http://www.tackletour.com/previewshimanocuradoilab.html

Tackle Tour published an in depth look at the Curado I. I was pretty surprised with the drag test at 15.4 lbs.

As was I. Most shimano drags go around 11lbs. Looks like they upped the anti to go head to head with the Tatula which also went higher than daiwas standard drag (8.8 lbs)

The reason I was surprised was because I emailed Shimano last week to ask about what the drag was rated for since it was not posted online and they replied with 11 lbs. So it looks like its rating a little more which is great.

I honestly think this is the best reel for any price ever. I will admit I had some trouble lazering it in but once I did this reel is outstanding. It is by far the most powerful reel I've ever used, I caught an 8 pound+ Largemouth and experienced no problems.GREAT REEL

same here. ive been pondering even replacing my lews tp with another curado i I like it so much

I honestly think this is the best reel for any price ever. I will admit I had some trouble lazering it in but once I did this reel is outstanding. It is by far the most powerful reel I've ever used, I caught an 8 pound+ Largemouth and experienced no problems.GREAT REEL

That's a bold statement to make

Tight lines

Andrew

That's a bold statement to make

Tight lines

Andrew

Obviously a statement from someone that hasn't used many reels over the price point. Shimano has 3-4 reels that are better, that doesn't even include the better Daiwa, Abu, etc. Curado is a really good sub-$200 reel, and competes favorably with all the reels in that tier, nothing more.

Obviously a statement from someone that hasn't used many reels over the price point. Shimano has 3-4 reels that are better, that doesn't even include the better Daiwa, Abu, etc. Curado is a really good sub-$200 reel, and competes favorably with all the reels in that tier, nothing more.

Well said, very nice, but not better than any other reel,,,,,,like I said before I think Shimano put the Curado back where we  were use to seeing it before the "G"!!

The guys obviously thrilled.... Give him a break.

I wonder sometimes about what better or best really means.. And to whom... I have heard shimano guys say they like the I better than chronarch ci4+ ... On many occasions... It's a great reel At 179$ but time will tell.... Still got a ways to go on how it's going to hold togeather ... The double clutch worries me a bit.. We will see.

So far so good.