Dc reels

[Dan N]

What’s the deal with these? My nephew got one saying they don’t backlash? He still does all the time??  No thanks

[roadwarrior]

"Reduces backlash" does not eliminate them all.

[NHBull]

I have a couple.

 

Very good for windy conditions!

 

...I also let novice casters use them as it reduces MY headaches not having to deal with their messes.

[Deleted account]

6 hours ago, Dan N said:

What’s the deal with these? My nephew got one saying they don’t backlash? He still does all the time??  No thanks

Like training wheels, If you can't stay upright a good idea, otherwise no.

[Deephaven]

Casting distance is less than other reels.  Safety = less distance though so no surprise.  I bought one, I won't be buying another.

[Jig Man]

56 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

"Reduces backlash" does not eliminate them all.

That is very true for me.  I have 2 of them and would like to have more but I already have at least 10 regular Curados.  

[newapti5]

One day, dc reels will outcast any traditional reel on the markets, without making a single backlash. But given the advancing pace of Shimano's DC technology, IMO that day is still far, far away. 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

worst reel and technology I've ever bought.   

[Darth-Baiter]

my most epic backlashes have been on my DC reel.  i look down and have that sinking, "oh-o!" feeling.

 

i've backlashed ALL my reels at one time or another.  not sure if the DC is even less at this point.  i still have to do my part.  those guys with those youtube vids where they cast and never thumb the spool?  that aint me. 

[FishTank]

I have a Curado DC and haven't had any issues with it.  I have to admit I can still get a backlash every once in a while but for the most part it does a better job of controlling the spool than conventional brakes, especially under windy conditions. With that said,  I would rather use a regular reel, just a personal preference.  The DC reel I have does serve a specific purpose in my fishing arsenal but I wouldn't buy more than just the one.

[Aaron_H]

I don't have any of the higher end DC reels, but I backlash my SLX DC way more often than my standard SLX reels with centrifugal brakes. The backlashes are never bad with it, at least. If I went back I'd probably go with the SLX MGL or Curado K over it. That DC whine is pretty addicting, though.

[5/0]

I have the Curado DC, I took a big gulp when I bought it because of the price! It’s on my crankbait rod. Against the advice in the instructions I would tighten down the cast control a bit. It worked out well. Last time out,I thought what the hell, and set the cast control per the instructions and was pleasantly surprised. I don’t think I would buy another Curado DC, but would consider the SLX DC if the performance is comparable.

[Cbump]

My buddy backlashes his constantly. I fish daiwa and just keep on casting. 

[FrnkNsteen]

I think they help on full casts where you're zinging it out there.

 

I bought my wife an SLX DC thinking it would help her, but it seems she struggles more with it than conventional reels. It seems to struggle with braking on light casts. If she makes a light or inconsistent cast,.. Boom,... backlash. I can grab it and zing it out there with very little thumb and it does well.

 

I set her up on a Daiwa mag brake and she does better with it.

[5/0]

10 minutes ago, FrnkNsteen said:

It seems to struggle with braking on light casts.

I haven’t pitched or made short casts with mine, but this shortcoming in the reel makes sense. Not enough speed for the chip to do it’s thing.

[FrnkNsteen]

10 minutes ago, 5/0 said:

I haven’t pitched or made short casts with mine, but this shortcoming in the reel makes sense. Not enough speed for the chip to do it’s thing.

That's what I was thinkin too!

[LrgmouthShad]

13 hours ago, Dan N said:

My nephew got one saying they don’t backlash? He still does all the time??

I don’t know why but this made me laugh hysterically ??

[suzuki2903]

They definitely backlash and you still have to thumb them but they do help in some situations. I use one for floppy lures like buzzbaits and some glide baits that don’t fly well.  

[Aaron_H]

5 hours ago, Aaron_H said:

I don't have any of the higher end DC reels, but I backlash my SLX DC way more often than my standard SLX reels with centrifugal brakes. The backlashes are never bad with it, at least. If I went back I'd probably go with the SLX MGL or Curado K over it. That DC whine is pretty addicting, though.

 

I will add that I do love mine for casting into the wind. I don't have trouble with it on my other reels vis a vis backlashes, but I get more distance into the wind with the DC compared to the non-DC.

[Woody B]

I had a couple.  My Grandsons marveled over them so I gave them each 1.   I replace the 2 with 1 Daiwa and another DC.   The "trick" to using a DC (or a Daiwa SV) is to adjust them correctly.  Both require the tension adjustment to be really loose for the braking system to "shine".   Just tight enough to take the side play out of the spool.   If adjusted this way you HAVE to thumb the spool when the bait lands.   

 

My Daiwa Zillion SV is hard to backlash in "normal" situations.   I make minor brake adjustments depending on conditions and lure weight.  

 

I can cast the DC further, especially when it's windy.   Normally I keep the DC set on 1 or 2.  (it goes to 4)  Sometimes in the wind I set it to 3.   Set on 4 I can skip docks really well. 

 

I "think" the previous cast is what "charges" the DC system.   You'd better be ready to use your thumb on the first cast of the day,  or after making several short flips.   I've also found that it works better if the reel is held handle side up during a cast. 

 

Not every reel, or brake system if for everyone.    If you set the tension adjustment like most reels on a DC (or a Daiwa SV) you're not getting the "good" out of them.   I was spooling my DC a couple weeks ago with a 8XD on a calm day.    

[NYWayfarer]

I have both the SLX DC and the Curado DC. I love them both.
 

Setting the tension correctly makes these reels shine. Tighten the tension knob until there is no side to side play in the spool.

 

When done correctly you will notice even light baits like a weightless 4” worm will drop swiftly when the button is pressed. This will give you the best casting distance on whatever line setting you use. 2 for mono, 3 for Fluoro. If your bait is really aerodynamic and over a half ounce (like a Kastmaster spoon) and low to no wind use the 1 setting and get max distance.

 

I don’t backlash using 10-12# mono and the 2 setting. I would have to hit a branch on my back cast to do that. I have some backlash when playing with the 1 setting.

[a1712]

I use 2-17 Scorpions and 2-21 Scorpions. I enjoy using them immensely. I've never experienced the issues I've read about from others. All 4 will flat out bomb a 1/2oz. Lipless and I can go directly to throwing a weightless 4" Stickbait. I also enjoy using all my other reels also, they're just extra(different) tools in the box. Brian.

[Revival]

I have a friend that works at a Cabelas and he said anytime they get new stock of any DC reel, they fly off the shelves and it’s usually purchased by younger clientele.

 

I think for a lot of kids these days, it’s the cool reel to have regardless of how it performs.

[scbassin]

These reels preform just fine when matched with a proper rod & set up properly. Woody B answer is spot on. I will say when I am out there in a 15+ knot wind I line the target so I have at least a 45 degree angle to my target. My DC reels consist of a Antaras Dc & DC-7 & a couple of Calais 201DC'S These have a bit of a learning curve but when dialed in they work great. There draw back is they weigh 9.5 oz. I also have A couple of the 21 Scorpion DC'S which weigh 8 oz. I do not have a problem with distance with these reels.  

[The Baron]

I also have both an SLX DC and a Curado DC.  I enjoy both and think they help a bit when casting lighter baits, especially on windy days.  But, I also have very little issues with backlashes on standard reels, so maybe I just like the DC whine. lol   Like any baitcaster, learning the adjustments and keeping the spool tension set at minimum will help maximize casting distance.  And computer chip or not, my thumb is always there out of habit to stop disasters before they happen.