Shimano is one of the leading fishing reel manufacturers in the world. Regardless of the fishing type, anglers love using Shimano reels. It has an overwhelming range of baitcasters, spinning reels, electric reels, fly reels, and more. Every category is loaded with reels featuring advanced technologies for unmatched performance.
Speaking of the Shimano Curado DC lineup, it includes baitcasting reels. All the models from this series are brilliant when it comes to durability, precision, and manageability. The most widely used models from this lineup include Shimano Curado DC 150 and 151.
Our exclusive Shimano Curado DC review shares everything an angler needs to know about these baitcasters. Whether you are a newbie or an expert, the Curado DC has reels for everyone.
Shimano Curado DC 2023 Specs Chart
Before diving into the details have a look at the specifications chart of all the Curado DC baitcasting reel models.
| Shimano Curado Reels | Gear Ratio | Baking System | Max Drag (lbs.) | Mono Line Capacity (yd/lb) | Braided Line Capacity (yd/lb) | Weight (lbs.) |
| Shimano Curado DC 150 | 6.2:1 | I-DC4 | 11 | 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 20/150,30/135,40/105 | 0.48 |
| Shimano Curado DC 151 | 6.2:1 | I-DC4 | 11 | 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 20/150,30/135,40/105 | 0.48 |
| Shimano Curado DC 150 HG | 7.4:1 | I-DC4 | 11 | 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 20/150,30/135,40/105 | 0.48 |
| Shimano Curado DC 150 XG | 8.5:1 | I-DC4 | 11 | 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 20/150,30/135,40/105 | 0.5 |
| Shimano Curado DC 200 | 7.4:1 | I-DC4 | 12 | 8/180,10/155,14/110 | 30/190,50/120, 65/80 | 0.5 |
Shimano Curado DC 150 vs 151
The DC 150 and 151 are incredibly important and two of the most widely used models of the Curado DC lineup. When it comes to the major feature that differentiates both reels from one another, is their hand orientation.
All of the DC 150 models are designed for right-hand use whereas, the 151 are the Shimano Curado DC left hand models.
Everything else apart from the hand orientation is the same in these reels. Starting from the construction, both models feature a robust Hagane body, giving it a tournament rugged feel. Speaking of the gear ratio, the 6.2 spool turns per handle crank offers an amazingly fast retrieve.
Even though these reels are from the middle-tier lineup, Shimano uses impeccably high-end technologies for top-tier performance. The DC in the series refers to Shimano’s exclusive Digital Control braking system.
When it comes to our Shimano Curado DC saltwater review, you’d be delighted to know that this amazing reel doesn’t corrode when used in brackish water. Furthermore, all the Shimano Curado DC sound very low which isn’t notable to the user. If your reel makes noise, make sure to check its mechanical parts for lubrication. It could be due to corroded brakes or dryness.
This system makes brake adjustment incredibly easy by measuring the spool rotation for every 1/1000 of a second. The microcomputer on the reel displays the measurement. This feature helped us set the perfect brakes for various distances and lures.
We spooled the reel with a 4 lbs. mono line and various braids including 6, 8, and 10 lbs. All worked like a charm except for the 6 lbs. During casting, our angler’s thumb was way off the spool and the reel didn’t backlash even once, thanks to the efficient braking system.
From moving baits including crankbaits, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwaters to jigs and soft plastic, these reels are ideal. When paired with multiple lines including 14 lbs. Berkley FireLine, 65 lbs. Power Pro braid, etc. It cast a mile with all as long as you have made the right brake and drag adjustments.
All in all, if you need a heavy-duty baitcasting reel with high-end performance in a dense and compact package, the Curado DC 150 and 151 are ideal.
Shimano Curado DC Combo
Depending on your fishing technique, the perfect Shimano Curado DC baitcaster combo can vary. According to our experience, for flipping jigs, fishing in weeds, or throwing spinnerbaits, make sure to choose a rod with medium-heavy power and moderate action.
To choose the best rod for Shimano Curado DC, look for one that suits your stature. Opting for a too-long or too-short rod can lead to inaccurate casting and poor manageability. The ideal rod length for an overall experience would be 7ft. Or above and a medium or medium-heavy rod with fast action.
