FishTank

I have the Curado DC and it has been a great reel. I find it to do just whatever I need it to do. It does cast far but not the farthest, the DC system is easy to figure out and gets better the more you use it, the reel is smooth, and is overall a pleasure to fish, especially in adverse conditions. Why get this reel over a conventional reel?> Well, I also have the Curado K and also a great reel. I think it depends on what you are intending to use it for. I like the DC for spinner baits, topwater, jigs, crankbaits and any condition that would increase my chances of a backlash but not so much for soft plastic (I have other reels I like better). Also, if baitcasters are new to you, then this reel could help improve your casting but it will not make you better at learning how to use a baitcaster.

Hi, welcome to the forum.... Things like this are always hard to diagnose without seeing the reel first hand but I have a few guesses.... If I understand it correctly, you took the handle off, drag star, and washers but did not open up the reel? First, it could be the sleeve on the main drive shaft is not set correctly. Generally these have a notch that inserts into a plate and a washer that sits on top of it. Once the tension is off of it when it is removed it can get out of place. Next, the drag star has to match up correctly on the shaft. There's usually a lip on it that the drag star has to rest on. If these get out of whack, it can cause the reel to bind up. Again just guesses but you can find the schematic here under the 2019 tab. Good luck... Also, DVT will probably have an expert opinion as well. https://strikeking.app.box.com/s/ibijnxfhtyggviik0wkj6ey09ngjl0yp/folder/87314225008

Based on the link. It may be ok. It just depends on how stout the tip is. Getting out of some heavy vegetation my be an issue. On the other side, I think this rod may be better for lighter jigs (1/4 and 3/8oz with trailer) and some t-rigged soft plastic.

I have had quite a few Shimano's over the years..... Curado CU-201 Curado 201 BSF Calais 201A Sustain 2500 Sarah 2500 Symetre 2500 3 different Stradics Curado D Curado E Curado G Citica G Calcutta 251 Core 101MG Chronarch 51E Bantam MGL Curado K Curado DC Antares (12) x 2 Antares 70 Vanquish 3000 So are the new ones better than the old.... Not necessarily. The Core still, to me, is a reel that separates itself from all the rest. It's just a special reel. It excels at doing all things, simply. Now, there is one exception here..... The Antares 70. It does all things well except it isn't a simple reel and it's pricey. Another old reel, is the Calcutta 251. I think it will last past my lifetime and it's next owner.

Definitely. It is one of my favorite reels. I sold the ones I had and picked up the BSF versions and sold those as well years ago. I wish I would have held onto one of them. It's just a classic. There is also a love affair with these reels in pretty much any condition.

Smith has been my favorite. I have found them at either Sierra Trading Post or Ebay for $100 or less. I can't see paying retail for these. I like the blue mirror for bright days and the brown/copper mirror for over cast days. My favorite frame is the Guides Choice.

Holly cow... I haven't seen those in years, like 40+. My father use to fish them. It was one of his favorites. It brings back some great memories. Thanks for sharing.

It isn't necessarily the retailers, it's the manufactures. They have restricted pricing and it is a requirement of theirs in order for retailers to carry their products. There are ways around it... Like how Tackle Warehouse offers gift cards at a 10% off or if the retailer offers a community day discount.

I would call Shimano directly. It may take some time to get in touch with someone but you may get lucky. Another idea is to send it to them for repair. I have heard stories of guys sending older reels needing parts that have been discontinued and they find something that works.

The only time I ever noticed a difference was when I did a warranty exchange with G. Loomis on a 803C GLX. The rod I had, had Recoil Guides and the new one they sent me had Fuji SIC Guides. The Recoil Guides were way better when it came to sensitivity. The Fuji's are OK but the Recoils made the rod feel like a magic wand. I begged G. Loomis to find me the old style rod but had no luck and I was stuck with a rod that seemed like a down grade.

I just received some of the Gold Label and it is very thin. I would say it closer in diameter to 8lb or even 6lb YoZuri Hybrid. Definitely way thinner than the 12lb equivalent in either Tatsu or Invizx. It seems really tough but soft. We will see how the knot strength holds up when I attach it to some braid.

I would go with the 844C. I have the GLX and the IMX. The Conquest is on my hit list for next year. The only problem with getting a rod like that is that you will want more.

I see what you are saying by putting in the part number but the way I was looking was under parts tab then low profile (see link above). It only shows schematics for the current reels. It use to bring up each reel as far back as the Curado D time frame.

I was getting ready to order parts for a few reels that I getting ready to work on and noticed on Shimano website that they only seem to have parts for current reels. For example, I ordered a few things for my Curado G last earlier this year and they only list the K and DC now. Anybody know what's going on? https://fishshop.shimano.com/collections/low-profile

Thats an amazing collection... Two questions. What is the reel and rod in the top of the wooden case? And Are those finger daggers in the bottom of the case second shelf on the left?

