Calling Curado K owners - Lighter baits and worm gear

[MassYak85]

I'm looking to get a baitcaster to throw cranks on. I love my tatula's for most techniques but I'm a braid to leader guy (I know I know, crucify me all you want for using braid for crankbaits, you won't change my mind) which means the T-wing is gonna be a problem. This will be my first Shimano baitcaster and I've heard good things about the K looking at reviews and reel teardowns. My only concerns are...

 

- The worm gear is plastic. I'm not against plastic parts in reels but this to me strikes me as an odd place to save money. Has anyone had issues with the worm gear wearing out yet? And is it a common part where I could swap it out for a metal gear/pawl set from another shimano reel? 

 

- I've heard the reel isn't the best at light weights. This is going to be a cranking reel so I plan to get the 6 speed, but is it up to the task of casting lighter balsa cranks down to like 1/4 ounce?

 

[basser27]

1 hour ago, MassYak85 said:

I'm looking to get a baitcaster to throw cranks on. I love my tatula's for most techniques but I'm a braid to leader guy (I know I know, crucify me all you want for using braid for crankbaits, you won't change my mind) which means the T-wing is gonna be a problem. This will be my first Shimano baitcaster and I've heard good things about the K looking at reviews and reel teardowns. My only concerns are...

 

- The worm gear is plastic. I'm not against plastic parts in reels but this to me strikes me as an odd place to save money. Has anyone had issues with the worm gear wearing out yet? And is it a common part where I could swap it out for a metal gear/pawl set from another shimano reel? 

 

- I've heard the reel isn't the best at light weights. This is going to be a cranking reel so I plan to get the 6 speed, but is it up to the task of casting lighter balsa cranks down to like 1/4 ounce?

 

I throw the 1/4oz baby Manns minus 1 on my curado k but it is not my first choice especially if you’re throwing into the wind.

The reel does not perform well for me throwing strike king 1.5s and rapala shadow rap jerkbait. Although I love my curado k for 1/2oz traps and spinnerbaits, I would personally look into a different reel especially if you plan on throwing a lot of 1/4oz cranks. Take a look at the Daiwa fuego CT. Very good reel and no twing 

[MassYak85]

7 minutes ago, basser27 said:

I throw the 1/4oz baby Manns minus 1 on my curado k but it is not my first choice especially if you’re throwing into the wind.

The reel does not perform well for me throwing strike king 1.5s and rapala shadow rap jerkbait. Although I love my curado k for 1/2oz traps and spinnerbaits, I would personally look into a different reel especially if you plan on throwing a lot of 1/4oz cranks. Take a look at the Daiwa fuego CT. Very good reel and no twing 

Thanks, that helps a lot actually. I'm mostly gonna be fishing medium divers with it but if it's gonna struggle on smaller cranks I want to avoid it. I honestly may end up going with the Fuego. I have one already and like it a lot. For reference I'm putting this on a champion xp from the recent Dobyns sale. I was gonna go a little higher on the reel price range and give Shimano a fair shake but eh, who cares I guess. If it 'aint broke don't fix it I guess. 

 

I really wish Daiwa hadn't gone all-in on the T-wing, it's a great design but leader knots just don't work out well with it. It would be nice to have an SV-spool option without the T-wing. At least the fuego still has magforce braking though. 

[basser27]

53 minutes ago, MassYak85 said:

Thanks, that helps a lot actually. I'm mostly gonna be fishing medium divers with it but if it's gonna struggle on smaller cranks I want to avoid it. I honestly may end up going with the Fuego. I have one already and like it a lot. For reference I'm putting this on a champion xp from the recent Dobyns sale. I was gonna go a little higher on the reel price range and give Shimano a fair shake but eh, who cares I guess. If it 'aint broke don't fix it I guess. 

 

I really wish Daiwa hadn't gone all-in on the T-wing, it's a great design but leader knots just don't work out well with it. It would be nice to have an SV-spool option without the T-wing. At least the fuego still has magforce braking though. 

Shorter leader? My leaders are generally 3-5’ when I run braid to leader.

[waymont]

3 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

T-wing is gonna be a problem

I only use braid to leader, and I have 6 Tatulas with the T wing. All you have to do is make you leader length so it doesn't enter the reel and you wont have an issue. Why would you need more than a 6' shock leader?

My 2 cents.

[clh121787]

41 minutes ago, waymont said:

I only use braid to leader, and I have 6 Tatulas with the T wing. All you have to do is make you leader length so it doesn't enter the reel and you wont have an issue. Why would you need more than a 6' shock leader?

My 2 cents.

I like a long 10 to 15 foot leader only because when ive got a big one at the boat goin crazy i like to have my knot several wraps deep in the spool. As for the OP question ive probably got close to a dozen Ks since they came out. never had an issue 

[MassYak85]

7 hours ago, waymont said:

I only use braid to leader, and I have 6 Tatulas with the T wing. All you have to do is make you leader length so it doesn't enter the reel and you wont have an issue. Why would you need more than a 6' shock leader?

My 2 cents.

It's not a shock leader, it's for abrasion resistance and visibility (say what you want about the fish seeing the line, it gives me confidence). Cranking around large rocks longer is better IMO. 

