Shimano baitcaster confusion!!

[mheichelbech]

So it used to be that Shimano had 3-4 different baitcasters with 1 maybe 2 in each price range (under $100, under $200-$299, and over $300).  Now I see a Metanium DC and a Curado DC...a Curado in similar price range as a Chronarch....if your in the $199 to $299 price range how do you decide?  Is the DC braking preferred?  Thinking of a reel for pitching/skipping.

[new2BC4bass]

In that case think of Daiwa. 

[mheichelbech]

3 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

If you want to skip then a Daiwa SV spool reel is about as good as it gets.

I have one...I like it.  Was more just curious about the different Shimano and how they’ve changed up their range of reels and options.  Was curious also if that DC braking was more effective for skipping than the Tatula SVTW that I currently use.

[new2BC4bass]

Where are you located?  If nearby me I could let you test an older Exsence DC against your Tatula SV reel.  Or use mine if you want to leave yours at home.

 

 

[Hulkster]

i have heard that the DC reels arent very good for experienced casters. so i am hesitant to get one. yet all the new stuff seems to be DC..

 

i have read it is too restrictive for people that are great casters already.

 

better for beginners who need help learning how not to backlash.

 

any truth to this?

[Jig Man]

I have been using bait casters for a very long time.  I have an assortment of Shimanos.  I just got a Curado DC from my daughter for my birthday.  I haven’t fished with it yet but have made a bunch of casts in the yard.  It works like a charm going with or into the wind.  I plan to make it my windy day spinner bait reel. 

[FishTank]

I have the Curado DC and the Daiwa Steez SV TWS and between the 2 of them the DC is better at getting under docks but any Daiwa with the SV spool is no slouch at pitching/skipping though.  Due to the versatility of the Curado DC and how well it works at this specific function, I think it would be the obvious choice.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Pitching requires little braking and flipping virtually none. If a DC reel offers any advantage I’d think it would be bombing big and non aerodynamic baits. 

[clh121787]

9 hours ago, Hulkster said:

i have heard that the DC reels arent very good for experienced casters. so i am hesitant to get one. yet all the new stuff seems to be DC..

 

i have read it is too restrictive for people that are great casters already.

 

better for beginners who need help learning how not to backlash.

 

any truth to this?

I have one on my frog rod set pretty loose and can d**n near spool it with 65# braid. Absolutely will bomb a .5 oz frog. Set loose you must still thumb it on the first of the cast.Too restrictive for great casters? No. Worth the 75 bucks over original curado? probably not. Small gain in performance. Do i love it? YES. 

[gilkeybr]

The best part of a DC reel over a standard reel is the whine it makes during a cast.  Outside of that, the differences are pretty marginal, IMO.

 

I would be looking for a used Aldebaran or Bantam in that price range, depending on what I was going to use it for.