I received my Shimano Curado DC a couple days ago, and I spooled it with 30LB braid, so I usually throw it on breaking system 2. I noticed the manual it came with said to tighten the spool tension knob to where there is no side to side play, and I did that. But whenever I try to put the breaking system on number 1, for maximum distance casting, I backlash very badly, even if I don't toss the lure very far, no matter what lure I'm using. Is there something that I missed that I'm not doing that I'm supposed to do? Any help will be appreciated. 

Setting 1 is very little braking. So you’ll either need a ton of thumb control or to tighten down the tension knob. Setting 2 is the braid/mono setting. If you want trouble free casting you’re much better off staying right there. 

I have the DC and first off, I don't like braid on this reel.  A lot of people have had success using it but for it seemed once it got wet all the way the breaking would act differently.  I switched to FC and have had no issues.  From a stand point of which setting to use on the dial, I would ignore the instructions from Shimano.  I look at this way.....

 

1- Long casts - very little breaking is applied

2 - Pretty much this is where I set and forget it

3 - Less breaking than 2 but still gets it done.  It seems to speed the spool up at the beginning of a cast more so than 2.

4 - Casting into the wind

 

Also, this reel for whatever reason seems to learn how I cast and becomes better at breaking the more I use it.  It also has been flawless for me, other than the braid, and supper smooth.  It casts as far as any other reel I have used. 

 

Stick to setting 2 .. find the sweet spot on the spool tension, Which is not adjusting til no side to side play. I  run mine with a little rattle in side to side. Yes you will have to thumb it but I can max cast it that way.. how much side to side is something u have to find as that sweet spot. Running no side to side play is just not getting max Performace out of it. Only time I go to setting 3 or 4 is skipping.. 1 I never go to. Everyone is different but that’s how I run mine as do my buddies with them.

 

 

Stick to 30lb braid and on setting 2. I only use 1 when I flip and pitch and you have to thumb it. To be honest, just always have your thumb over it and use it like a standard baitcaster. You will get better casts if your looking for distance that way. It’s ok to have a little slop and wobble. Don’t aim for perfection unless you want auto brakes and zero backlash. I use it like a hybrid. It’s only going to hurt your arms and your distance if you set it where there is no side to side at all. Just what has worked for me. 

I set my SLX and Curado up the same way.  I followed the directions in the manual and set the spool tension until the side-to-side play almost disappears.  For braid, set the brake to 2.  Setting it to 1 will get you into trouble.

 

After setting it up, I don't make any changes when I switch lures - just tie on and go.  That, to me, is the biggest benefit of this reel.

 

Also, if this is your first BC, or  your only one, don't cast it without thumbing the spool.  While you can cast the DC without thumbing, you're going to teach yourself to not do it.. which will cause major issues later if you buy more non-DC reels, or have to borrow one from a friend.   I cast with my DC just like all my reels.

I had practiced with mine at home several times with the recommended loose cast control and the #2 setting. Backlashes up the wazoo!

Took it out on the water for the first time last week. Before leaving I decided to set it up like any bait caster. Cast control set so the lure stopped when hitting the ground with no overruns. The brakes on #2. Got on the water and after several casts started backing off the cast control until the lure would drop considerably faster. The reel casted like a dream, not one backlash! I did use my thumb lightly on the spool during flight and you could hear the computer whine doing it’s breaking thing, I was impressed.
So I’d say set the knob as you would any other reel and back off until you hit the sweet spot.

I've posted this a few times here. I got a curado dc a couple of years ago and found that the shimano spool shaking directions were no good. It will backlash. I've emailed them my method and they were interested. I also use 30 lb braid.

 

I found, after searching this method online, long ago.

With the lure on:

~Setting 2 for braid

~Hit the trigger and adjust the tension knob until the lure drops a foot or so each time you give it a shake.

~You need to readjust for any bait with a different weight.

 

I cast all the time. I've got thousands of casts on this reel.  I NEVER use my thumb unless I want to stop the lure before the end of the cast.... I just love to cast a good bait. I haven't had a backlash in two years. Only that once when I missed the trigger timing and the lure smashed the water right in front of me, but not a bad one. I can cast a weight into the side of the garage and it won't nest, or cast a lighter lure into a strong headwind.... nada.

 

Try it. I guarantee it.... then it will become the truly amazing reel you thought it would be.

12 minutes ago, DanielG said:

I found, after searching this method online, long ago.

With the lure on:

~Setting 2 for braid

~Hit the trigger and adjust the tension knob until the lure drops a foot or so each time you give it a shake.

~You need to readjust for any bait with a different weight.

I see what you’re talking about, but that’s pretty tight on cast control. Does it cost you distance? I’m not talking about trying to cast a mile, but getting the bait out a decent distance. I use mine for moving baits like cranks.

No, it's just right. Then again you can let up on it a bit and see what happens.