 

8 hours ago, basser27 said:

Shorter leader? My leaders are generally 3-5’ when I run braid to leader.

I usually keep it so it just barely stays out of the T wings but I like a longer one for cranking. 

[Beeno]

More and more people are starting to crank with braid to a leader because cranking rods nowadays are so forgiving that braid is not a bad idea. The curado k can throw light lures easy once you get used to it I have thrown 3/16 ounce spinnerbaits on it very well in good conditions. The k is a great crankbait reel 3/8 and up probably one of the best workhorse reels. I also still really like the curado i and is a good reel to consider for crankbaits.

[garroyo130]

11 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

- I've heard the reel isn't the best at light weights. This is going to be a cranking reel so I plan to get the 6 speed, but is it up to the task of casting lighter balsa cranks down to like 1/4 ounce?

 

Pair it with the right rod and line and you can cast them out there. Med/Mod rod 7' or longer and youll be fine. Since you're using braid, line diameter won't be a concern.

[MassYak85]

The reel is going to go on a DC764 RM. I was considering an SLX or SLX DC if anyone has experience with those. 

 

I'm still a bit concerned about the plastic worm gear on the K as well. If the line guide is off to the side and the line on the spool is coming off at enough of an angle wouldn't that side-load the pawl into the worm gear a bit? 

 

Idk, maybe I'll just get a Fuego and upgrade a couple things. 

 

[Jermination]

13 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

I'm looking to get a baitcaster to throw cranks on. I love my tatula's for most techniques but I'm a braid to leader guy (I know I know, crucify me all you want for using braid for crankbaits, you won't change my mind) which means the T-wing is gonna be a problem. This will be my first Shimano baitcaster and I've heard good things about the K looking at reviews and reel teardowns. My only concerns are...

 

- The worm gear is plastic. I'm not against plastic parts in reels but this to me strikes me as an odd place to save money. Has anyone had issues with the worm gear wearing out yet? And is it a common part where I could swap it out for a metal gear/pawl set from another shimano reel? 

 

- I've heard the reel isn't the best at light weights. This is going to be a cranking reel so I plan to get the 6 speed, but is it up to the task of casting lighter balsa cranks down to like 1/4 ounce?

 

curado k is good for cranking, at least a DT6 anything lighter you'll have issues, especially when the winds starts kicking. I bought a daiwa CR80 and it does GREAT for the small squarebills, little johns, etc

[OnthePotomac]

13 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

I'm looking to get a baitcaster to throw cranks on. I love my tatula's for most techniques but I'm a braid to leader guy (I know I know, crucify me all you want for using braid for crankbaits, you won't change my mind) which means the T-wing is gonna be a problem. This will be my first Shimano baitcaster and I've heard good things about the K looking at reviews and reel teardowns. My only concerns are...

 

- The worm gear is plastic. I'm not against plastic parts in reels but this to me strikes me as an odd place to save money. Has anyone had issues with the worm gear wearing out yet? And is it a common part where I could swap it out for a metal gear/pawl set from another shimano reel? 

 

- I've heard the reel isn't the best at light weights. This is going to be a cranking reel so I plan to get the 6 speed, but is it up to the task of casting lighter balsa cranks down to like 1/4 ounce?

 

The worm gear is not "plastic", it is a high grade composition self lubricating material developed by Shimano engineers very similar to that used in car manufacturing today. Todate, Shimano has seen no problems with the worm gears.  Shimano says way stronger than any plastic or polymer. 

[Fishingmickey]

13 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

I'm looking to get a baitcaster to throw cranks on. I love my tatula's for most techniques but I'm a braid to leader guy (I know I know, crucify me all you want for using braid for crankbaits, you won't change my mind) which means the T-wing is gonna be a problem. This will be my first Shimano baitcaster and I've heard good things about the K looking at reviews and reel teardowns. My only concerns are...

 

- The worm gear is plastic. I'm not against plastic parts in reels but this to me strikes me as an odd place to save money. Has anyone had issues with the worm gear wearing out yet? And is it a common part where I could swap it out for a metal gear/pawl set from another shimano reel? 

 

- I've heard the reel isn't the best at light weights. This is going to be a cranking reel so I plan to get the 6 speed, but is it up to the task of casting lighter balsa cranks down to like 1/4 ounce?

 

Not sure how you feel about buying direct from Japan. I have been very impressed by my Scorpion MGL's. It's a 150 sized reel so it is a smaller frame then the Curado K. Been great throwing lighter baits. 

Fishingmickey

 

[MassYak85]

1 hour ago, OnthePotomac said:

The worm gear is not "plastic", it is a high grade composition self lubricating material developed by Shimano engineers very similar to that used in car manufacturing today. Todate, Shimano has seen no problems with the worm gears.  Shimano says way stronger than any plastic or polymer. 

Make no mistake, it's not some space age super material they chose for its insane properties. Its still plastic. They did this to cut cost and to cut weight off the reel. I don't know if they used a special automotive grade delrin or nylon or something but it is very much still plastic. My concern is not the pawl to worm gear wear, both those materials do very well in those applications. My concern is side loading the pawl when drag is being pulled off the spool at an angle, as well as dirt getting in there and grooving it. 

