Curado K

[fk_98]

Hello, I am interested in buying a curado K but have been seeing a lot of negative reviews regarding the thumb bar falling off and the gears inside having issues. I've felt the reel in person and it feels like a solid reel. Should I avoid the reviews? Or get a different reel around the same price point? 

[Derek1]

I have one. I haven’t really read reviews and only personally know two other people with them. Mine was the only casting reel I had for quite a while beating the bank. It got heavy use for several hours a week with the abuse that hiking and bank fishing offers. I don’t have experience with to many reels to compare to, but I would recommend the k without a doubt. One of my buddies swears by them. He says it’s the best bang for the buck. Where performance and longevity surpasses the dollar amount. Again his words. I feel it’s at the price point where you get a quality product you won’t outgrow, you just crossed over the into the next level of gear.  With minimal maintenance will last you along time. Wow sorry this is long. Apparently I have allot to say after a few drinks. I had more to say about my first casting reel then I do about my first girlfriend. 

[GaterB]

Curado K is a solid workhorse. Shimano incorporated a lot of high end features into a reel that is affordable for the masses. I have used mine (XG version) for frogging, punching, and glidebaits both from the bank and on my kayak. No issues. I think often times people post only when things malfunction. For every one negative incident there are likely hundreds if not thousands of positive experiences that go without mention on public forums. I feel the Curado K is a solid investment. So much so that I’m currently in the market for another. Just my two cents. 

[DomQ]

I've got 2 and have had zero issues. I haven't heard of any thumb bar issue or any gear issues just grease the gears and you'll be fine. It's a mean reel man. Casts great and feels great.

[Smalls]

Shimano fixed the thumb bar issues. It was just the plastic cover, not the entire mechanism. Mine started getting wiggly, so I took it off and super glued it. If you did lose it, Shimano will send you a new one to super glue on. 
 

Every product is going to have a few units with issues, but I’ve never heard of any mass problems with the gears. 
 

It’s a solid reel. There’s a reason it’s one of, if not the most popular reel on the market 

[waymont]

Excellent reels. I have three with two seasons on them with zero issues.

[FishTank]

I have the K and the Curado DC both have been fantastic.  I have not had any issues as of yet.  The K is being used for jigs and weighted soft plastic.  The DC is being used for crankbaits.  

 

The DC has seen probably more casts than I can count and I have caught tons of fish with it.  It probably saw the most abuse out any reel I own.   It's feels the same, casts the same and looks the same as the day I got it. 

 

The K has been used quite a bit but not a ton.  I have several other reels I use for the same purpose and they all kind of share the load. 

[GreenPig]

Over 2 years with my Curado K HG and zero problems.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The vibration felt in a Met or other light weight reel is more a function of the light weight than anything inherently wrong with the gears. Rather than swapping gears in a new reel, I’d just maintain it well and if/when the gears need replacing decide on which set to use. If you don’t like the vibration buy a different model out of the gate. 

[rtwvumtneer6]

My first Curado K actually had a defect with the side plate.  These things happen in manufacturing regardless of the industry, company or product.  People rarely take the time to write a positive review, but are quick to point out the negative.  Don't let that sway your decision. THEY ARE SOLID REELS.  I own 2 of them now and my tournament partner has a couple of his own.  They are always on the deck and at the ready.

 

P.S. I had the original reel replaced at no cost.  Warranties exist for a reason, and I would highly recommend you give it a shot!