On the other hand, the best line for Shimano Curado DC could be a 30 to 40 lbs braid. It will help you tackle bass and other common species.
Shimano Curado DC 150 HG Review
Now that you have read our Shimano Curado DC 150 review, let’s have a look at the 150 HG model. Here, HG stands for high gear and is best used for inshore and offshore fishing with various lures and baits.
The baitcaster is super durable, thanks to its Hagane body with is a common feature of all Curado DC models. Its anti-corrosion ball bearings further add to the durability of the reel so that anglers can use it in saltwater too.
Its 7.4:1 gear ratio is ideal for big baits and heavy species that are hard to tackle in the water. To ensure the longevity of the gear, the 150 HG baitcaster comes with Shimano’s X-Ship technology.
Since it is a fast reel, we enjoyed high-cranking power with fast retrieval. With the help of Shimano’s Digital Contol brakes, we were able to enjoy casting our reels at miles without backlashes.
Shimano Curado DC 150 XG Review
The XG in the baitcaster’s name is short for eXtra-high gearing and is usually best for professionals. This model has the highest gear ratio; hence, it’s the fastest Shimano Curado DC reel.
Solid and durable, the 150 XG baitcaster is perfect for frequent heavy fishing applications in fresh and saltwater both. We enjoyed effortless and incredibly amazing cranking, thanks to the high0crank power rating of this reel.
Integrated with Shimano’s advanced Digital Braking technology, it enables anglers to cast miles like a dream. The brakes perfectly manage the spool speed so that you don’t have to worry about line tangling and backlashes.
Besides its extra-high gear, the 150 XG baitcasting reel is pretty much the same as the 150 HG model.
Shimano Curado DC 151 vs Shimano Curado DC 200
Both models have various similarities and dissimilarities that make them ideal for different fishing techniques. All Curado DC models ending with ‘1’ feature a left-hand retrieve. That said, the 151 has a left-handed orientation whereas, the DC 200 is for right-handed anglers.
Speaking of the 151 models, these commonly have gear ratios between 6, 7, and 8. These are a lot more versatile and best used for crank bait fishing. Whereas, the 200 baitcasters come in a 7 and 5 ratio. The most ideal application of these reels is bass fishing.
Every baitcaster from the Curado DC lineup is designed to cast a country mile with accuracy and these two are no different. In our experience, we cast mono and braided fishing lines effortlessly using the DC 151 and 200.
The majority of the technical features are identical in both reels. For example, the DC 151, as well as DC 200, come with advanced I-DC4 braking technology. Moreover, they are extremely light in weight, thanks to the Ci4+ technology. Some other similar features include the Hagane body, cross carbon drag, micromodule, and X-ship technology.
The Curado DC 200 is integrated with an S3D spool technology and therefore, vibrated a lot lesser than the DC 151. It also comes with a Super Free Spool that eliminates friction and lasts a lot longer.
Is The Shimano Curado DC Worth It?
Considering the impeccable features and price points, every Shimano Curado DC baitcast reel is absolutely worth it. All the models are loaded with dedicated features to enhance durability, great castability, efficient brakes, and a lot more.
Related Guides
FAQs
Shimano SLX DC vs Curado DC – which is better?
As the names suggest, both lineups feature Shimano’s cutting-edge Digital Control (DC) technology. Baitcasters from both series are highly forgiving when it comes to skipping and pitching. The SLX DC models make a slightly louder sound while casting compared to the Curado DC reels. Lastly, the Curado DC costs a lot more than the SLX DC reels.
Which Shimano Curado is the best?
In our experience, all Curado DC reels are exceptional. However, the DC 200 baitcasters stand out in terms of manageability and versatility.
Conclusion
When looking for the best baitcaster, the final decision always comes down to personal preference and type of fishing. According to our Shimano Curado DC reel reviews, we found all the models highly capable and forgiving for the fishing technique they are designed for.
Be it a Curado DC 150 or DC 200, Shimano has made both of them equally incredible. All the baitcasting reels from the Curado DC lineup have the same features that add to the overall performance. The difference comes in the gear ratio, line capacity, max drag, and lure ratings.
