Shimano Curado 200 DC Baitcaster Review #shimanocurado200DC #curado200DCreview

Reel Review

Designed for Sending Big Baits - Shimano’s Curado 200 DC (continued)

Application wise the 200DC feels like it was built with big-baits in mind and caters to heavy-duty fishing applications where casting large baits in all conditions is a priority. The I-DC4 module is the easiest DC module to use, and at this price point the Curado 200DC is a great value for swimbait anglers looking to raise their game, or simply add another low profile big bait reel to their arsenal. With the challenge and high-cost of acquiring some of the most sought after Shimano low profile big bait reels like the JDM Antares DC MD the Curado 200 DC is a good backup option to add some bench strength to the arsenal.

The Curado 200 DC features paddle grips while the JDM Exsence DC has EVA knobs

Domestic anglers that enjoy fishing JDM versions will notice that that Shimano 20 Exsence DC is virtually the same reel but is tuned differently with less emphasis on managing heavy baits and max casting distance than the power oriented Curado. Cosmetically the Exsence is darker and stealthier in appearance, while the Curado continues the tradition of bearing both green and gold anodized highlights. The other main difference ergonomically is the use of septon paddle grips on the Curado while the Exsence has larger EVA knobs.

The Curado 200 DC is built like a tank and feels very solid in hand

The Curado 200 DC is also fully saltwater capable, and because the I-DC4 module is fully sealed even submersion will not damage the module. We left the reel submerged for extended periods (in fresh water) with no issues whatsoever. The larger capacity and powerful retrieve make this a good option for inshore fishing with lures, and combination of the aluminum frame, brass gearing, and sealed bearings help ensure this reel will hold up well over time. The only thing that I recommend if you are employing this reel in brackish or saltwater frequently is to give the Curado a quick freshwater rinse after each use, which will help minimize any contaminants on the surface or working their way into the internals.

The more I fished the Curado 200 DC the more I enjoyed the reel's casting ability and smooth retrieve. It feels purpose built for big bait duty

Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):

Shimano Curado 200 DC Reel Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	Built with the same quality as the Curado 150 DC including an aluminum body and CI-4+ sideplate. The reel's internals continue to feature quality materials that hold up well over time	8.8
Performance	The I-DC4 casting system is now proven and with greater capacity this new Curado DC really feels like it is perfect for fishing big baits. Overall the reel casts and retrieved very well	9.5
Price	When compared with the standard K Series reels the DC variants are considerably more expensive so you need to consider whether or not the DC feature is worth the premium for your applications. When comparing the 200 size with the 150 there is only $10 difference and overall this new reel is an excellent value when it comes to swimbait reels	8.0
Features	All the features that made the 150 DC so popular including the SVS Infinity Braking System, the S3D spool design, X-Ship, Hagane body, and micro module gearing but the real star is the I-DC4 casting system. The only area that we would have liked to see an improvement is the drag. While the cross carbon drag system is very refined and reliable it doesn't put out nearly as much max pressure as competing swimbait reels	8.3
Design (Ergonomics)	This is a tricky one. We dinged the Curado 150DC for being bigger and heavier but with the 200DC we are comparing the reel with other larger swimbait specific reels and in this regard the new 200DC is actually among the smaller and more compact options. Overall it offers great ergonomics for a big bait reel	8
Application	The Curado 200 DC is more application specific than many other Curado reels. This larger reel is very well suited for fishing bigger baits and applications that require more line capacity but is larger and heavier than many of its siblings	8.5
Total Score		8.51
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
+ Great overall build that feels solid and high-quality. Immediately looks and feels like a Curado Series reel	- Very solid feeling but also weighs more than other Curado reels (But still decent and 2.3oz. less than the Curado 300K)
+ The proven I-DC4 system continues to shine and is easy and quick to dial in (Basically set-and-forget). This casting system is excellent for slinging big baits	- Cross carbon drag is smooth but doesn't have the top end max pressure available in many competing reels. Would have been nice to see this souped up in this more application specific reel
+ Retrieve feels smooth and powerful, even under load
+ More compact than many other swimbait specific reels
+ Excellent value for a big bait reel. This reel is engineered for swimbaits, mag cranks, and can even handle A-rigs

Conclusion: There are many swimbait enthusiasts that turn to Shimano and love the reliability and versatility that the DC cast control system equipped baitcasters offer. Reels like the Antares DC and Calcutta DC have become the go-to reels for many swimbait anglers, and while the Curado 200 DC is not as refined as either of those reels it does offer much of the same performance and features in an ergonomic low-profile baitcaster, and at a significantly lower price. The Curado 300 and Tranx Series reels are all viable swimbait reels but neither offers the casting ease or performance of the I-DC4 equipped new Curado 200 DC.

The Curado 200 DC is a welcome addition the already large Curado family. Though more application specific than some of its siblings this is one of my favorite Curado reels based on my preferred fishing techniques

Designed for power fishing and launching big baits the Curado 200 DC is somewhat of a niche reel that many mainstream anglers probably didn’t think they needed, but swimbait, deep crank, and inshore anglers will absolutely love.

If you already have a Antares DC MD or Calcutta DC the Curado DC is a cost effective addition to have another big bait tied on the deck at all times. This reel is also a great choice for anglers just getting into the big-bait game that want a reel that is capable of launching big baits, even in adverse wind conditions. The Curado 200 DC’s ability to efficiently manage a variety of line types and bait sizes in tough environments makes this a great choice for shore anglers that need to cover as much water as possible from the bank.

If you enjoy fishing oversized baits, require long casts from the bank, or are looking for a great swimbait reel the Curado 200 DC is a great option

The Curado 200DC is an application specific reel that may not appeal to everyone yet it bears many of the hallmarks that make the Curado Series reels so popular, including strong casting and retrieve performance, excellent reliability and great value considering just how much reel you are getting for the money.

When it comes to ergonomically friendly low-profile baitcasters that cast this well the Curado 200 DC is a bargain. If you are fishing swimbaits, oversized cranks, A-rigs, targeting bigger species, or simply just need more capacity, the Curado 200 DC is the perfect niche baitcaster for you. This latest Curado really caters to domestic anglers and the combination of excellent value and ability to handle big baits with ease make it one of my favorite Curado reels in the current generation. For anglers that like to go big or go home, this new DC equipped reel has your name written all over it in green and gold.

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