Shimano Curado dc vs slx dc

[mheichelbech]

Is the Curado DC worth the price difference?

[scbassin]

I do not have either reel.  But after looking into them I would go with the SLX DC. My reason to is It has brass gears & is cheaper. Also the reviews were very good. That is my take & I hope is helpful.

[FishTank]

I have the Curado DC and love it so far.  I was able to pick it up for $200 at DSG online when they had a 20% off everything community sale, which had no exclusions.  I have had zero issues and its a blast to fish.  

 

I can't speak for the SLX DC but I have fished the regular version and it's not bad for the money.  I don't know if a DC version of this reel is worth the extra cost.  So my take would be to get the Curado. 

[scbassin]

Both reels have the same DC version the I DC 4. So as I said Above I would go with the SLX DC.

[mheichelbech]

Thanks, I ordered the SLX model and will post a review when I can.   I have primarily all Chronarchs for my other reels so that will be what I compare it to.

[scbassin]

I have some DC reels just not either of the 2 that you questioned.To compare the 2 reels you mentioned above is like comparing apples & oranges. You will see what I mean after using it for awhile. You will really see a big difference on a windy day.

[Chrisko]

I happen to own both the SLX DC and the Curado DC (as well as the Scorpion with ID5). For casting and the DC controller, there is no difference between the SLX DC and the Curado DC - they both have the same system (ID4), same set-up and same performance with this regard.  I base this on both my in-depth research and my experience. I have both the SLX DC and the Curado DC installed on the same exact poles, same exact line and casting the same exact lure with the same exact settings.  The performance of the DC, especially with regards to backlash is the same.  I cannot see any difference in the casting difference (if there is one, it is minimal IMO). Casting is like golfing or free-throw shooting; no two casts are going to be exactly the same in all regards and as a result, each cast can delivery slight different results.  All that said, the reason for MY purchasing these reels is for the DC and reduction in backlash. Backlash potential is greatly reduced, but by no means is it eliminated (at least with actually usable settings). At my age, this is a story of teaching an old dog (well, maybe not that old) new tricks (bait casting reels).

 

Is the Curado DC a better reel than the SLX DC in other regards? Sure, as one would expect by the price point and additional features. Make no mistake, both of these reels are very smooth - the Curado smoother due to the micro gears.  But if you picked up either reel, you both would feel quite smooth.  Is it likely the Curado may last long? Quite possibly. Is the Curado a better choice for salt fishing? Yes. Does the Curado look like a higher quality reel in comparison? While certainly a matter of opinion, I would say yes. I don't care so much what a fishing reel looks like though.

 

Me: I am by no means a professional fisherman. I consider the Curado DC to be a fairly expensive fishing reel for a bass fishing reel. I also own Shimano Tranx 300 and two Tranx 400 reels (for musky fishing). I love those reels!  I also own a bit older Shimano Calista bait casting reel (my 1st for BC, and cause of many frustrations).

 

In the end, if you're not buying them for the benefit of the DC (ie. to reduce backlash), then I personally think you are just wasting your money in buying the DC version of these reels.  I purchased them for this reason alone! Though I was in the process of adding a few BC reels - and with my "old dog/new trick" issues, the DC was the logical purchase.

[Phelptwan]

I have both and have set them up identical as well to test things out and compare.  They cast more or less the same.  Reeling feels a lot smoother on the Curado.  Finish is a lot nicer as well.

 

With that said, I think my JDM 2020 SLX DC is nicer than the Curado DC.  I like the smaller spool and I feel it out does either in distance.  It's not set up the same but I can sling stick baits further with it than I can the Curado/SLXdc.

[LCG]

I don't have the DC version of either. I have the curado k and the slx mgl. I am very impressed with the smoothness of the slx mgl. Yes the curado is smoother and beefier, but for the price the slx mgl is a solid, smooth reel. I would assume the same holds true for the DC variants.

 

I use my K for larger moving baits like spinnerbait, chatterbaits, crankbaits, etc. The SLX MGL is used for light texas rigs. Very impressive reels. The K has one year of use with no issues, just got the SLX mgl so time will tell, but I imagine both reels will last a long time.