Fall 2018
®
The 4th setting is for heavy winds, skipping docks and for beginner anglers.
SPECIFICATIONS
The Curado DC looks just like the popular Curado K and shares the same frame, but is actually smaller-sized, due to the need to fit the microcomputer within the reel. The Curado K is a size 200 reel where the Curado DC is a 150 sized reel.
The difference in reel size means less line capacity on the DC and a slightly heavier reel. The weight difference is miniscule where the DC weighs 7.8 or 7.9 ounces, and the Curado K weighs in at 7.6 ounces.
In terms of line capacity, the K holds 110-yards of a 14-pound test while the DC only holds 110-yards of 12-pound line.
Everything else about the two reels is very similar when it comes to bearings (six ball bearings and one roller bearing) and gear ratios.
Both versions are available in 6.2:1, 7.4:1, and 8.5:1 for both right and left-handed retrieves.
Besides that, the Curado DC is like the Curado K in that it features Shimano’s durable Hagane body and MicroModule gearing to keep it smooth.
PERFORMANCE
While learning about all of the technological features, gear ratios and other specifications of a reel is important; the real key is how it performs where it counts, and that is on the water in real fishing situations.
The author was part of a sneak preview of this reel in the spring and was able to test it under extreme weather conditions and then again fished it heavily just before the official release of the reel. The reel performs as advertised
and is virtually impossible to backlash thanks to the DC technology.
Here are four scenarios that a DC reel really shines compared to other reels.
• DEEP CRANKING - As we know, the longer the cast, the deeper a crankbait can get and the longer it can stay at that maximum depth. A digitally controlled reel allows for extra distance on every cast and thus more time in the strike zone.
• WINDY CONDITIONS - Casting a lure directly into the wind is always a gamble with a standard baitcaster, but it is possible with a reel outfitted with this technology. The benefits of being able to cast in any direction are many and having to reposition the boat to have your back to the wind is a thing of the past. You can throw wherever you want to without thinking twice.
• SKIPPING DOCKS - This scenario is one of the most satisfying ways to utilize this technology. Anyone who skips docks or overhanging cover knows that backlashes can and will happen, if you are using baitcasting gear for this technique. The DC reel makes it much easier to obtain long skips underneath the cover and helps to minimize the mistakes.
• NEW ANGLERS - Graduating from spinning gear to baitcast setups is a rite of passage in bass angling and often takes much practice to take the leap. The Curado DC makes it much more forgiving for an angler without as much experience. Several times the author has made long casts without touching the spool with his thumb, and the reel has yet to backlash.
This new reel from Shimano has received plenty of attention since its release. Frequently a touted new product does not live up to the hype; but, this reel does. It is an outstanding reel when it comes to performance, value and the amount of fun it is to fish. The Curado DC is a winner. •
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