Shimano CUrado BFS Reel Review #shimanocuradobfs #bfsreels #baitfinesse

BFS Reel Review

Built to Brawl - Shimano's Curado BFS XG Baitcaster (continued)

Ergonomics: Like the JDM BFS reels the Curado BFS features an aluminum frame, what Shimano describes as the Hagane body. The frame is surrounded by graphite sideplates, and unlike Shimano’s higher-end baitcasters there are large screw holes visible on the handle-side sideplate, this gives the reel a more unrefined look than Shimano’s higher-end reels like the Curado DC, Bantam, and Metanium.

Just for comparison the Curado BFS (left) next to the new Bantam

Overall, there is a lot to like about the Curado BFS reel’s ergonomics including the small comfortable form factor, externally adjustable FTB cast control, and high-quality anodized aluminum components. The Curado BFS is not without some flaws as well though, including some play in the handle, the spool tension knob not having micro-click adjustment, and the reel is just average in weight at 6.2 ounces for baitcaster of this size.

Notice how compact the gearbox is on the Curado BFS

Adding to the overall lightweight feel of fishing BFS many competing reels weigh in under 6oz. including the Daiwa Alphas Air TW (5.7oz.), Daiwa Gekka Bijin (5.7oz.), and Shimano’s own Aldebaran which only weighs 4.8 ounces. The Curado BFS is not nearly as refined as any of these reels but it is much more accessible at under $200 dollars, so it really isn’t a fair apples to apples comparison.

Fishing for trout is an ideal application for BFS and I found the Curado BFS excellent for tossing lightweight micro-jigs and tubes

Price & Applications: BFS is an interesting, and very fun, technique that has continued to gain momentum here in the United States. Though on the opposite end of the spectrum to fishing big baits the anglers that employ BFS are no less passionate about this light line and small bait presentation technique.

I did find the FTB knob a bit tight on our test reel but once I dialed it in to my preferred settings I rarely needed to make adjustments on the fly

With roots in Japan this technique is a great fit for fishing in narrow spaces like tight riverbanks, sight fishing with subtle presentations, and presenting something different in highly pressured waters. While a natural fit for panfish and trout fishing this technique is also deadly for bass fishing and is employed both for the ability to cast lightweight baits on light line, and simply because it is something new and exciting to many stateside.

I find when I am fishing on my boat in open water it is hard to beat the casting distance and ease of use of a spinning outfit, but reels like the Curado BFS which make it easier to cast light baits without the constant fear of backlashes are making a solid argument for employing BFS techniques in more situations.

The Curado BFS is nice but it certainly isn't as refined as the Aldebaran BFS, but the whole point of the Curado BFS is to be more accessible to mainstream anglers

Another big barrier for anglers to jump headfirst into the BFS game has been cost and availability. While there are many baitcasters that are BFS capable, there are still only a few that are designed specifically for this technique, are affordable, and are readily available to American anglers. While the Curado BFS is not nearly as refined as the JDM Aldebaran BFS or Daiwa Alphas Air TW it is also considerably more affordable at $199 dollars, and easier to source for anglers domestically.

Fishing BFS is not only effective but adds to the excitement of each battle

So, who should consider the Curado BFS? This reel will appeal to both those just starting their BFS journey as well as those that already have an arsenal of BFS setups. It is priced in the mainstream category and though it may not be as refined as some other BFS reels it also will not miss a beat stepping into the complete range of BFS duties, and all at a very reasonable price. For those anglers that already have a few BFS setups the Curado BFS is an affordable addition to their arsenals and particularly good for workhorse BFS applications, especially miniature hardbaits and micro-jig work.

The Curado BFS is a great tool to delve into BFS and is also a nice workhorse addition to existing BFS arsenals

Ratings:

Shimano Curado BFS XG Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	Pretty much what you expect in a Curado Series reel. The aluminum frame feels solid and even though the sideplates are not made out of aluminum it is hard to tell. Good use of anodized metal components and the carbon drag in this reel, while not overly strong, is smooth and reliable	8.5
Performance	The Curado BFS is a purpose built reel and those anglers that have fished the JDM Scorpion BFS and SLX BFS previously will find this reel fishes very similar. The FTB and S3D spool features are really the key to this reel's strong performance as a caster of lightweight baits. The main gearing in this reel is aluminum but has held up well and is a good fit for this application	9
Price	A great overall price for a BFS workhorse reel. At this price it really makes sense to buy the Curado BFS over the similarly priced JDM SLX BFS	8.5
Features	Plenty of features that make this a strong BFS reel including FTB brake system, S3D spool, and an audible drag. Other more standard Shimano features like X-Ship, aluminum frame, and quality S-ARB bearings round out the offering	8
Design (Ergonomics)	The Curado BFS is compact and comfortable to palm but it doesn't feel as refined as some other BFS reels. It is also a bit heavier than competing offerings at 6.2oz. and has a bit of play in the handle but overall it fishes nicely at this price point	8
Application	A strong BFS option targeted towards mainstream anglers and can pull double duty as an accurate power fishing reel as long as you are mindful of the total casting distance	8.5
Total Score		8.41
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable! For More Details of the updated rating system visit our explanation here

Pluses and Minuses:

Plus	Minus
+ Familiar compact and ergonomic form factor	- Not as refined as some BFS reels (ex. minor handle play, non-clicking knobs)
+ Shimano's FTB braking system is excellent for BFS. The system can be adjusted on the fly externally and even fine-tuned as needed	- Heavier than some competing BFS reels
+ Smooth, consistent carbon drag is a step up from the JDM SLX BFS and the audible drag is also a nice plus
+ Good for more than just finesse, the Curado BFS can be used for pinpoint power fishing as long as anglers are mindful of line capacity
+ Priced reasonably this reel is designed to make BFS more accessible to mainstream anglers

Conclusion: The existence of this finesse oriented Curado is a big statement for Shimano and how they view the BFS market, and while there have been many higher-end reels in both the Shimano and competitor lineups that have been designed specifically for BFS, many of those reels are priced towards the higher-end of the spectrum. The Curados have long been a workhorse series for Shimano, a lineup of reels that mainstream anglers can depend on day in and day out, and the Curado BFS is specifically designed to introduce the bait finesse technique to the masses.

Even though the Curado BFS is a purpose-built baitcaster the very same cast control system that enables it to cast lightweight baits with ease also makes this reel a surprisingly good power fishing reel when it comes to short-range pinpoint casts.

I admittedly throw more big baits than fish BFS but the Shimano Curado BFS has helped me rethink the possibilities with this technique and is a great value for those anglers looking to ramp up their bait finesse game

There is a lot to like about the Curado BFS XG, and while it is not the most refined bait finesse reel it is a very good option at the $200 dollar price point. Built with features that optimize this reel for presenting lightweight baits accurately this Curado will help accelerate adoption of the exciting BFS technique. The Curado BFS is a finesse oriented baitcaster that is built to brawl and is an overall exceptional value for those looking to delve deeper into this effective and very entertaining technique.

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