Curado DC, still worth it in 2024?

[Ryan N]

I read the "Best reels" thread and noticed it didn't feature the Curado DC. Granted, I've been loving this reel through YouTube and the cool sound it makes. I've been planning on buying this reel for some time, should I shift my efforts to a different high-end reel? Thank you!

[softwateronly]

I have a couple curado dc's for a few years now.  I like them just fine, but prefer a mgl spool at this time and therefore would also not rank them as the best reel.  If you are going to buy a reel, you owe it to yourself to check out some jdm sites.  Asian Portal and Digitaka are the ones I've used most frequently.  There are others as well.  This would be my current Shimano choice...

 

https://asianportal-fishing.com/products/4969363044617

 

scott

 

[Westcoast]

I like my Curado dc. It’s a smooth and great casting reel. There are better reels in refinement and performance such as the new 24 met dc. What keeps me using the Curado is the extra capacity as I use it for salmon and steelhead. 

[ConnorC]

I had a Curado DC for about a year before I sold it, they are great reels for beginners or people who don’t use baitcasters often IMO. They tend to be overbraked compared to reels with a more standard braking system, I got a Jdm Daiwa Zillion Sv Tw from Digitaka after I sold my DC and I haven’t looked back. My zillion casts further, it feels slightly smoother but that’s subjective, there hasn’t been one time this year I have been on the water and missed my DC. I would look into the Jdm Zillion SV TW, Jdm Metanium 100, or Curado Mgl. 

[JackstrawIII]

I like them for long casting presentations like crank baits. You hear the DC “wheeeeeee” sound forever as that bait slings wayyyyyyy out there. 

[FrnkNsteen]

I bought an SLX DC and a Curado DC when they came out and didn't care for them, plus the WEEEEE sound wore on me after a while. 

 

I would not buy another

[Peacedivision]

Still using mine but I wouldn't buy another at this point. Smaller and lighter options available even in the DC lineup. The performance is great but the weight and 200+ size frame are a little much

[ABU is overpriced]

Probably a hot take, but to me they were never worth it. The reel has the worst DC module and the Curado line itself is🤢ever since they discontinued the E series. Considering the JPY, Curado DC is a ripoff lol.

[Junger]

The whizzing sound gets annoying after a couple seasons. I find the MGL spool is just a better all around spool than the DC braking system/spool. I have 2 DC reels sitting in a box, I bring them out for my kids when they power fish with me.

[Ryan N]

11 hours ago, ConnorC said:

I had a Curado DC for about a year before I sold it, they are great reels for beginners or people who don’t use baitcasters often IMO. They tend to be overbraked compared to reels with a more standard braking system, I got a Jdm Daiwa Zillion Sv Tw from Digitaka after I sold my DC and I haven’t looked back. My zillion casts further, it feels slightly smoother but that’s subjective, there hasn’t been one time this year I have been on the water and missed my DC. I would look into the Jdm Zillion SV TW, Jdm Metanium 100, or Curado Mgl. 

Does the SV spool actually feel better compared to base models?

1 hour ago, Junger said:

The whizzing sound gets annoying after a couple seasons. I find the MGL spool is just a better all around spool than the DC braking system/spool. I have 2 DC reels sitting in a box, I bring them out for my kids when they power fish with me.

That's the use case I expect, the DC is probably a godsend when fishing with kids, not having to stop every 5 minutes after they backlash.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

DCs are good for chucking heavier baits that have decent wind resistance, a good distance.  If you need to go with a 150 DC at that price point just go for the SLX.  Its virtually the same reel, just at cheaper PP.  Really I think an MGL spool is more versatile, the curado 150 MGL is probably one of the best deals going.       

[Columbia Craw]

DC, not so much.  MGL, absolutely.

[ABU is overpriced]

Btw you can get the 2015 metanium dc in used condition for less than a brand new curado dc. Between the two, the choice couldn't be easier.

[Smirak]

For what it’s worth, I fish SLX DCs and Curado MGLs (mainly). I had a Curado DC but FOR ME, I didn’t see the benefit of the extra $70 over the MGL. However, it is a cool sound, but I find myself fishing more and more with my Curados…

[T2DM]

On 7/15/2024 at 6:59 PM, Ryan N said:

I read the "Best reels" thread and noticed it didn't feature the Curado DC. Granted, I've been loving this reel through YouTube and the cool sound it makes. I've been planning on buying this reel for some time, should I shift my efforts to a different high-end reel? Thank you!

 

I used to own one and got rid of it quickly, MGL reels are better specially JDM MGL reels for the price, but if you want or must have an DC reel then go with something else JDM with an i-DC5 should be cheaper too.

 

 

[Bigbox99]

If you think it's cool then get one.  We don't do this for a living.  It's a hobby and we do it to entertain ourselves.  Get the cool thing.

[Rockhopper]

My unbiased opinion is the best reel Shimano has going of any baitcaster in the current lineup is the Curado 150/151 MGL.