The Curado 150 DC may be a somewhat watered down version of previous DC systems in terms of adjustment, but it certainly doesn’t feel any less capable. In fact this is without a doubt the easiest DC system to dial in and adjust on the water. Mode 1 results in excellent distance, but I found that I was able to achieve 45-50 yards with a hollow bodied frog with Mode 2, and nearly 70 yards with a 5/8oz. swim jigs and weighted paddletails.

Casting braid with no thumb on the spool? No Problem in Mode 4

While maximum casting range inspires headline numbers and endless debates what I actually find most interesting, and impressive, about the Curado 150 DC is how well Mode 4 works. While it is easy to label this max pressure setting as “beginner mode” it is so much more than that.

Cal lands a swimbait fish with one of the first production run left handed Curado DC reels

Yes, it makes it possible for beginners to effectively fish, and more likely enjoy fishing a baitcaster, but for experienced baitcasters it can also help make you even better. I found that Mode 4 still delivered plenty of casting distance but made casting light weightless plastics or skipping baits extremely easy.

Let's take a peek under the hood...

Anglers often ask me if the DC reels are durable, as there are electronics in these reels after all. I’ve fished previous generation DC reels in the rain, and even submerged my Calcutta and Calais DC reels in the water completely to see if I could kill them, and yet they continue to function just fine to this day. The Curado DC takes things to another level and completely seals the system in a plastic housing. This design may not look as refined as previous generation DC reels but it is part of making the DC module not only easier to manufacture and thus more affordable, but even more durable and dummy proof.

The DC cast control system is housed in a new module

When it comes to the rest of the components that make up the Curado 150 DC anglers can expect all the same goodness that made the Curado K a winner including a Hagane aluminum body, MicroModule gearing, CI4+ sideplate, X-Ship, A-RB anti-rust bearings, and a few green anodized components to make sure you don't forget this is a Curado series reel.

The DC module is sealed and mounted to the non-handle sideplate

The Curado DC is an absolute blast to fish. Four cast setting may not seem like a lot but when the microprocessor helps manage casts proactively it is more than enough

The Curado K is already a great reel, one that is a great workhorse reel for mainstream anglers. The Curado 150 DC retails for 70 dollars more with a MSRP of $249 dollars, putting it at the upper end of the mainstream range. While the Curado K is a perfectly good everyday workhorse reel the new Curado DC is without a doubt the more refined, and fun to fish, baitcaster. This is a good reel, so good that I’m going to personally find it hard to fish a Curado K when there is a Curado DC on the deck, and the Chronarch MGL might even have some competition now too.

We managed a few fish while testing the Curado 150 DC

With the introduction of the Curado 150 DC the company puts the digital cast control technology within grasp of the mainstream. While reels like the JDM Exsence DC will still be like Tesla’s Model S P100D, the company’s flagship offering, the Curado 150 DC is Shimano’s Model E equivalent, the product that finally brings the technology within reach of the masses.

The Curado 150 DC is an extremely exciting new reel that brings Shimano's proven DC performance to the masses. This is the easiest DC reel to fish yet!

While 249 dollars is still a significant amount of money for mainstream anglers it is less than half what some of previous generation DC reels cost. While we need to spend more time with the Curado 150 DC for final judgment what we have experienced thus has been very impressive. This reel is a big deal because it will benefit anglers that are already proficient with baitcasters and are looking for even more range and accuracy, as well as beginners that can benefit from better cast control in a wide range of conditions. Shimano often leads the charge when it comes to new technology, and the choice to push these once expensive technologies, like DC, downstream and making them more accessible is the real showstopper, and one that is already sparking many ICAST Best of Show Award predictions. In terms of availability Shimano will be shipping the Curado 150 DC reels right after ICAST, and judging by the fervor on the internet the appetite for this reel is immense. Let the countdown begin…

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