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First Look Inside the
New Shimano Curado K Series Baitcasters
(continued)
 Souped
up Inside and Out: The first major upgrade over the current version is the
smaller overall footprint which was achieved without sacrificing any capacity.
The Curado K starts with a solid aluminum frame to keep things pinned together
and the handle side sideplate gets an upgraded CI4 sideplate that is lighter yet
more rigid. The non-handle sideplate is made out of more traditional graphite
material, and under that sideplate anglers will find Shimano's new SVS Infinity
centrifugal brake system, the same system first introduced on the much more
expensive Aldebaran reels.
The only two green components, the cast control
knob and the spool pay homage to previous signature green Curados of the past
This system offers both internally adjustable brakes as well as a wider range of
micro-adjustment with the external dial. This system is one of the biggest
upgrades over the previous model and the wider range of adjustments allow
anglers to really dial in for the weight and type of lures that they are
casting.
The new "A" sideplate is constructed out of a
lighter and yet more rigid CI4 carbon composite material
Inside the frame we got
our first look at the master gearing in our 200XG test reel and here we find the
third and perhaps most important upgrade, the MicroModule gear system which is a
larger gear with more but much smaller teeth for a smoother retrieve and better
transfer of winding power.
The new gearing is massive
It isn't just about power with the new Curado reel as the new gearing meshes
better promoting superior gear engagement between the drive and pinion gear for
a smoother even more connected feel. The new gearing is also mated to a longer 4
inch handle loaded with larger power knobs.
Though large the gearing now features smaller
MicroModule teeth for a smoother retrieve
Inside the gearing is the Curado 200K's simple yet effective drag system which
consists of carbon washers on both sides of the brass gearing sandwiched between
steel. On the machine we were able to achieve nearly 12lbs. of drag pressure
which is 8% more than Shimano's rating of 11lbs. max drag.
The drag system consists of multiple carbon and
steel washer surfaces surrounding the main gearing
The Curado 200K is designed to take on bass but the company has also toughened
the reel up with saltwater inshore anglers in mind. The reel has plenty of
capacity for inshore applications and it is impressive that Shimano was able to
shrink the reel down by 10% and yet maintain not only capacity but improve spool
access. Inside the reel comes with six shielded anti-rust ball bearings to ward
off corrosion.
A smaller platform with no line capacity
reduction and greater spool access? Nicely done Shimano
The new Curado 200K looks like a worthy successor to the Curado Series, and
personally I think it is the best looking Curado to date, and certainly the most
aggressively styled. The new reel looks sleeker, meaner, and certainly
higher-end than the current version. Though it looks and fishes like a premium
reel Shimano is pricing the new Curado at the exact same MSRP of $179 dollars.
Generations on anglers have turned to the Curado Series as their primary
workhorse reel day in and day out and with the new 200K it certainly seems
Shimano has just raised the benchmark for the series once again when it comes to
both features and performance. This new reel is mean with just the right amount
of green.
The new Shimano Curado K Series reels will be available in the September
timeframe and is availlable for pre-order at
TackleWarehouse
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