I have tried several reels from multiple brands, even some other higher end Shimano's, and the Stradic line sort of stands out on it's own as the best bang for the buck (long term) reel. It's just a workhorse.

Another vote for the 844C IMX. Very versatile rod. I use it for bigger jigs and topwater.

Think round reel in a low profile and maybe a fuzz bigger than most Shimano 70's or the old 50 reels. Overall, it is a smaller reel than the Curado K, casts and retrieves super smoothly, it is capable of long casts but not the "best" in my opinion and it has an overall feel of a reel that will last a long time. The only down side to me is taking off the side plate to adjust the internal brakes. But really, I have set it with two on and have fined tuned the cast with the outside dial. I haven't opened the reel unless I am cleaning it. Also, this reel seems to get better overtime.

You can also get the Bantam from Japan at or less than $250. I have ordered from Asian Portal a few times and have had great luck. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-18-Bantam-MGL-6-2-Right-handle-From-Japan/133042854596?epid=18013900662&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item1ef9f8dac4:g:y10AAOSwsq1ceJkl&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACcBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%2Fn%2BzU5L90Z278x5ickkBUIiHwYv5YgVss0WaiENz0Frr6yL1ZiIBNbWZ6v3kpFzxVbDGppkhgjEUqJzSYLxEsl1EYvZaADzq4LEcFk948dVsSxh0ay83%2BWMdq6CrQPQ3ESLz1sNThX6Sdt%2B3gxlqKshjGxOg1XFu49iibBkNf%2FOiUrMVgFLsp3iQb5cmkSj%2FXdZIsInJ3VZXndVbOwl8%2FX%2BYeeJZLpKLVCEMAwwPPtvNmuABG4DZ89BtLDZEMMaqCpxrnoBjN%2Ff9srq%2F6ePNTADo4K8791Mafg7TXqwJSla0y2t6i%2F0GdgvWxE2ViowFoUjoYJuSt00SOKFxginflAhl%2FVRpkj8ApStQkqvwzmLmCVeaLGF7Bw3XsQcG7HUWMMFdhLwrnPQu4tJeAn0r5h14LGB2wmgnqG8F%2BPV6joI%2FZZSwsO1tnvI0%2BlZlIMV9locWDL6pzvGVh1MpkTZHkXObNNiyaLkIu0Jzk9HujajzrH9%2F9jB%2BBdnwZcTunaTHNSBuVx4QRcS8agMWfKjRIf7HGbPqka2g4fNNKIbP0l5kL9cWosOppKEbbtA%2B6LIEnDINDPzBHI9k4PPgHilz35q89V1WlCn8j6pCmD%2Bae8bOU0XcgGBgVzgDBx0xRdt0jKmo5OkV2Tg0VYbxT1cCQuaaQyGcHLEIiB3K%2F1WaFtdfGDz6pIoMFt65LXjm0hqSJkvzX4%2BQ1L9lCr%2BswGLro%2B8gRD3xudzbUuiqRPbOjLXq75mP1yBqtMVQXFDhayZ4fy5wGyAWLtxLVOR%2B0FbykC1bBIggNg%2Frfv5ASI6VQ%3D%3D|cksum%3A13304285459652bfcfc1c38c46d38ecd3dce73b22762|ampid%3APL_CLK|clp%3A2334524

I would pass and go with a Shimano Bantam. It will have a different feel from any of the reels you own and the thing is built like a tank.

St. Croix 7'11'' H Mod-Fast Mojo Bass.

I only use braid when throwing into heavy cover and 50lb is more than enough. Other wise, it's 15lb or 17lb Abrazx for jigs or 12lb Invizx for T-rigged soft plastic.

I tried the original Fireline and Fireline Crystal years ago. Didn't care for either one. Those two could be some of the worst line I have ever used. I'm sure they have improved it since then but it was enough for me to not try it again. On the other hand, I have heard good things about Fireline Ultra Eight but have not tried it.

I only have one Daiwa at this time and it's a Steez SV TWS but I have a dozen Shimano's. If you compare it to my Antares 70A, it's almost apple and oranges. Both reels are special in their own way. I use each for just about whatever. The Steez is smooth and more practical but the Antares is extremely smooth and cast further. Both have a lot of power when it counts. For me, the only thing that Shimano reels do better than Daiwa (and only by a slight margin) is crankbait fishing. This is just a personal feel of the reels of themselves. Shimano's just seem smoother when cranked all day long.

X-Ship bearing maybe. From what I can tell, it doesn't get oiled as much as it should or if you over tighten the cast control cap, it can get damaged.