 

Again I'm just asking, I'm sure they tested it I just want to hear from people who have out then through the wringer for a couple years. But form the sounds of it I will probably be better off with another reel for those lighter baits. I appreciate all the feedback so far guys. 

[PhishLI]

2 hours ago, OnthePotomac said:

The worm gear is not "plastic", it is a high grade composition self lubricating material

I doubt that's the case because they come out of the box slicked up nicely with clear grease. Both mine and my brother's did. While there are "self lubricating" or infused thermoplastics, I'm not buying that they're optimal under wet, gritty , service loads, or don't require lubrication used in this situation. Shimano obviously feels that the material they chose is acceptable pulling duty as a worm gear. Anyone concerned about it can easily order a few spares. I'm not worried about it personally.

[PhishLI]

On 4/1/2020 at 6:17 PM, MassYak85 said:

I've heard the reel isn't the best at light weights. This is going to be a cranking reel so I plan to get the 6 speed, but is it up to the task of casting lighter balsa cranks down to like 1/4 ounce?

If you're set on Shimano then get a Chronarch instead. I use mine all the time for light jerks and cranks. Or pick up a Curado 70 on sale right now. They're both better suited for lighter baits than the K. If you want to be really happy get an Alde MGL. It's great down to just shy of BFS size baits. If you're not committed to Shimano take a good look at the Lew's Tournament Pro LFS. It's tiny, has a great braking system, and can throw light baits with ease because it has a 10 gram spool. I own or have fished with all of these reels, so unless I'm just lame with a baitcaster, or clinically insane, they're all better than the K with lighter baits. BTW, I almost always have a rod with the K on it with me when I'm out. Aside from the stupid brake dial I like it quite a bit. So smooth on the retrieve.

[DomQ]

2 hours ago, Fishingmickey said:

Not sure how you feel about buying direct from Japan. I have been very impressed by my Scorpion MGL's. It's a 150 sized reel so it is a smaller frame then the Curado K. Been great throwing lighter baits. 

Fishingmickey

 

I'm pretty sure the scorpion is the exact same frame as the curado k, seeing how it's just the JDM version but with an mgl spool and beauty paint job to start. Frame wise as far as I know it's the same. 

[Fishingmickey]

1 minute ago, DomQ said:

I'm pretty sure the scorpion is the exact same frame as the curado k, seeing how it's just the JDM version but with an mgl spool and beauty paint job to start. Frame wise as far as I know it's the same. 

Might check again DomQ,

From Shimano:

The Curado 200 K will be available in 3 gear ratios: 6,2:1, 7,4:1 and an very high ... Because of the 200 size, it will fit perfectly for pike and big blackbass fishing ... the aluminum frame makes the Curado 200 K very tough but still light weight.

 

The 2019 Scorpion MGL is a 150 frame size.

FM

 

 

[DomQ]

1 hour ago, Fishingmickey said:

Might check again DomQ,

From Shimano:

The Curado 200 K will be available in 3 gear ratios: 6,2:1, 7,4:1 and an very high ... Because of the 200 size, it will fit perfectly for pike and big blackbass fishing ... the aluminum frame makes the Curado 200 K very tough but still light weight.

 

The 2019 Scorpion MGL is a 150 frame size.

FM

 

 

Okay so i checked again, are you saying the frame is smaller then the curado k? Because I just took my caliper to the front and sides of both reels which I own and the reels are exactly the same, I swapped both spools, scorpion mgl and curado k and they worked perfectly. I took pictures. I'd be glad to take both reels apart and swap side plates if that helps. 

[Beeno]

The plastic worm gear won’t effect the performance of the reel.

[MassYak85]

I'll take a look at the scorpions as well. I assume that would be a better reel than getting an SLX DC? 

[rtwvumtneer6]

9 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

considering an SLX or SLX DC

I own a couple of K's and an SLX XT.  They feel very different in my hand and there is a noticable size difference. 

 

I really like my Ks and tend to reach for them when throwing baits with a single stout hook. 

 

I like the SLX XT for treble hook baits and non-superline style hooks.  The $30 for the SVS braking is worth it for me, and so far it's held up with my Ks. 

 

If I were getting a reel specifically to throw lighter crankbaits, I would shy away from the K.  But if I were prepared to spend the $180 on a K, I would take a shot at the SLX DC.  Just my 2 cents. 

[AmSO4]

Are there any shallow spool or other lightweight spool options for the K?  I checked ebay and did not find anything.

[OnthePotomac]

22 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

It's still plastic.  It's a special plastic that is just fine in this application.  I don't know why anyone would want metal for a worm gear anyways.  

I just remembered that the Curado 70 worm gears are the same material.

[NOC 1]

On 4/1/2020 at 9:33 PM, MassYak85 said:

I really wish Daiwa hadn't gone all-in on the T-wing, it's a great design but leader knots just don't work out well with it. It would be nice to have an SV-spool option without the T-wing. At least the fuego still has magforce braking though. 

You could always buy a used OG Steez or Zillion and put an SV spool into it. That's why I like Daiwa.