible reels; the energy and curado.  I will be fishing for a bit of everything; trout, pike, walleye, mostly and some bass.  I was just wondering which would be the best option.  Any feedback on the reels, gear ratio, and the rod used with the reel would be great.
Thanks in advance.

[Skipper]

I always choose Shimano, they make good stuff.

I buy reels from other manufacturers and they last a few years and quit regardless of the price. I have lower end Shimanos that are fifteen years old that still work flawlessly. I am sold on their quality and durability, I wont even touch another brand anymore. It stinks when you pay a couple hundred for a reel and it is getting tricky after light use.

Gear ratio is an aplication question and is tough to determine without more info. You dont want too high if you cast large lures, but you dont want too low if you want to burn baits for bass. The mid sixes to one is a good happy medium, the sevens are crazy fast, and the fives can be painfully slow.

[keenfisher]

Gear ratio is an aplication question and is tough to determine without more info. You dont want too high if you cast large lures, but you dont want too low if you want to burn baits for bass. The mid sixes to one is a good happy medium, the sevens are crazy fast, and the fives can be painfully slow.

I was thinking the same thing as you said about the six being about middle.  The Curado is about $90 more here in Canada in a six compared to the five or seven.  So to me, I think I'll pick between one of those two.
For applications for myself I will most likely not be cranking baits really fast for bass.  I enjoy trout and walleye fishing mostly and we have some big trout in a lake here.  I don't know if the seven would really be too fast or the five too slow.  I'd appreciate any advice on what you think is best about each speed (in terms of what style and how you'd fish with a five or seven).  Oh, and I'm planning on hitting up Cabela's on Friday so I hope to get some advice soon. 
Thanks again.

[Skipper]

Kinda weird that the 6.2 would cost more, it should be the more popular of the three. If you are not hucking big bladed spinners or heavy deep cranks, go with the seven over the five. You will get pretty frustrated if you bass fish with a slow reel. Your hand will have to move at a million miles an hour to get stuff moving good. Ask the store if you can return the seven in favor of the more expensive 6.2 if you do not like it before you buy it. I think the 6.2 to 1 reel has a larger capacity, that is why it is more expensive. One more thing to think about is choosing the right or left handed model. Most guys reel left handed with a spinning reel, and right handed with a casting reel. I have never figured this out myself. I am right handed, but I buy lefty casting reels. I feel like I am fishing with my feet when I put the rod in my left hand. This is personal preference and a decision you must make on your own, but make sure you like the feel before you drop a bunch of dough on a casting reel.

http://www.fishusa.com/Shimano-Curado-E-Baitcasting-Reels_p.html

Check Fish USA out, in my neck of the woods shipping is often cheaper than the sales tax. I will vouch for these guys on domestic orders, they do a good job and ship FAST. I know how shipping can be in CA though.

I am thinking in buying the curado 301 myself!

Good Luck!