|
A Signature Whine: Shimano’s Curado 150 DC Feels Both
New and Familiar, all at the Same Time
| Date: |
11/26/18 |
| Tackle Type: |
Reels |
| Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.53
- EDITOR'S
CHOICE
Introduction: A Shimano DC reel for only $249 dollars? I’m not sure
I ever thought that we would see the day that this feature would finally become
mainstream, let alone be introduced in a Curado Series reel. Yet here we are,
and the Curado Series enters a new chapter, serving as the launch platform for
Shimano’s new and easier to operate I-DC4 system.
|
Shimano
Curado 150 DC
Specifications |
| Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
12/110 |
| Gear
Ratio |
6.2:1 (7.4:1 and 8.5:1 also available) |
| Line
retrieve per crank |
26-36
inches |
|
Weight |
7.8
- 7.9oz. |
|
Bearings |
6BB,
1RB |
|
Additional Features |
I-DC4 cast control, Micro module gearing,
X-Ship, Hagane Body, CI4 sideplate, Super Free Spool, HEG,
Super Stopper, S-ARB, Cross Carbon Drag |
|
Origin |
Malaysia |
| MSRP |
$249.99 |
Meet the newest Shimano Curado...
Impressions:
There are higher-end and more performance rich baitcasters than the Curado
Series within Shimano’s own lineup but there are none that are as well known.
The Shimano Curado Series is the “do everything” workhorse reel within the
company’s portfolio, and over the years has continued to evolve and leverage
features that were once reserved for reels sometimes costing twice as much.
.... the first baitcaster in the
series to make use of digital cast (DC) control
Up until this point the
company’s Digital Control (DC) braking had been reserved for the company’s
premium baitcasters, and was one of the features that really separated the
brand’s enthusiast offerings. This has now all changed with the introduction of
the Curado DC, the first reel to make use of the company’s I-DC4 braking system.
The new reel has the same green
highlights as the Curado K Series
For those that
are unfamiliar with Shimano’s DC cast control, this electronic system makes use
of a combination of three primary components, a PCB which provides a platform
for all the components, the magnetic braking system, and the microprocessor that
helps control the braking force throughout each cast. The DC system doesn’t
require any batteries to be replaced and is powered by the very casts that it
helps manage.
The most exciting part of the new
reel is the brand new completely sealed DC system, the I-DC4
The Curado DC’s
I-DC4 system is a new take on the digital braking system and the company had to
design a new unit that is not only more affordable to manufacture but one that
is durable enough to stand up to everyday use, as well as be more intuitive to
operate for anglers learning to operate the system for the very first time. They
approached this by creating a new sealed DC system, and instead of offering the
massive amount of settings like the previous Calais DC (4X8) reels, opted for a
more straightforward 4 mode system.
Inside the spool you can see the
magnetic rotor which interacts with the DC brakes
Mode 1 is for
maximum distance (least amount of magnetic braking), Mode 2 is designed
specifically for managing braided line, mode 3 is for fluorocarbon or stiffer
lines, and Mode 4 offers maximum control (largest amount of magnetic braking)
for skipping applications. Interestingly the I-DC4’s microprocessor has also
been enhanced to even make adjustments while anglers are fishing to further
adjust to the weight of the lure and current wind conditions.
All green elements on the new reel
are anodized
This new sealed
DC system is housed within the same basic form factor as the current Curado K
Series, except for the non-handle sideplate design which is slightly larger to
accommodate the DC cast control system and top mounted adjustment dial. The new
reel is also painted a grey color, versus the matte black, which makes it look
more like Shimano’s Chronarch and Metanium reels, but the green anodized handle,
drag star, spool tension knob, and spool are all still there to remind you that
this is indeed a Curado Series reel.
Time to see what the new Curado DC
can do
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