Best Reel for new Rod - maybe Curado DC or something else?

[Riversidebassin]

I recently purchased a 7'4'' St. Croix MHF Legend Tournament casting rod that I plan on using as my primary football jig/jig, T-rig, etc. setup, but I'm having trouble choosing the perfect reel! At first I was VERY interested in the Shimano Curado DC, but after doing some research on it I found that it is basically just a Curado K with a fancy breaking system that reduces backlash. My first question is: Is the DC any better quality/performance wise than the K? Since I know how to use a bait caster pretty ok, I'm not super concerned about backlash - so is the DC really worth it to someone who isn't worried about backlash/birdsnests?

 

My second question is: What other reels do you guys recommend or would personally use for this rod? I currently am using and trusting Lew's bait casters, but brand doesn't really matter to me too much. Anything under a $300 price range I'll look into, but I do want something that will match the quality of the rod. Any suggestions that would help narrow down my choices will be very appreciated! 

 

Thanks!

I.H

[waymont]

I'd recommend these: Daiwa Tatula 150, Daiwa Sv TWS, Curado K

 

All are fantastic reels that would leave you wanting nothing. All under your budget.

 

I use a Tatula 150 and a Curado K with my St Croix LTB 6'8" MH rod. 

[newyorktoiowa57]

I just picked up a DC.  Overall it is a nice reel, but I'm not wowed by the casting distance like I expected to be.  I feel like I am maybe only getting 10 feet over the K, but I have only used it twice.  IMO it is worth the price, and it is very refined, but may not be worth the hype over the cheaper, cooler looking, and more ergonomic K, at least not in terms of performance.  Time could prove me wrong though.    

[matbellon3]

I would recommend getting a Curado K over the DC. After owning and using most of the DC reels ( Scorpion Dc, Curado dc, Metanium Dc, and an older Antares Dc) I have found that DC is kind of overstated and hypedand I can get more out of a reel with a normal breaking system. When I measured distance between my Curado K and Dc i was only getting 1-1.5yds further with the DC. With lighter weights though the K out casts the DC.When it came to short pitches or casts the the K has alot better breaking because alot of the time the DC unit doesn't have time to charge and work. As far as smoothness and refinement goes Curado k and the Dc are the same. Both feel solid in hand but the K is more comfortable to palm IMO.

 

Another option that is just over $300 is the Metanium MGL from Digitaka at around $305. If you can stretch it is much better than the Curado K and DC 

[scbassin]

I have & use a Bantam mgl (Japanese version ) purchased from Digitaka for under $300. This is well built reel & I recommend you look into this reel before deciding on a reel.  I also have the Metanium mgl that was also purchased from Digitaka. Both reel are excellent reels but for you want to use it for I would go with the Bantam mgl.

[Yumeya]

I have two Curado K reels and they work excellent, if you want to step it up get a Metanium.

[Fishes in trees]

I have Curado DC and while I haven't fished it a whole bunch, I think that it is designed for and better suited for reaction baits.  I know that with jig/bottom contact rods, you can't get too light, is I'd go with a 50 sized Chronarch or something similar in weight.

[newyorktoiowa57]

4 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

I have Curado DC and while I haven't fished it a whole bunch, I think that it is designed for and better suited for reaction baits.  I know that with jig/bottom contact rods, you can't get too light, is I'd go with a 50 sized Chronarch or something similar in weight.

I agree. 

[Riversidebassin]

Thanks for the responses. I think I ruled out the Curado DC for at least this rod/set up. Any other reels under or near a $300 budget that are (really) good for the price?

 

Give me your opinion/experience on these reels...

• Daiwa Zillion AV TW
• Daiwa Tutula Elite
• Team Lew's Custom Pro Speed Spool SLP (or any other high end Lew's reel)
• Shimano Chronarch 150g (pretty interested in this)
• LITERALLY ANYTHING ELSE I'LL LOOK INTO!!! These are just a few that I am considering! The reason why I am so concerned about getting the perfect reel is because I only have so many setups, so each one matters to me alot!

Also, if you know of any sites that offer Metanium's for less than $340, I'd love to know!

[TBAG]

Go with the Curado K, I highly doubt you'll be disappointed.

[matbellon3]

1 hour ago, Riversidebassin said:

if you know of any sites that offer Metanium's for less than $340, I'd love to know!

https://www.digitaka.com/item.php?item=4969363035301

 

This is where I purchased mine from. Shipping only took about a week.

[Derek1]

I have the both the k and the dc. The dc is definitely better on moving baits where you want to cover water. 

[FishTank]

I have the Bantam, the Curado K and the DC.  The Bantam is the workhorse of the bunch> heavy baits/t rigged plastic, topwater, and jerk baits.  The K is great but the DC, for me, has been fantastic at throwing crankbaits.   I does seem to take a few cast to get it broke in and it does get better as time passes.   I have been using 1/4oz to 3/4oz cranks with no issues. The K have I found to be better for soft plastics (senkos and tubes). 

[Riversidebassin]

Thanks for the input everyone! I ended up buying a Shimano Chronarch MGL in the 7.1:1 ratio.

[Mikeltee]

Well done. If you have a trained thumb, there are far better reels to drop $250 on. I do love the noise and use mine often but I wont ever buy another dc.

[new2BC4bass]

2 hours ago, Riversidebassin said:

Thanks for the input everyone! I ended up buying a Shimano Chronarch MGL in the 7.1:1 ratio.