GEAR
PRODUCT REVIEW
SHIMANO CURADO DC 150HG
T
o build the Curado
DC, shimano started
with the finest attrib-
utes found in its most pop-
ular workhorse reel, then
added a self-energizing
Intelligent Digital Control (I-
DC) braking concept previ-
ously available in a few
other models with signifi-
cantly higher price points.
The result is an affordable
reel that’s truly a pleasure
to fish with.
First Impression
48
Though the Curado DC
is not the lightest reel in
my rod locker (7.8 ounces),
it’s the most intelligent.
The reel is built around
a small microcomputer
system called I-DC4 (4 for
four modes) that’s fitted to
the inner wall of the
removable side plate with-
in a sealed housing. The
unit monitors spool speed
and makes automatic brak-
ing corrections every one-
thousandth of a second to
help reduce the risk of
backlash and maximize
casting distance without
the need to constantly
thumb the spool.
An external dial controls
the magnetic braking sys-
tem with four modes that
work in unison with a stan-
dard spool tension adjust-
ment knob. Mode 1 is for
maximum distance in calm
conditions. Mode 2 is for
managing braided line.
Mode 3 is for fluorocar-
bon/mono line. Mode 4 is
for windy conditions, skip-
ping or beginners.
The reel features a host
of other premium tech-
nologies, all housed inside
a rigid metal body.
In Action
I focused most of my
attention on the microcom-
puter’s functionality and
performance to determine
if the reel is everything it’s
marketed to be.
In short, it is.
Adjusting the Digital
Control is as simple as
By Matt Williams
PHOTOs BY MATT PACE
turning the dial to the pre-
ferred mode. Just make
sure the spool tension knob
is properly adjusted for the
weight of the bait, other-
wise the Digital Control
won’t function properly. The
lower the number, the less
spool tension needed.
The No. 1 setting opens
the brakes wide open and
allows for bombing long
casts with pretty heavy
baits when conditions are
right. Modes 2 and 3 are
recommended for use with
specific line types and
lighter lures, but these are
only general guidelines. My
advice is to experiment,
regardless of line type, to
see which produces the
best results.
I was particularly
impressed with Mode 4. It’s
the most restrictive setting,
and as hard as I tried, I
couldn’t make the reel
backlash in this setting. I
even made repeated
attempts by firing a 3/8-
ounce spinnerbait into the
side of my house without
touching the spool. Then,
with no additional adjust-
ments, I turned the oppo-
site direction and launched
consistent 32-yard casts on
15-pound-test fluorocar-
bon. Try that with a tradi-
tional baitcaster.
Final Thoughts
Before the Curado DC,
my only experience with
shimano’s Digital Control
technology was the 2006
introduction of its first
low-profile DC baitcaster,
the $650 Calais 4x8
200DC. I’m still pretty fond
of that 9.8-ounce reel, but
I like the more compact,
lower-priced Curado DC
better.
This isn’t a cheap reel,
but it’s hardly a gimmick.
The user-friendly electron-
ic braking system doesn’t
completely eliminate the
risk of backlash, but it is
something that anglers of
all skill levels can benefit
from.
FLWFISHING.COM I SUMMER 2019