So a bit of background, I've been using my baitcaster for about a year or so every weekend and am looking to upgrade. I currently have a 6'6" Berkeley medium fast action with an Abu Blackmax 3 with spool speed hybrid bearings that I use mostly for spinners and crank baits and the occasional will Texas rig. I mostly bank fish so I need the distance to cover more water with my lures. Is it worth the money for the DC brakes or would saving a few bucks and getting the SV a better option?

If you need a reel for distance then the SV TW would be 2nd and the Elite would be 1st....can't speak for the Curado DC casting distance as I don't have this reel....

Owned all 3 and I'd definitely look at the Elite or DC if you want distance, though neither will outcast the black max by a huge amount, unless you use the Elite with slightly lighter lures. The biggest help if you want a jump in distance would be a longer rod. Not always feasible from the bank, but a 7'2" or longer will give a pretty good jump over a 6'6". I haven't had the Elite long enough to speak on longevity, but the ease with which it casts is amazing. Even last night I was throwing into the wind and it didn't seem to mind. I have a couple Curado DC and have nothing but good things to say about them as well. They're smooth and solid, even after more than a year of use. Wasn't a fan of the SV and sold mine. It doesn't cast light lures as well as the Elite and was greatly overbraked, in my opinion.