What can you all tell me about the Shimano DC reels?  I was set on a Chronarch MGL but then I came across the new Scorpion DC and it intrigued me.  

DC reels have a computer in them that measures spool speed and adjusts braking accordingly. If you are good with a baitcaster the DC tech ain’t worth the price. It’s cool and all but not necessarily “better” per se than SVS infinity. I’d get the Chronarch if I were you, it is an amazing reel and a step above the Curado, (USA Scorpion). Plus it’s almost as user friendly as the DC braking thanks to the MGL spool. Up to you though, neither reel is a bad choice. They will both be very very good reels 

 It's a fact that bass like to face into the current.  I fish into the wind often this way the fish can see it sooner instead of when it goes by the fish. One of my go to baits is a spinnerbait & it's always on to a rod that has a Shimano DC reel. I roll cast  a spinnerbait, buzzbait, & a jig into the wind & have very little problem with a backlash. I have several of the DC reels & tend to use the Japanese versions( better braking system) or the older models (Calais or Antares). I feel they will make most fisherman better. I have seen the SLX DC for around $175 & the Scorpion DC for under $250 which is a very good reel for that price.

You'll like them...very much! The SLX DC is the sleeper of the bunch. 

The first thing I would tell someone interested in DC reels is that all DC reels are not created equal. There are various levels of the DC system (IDC4, IDC5, 4x8 DC), and they are included on various quality levels of reels (Slx, curado, metanium, antares).

I am hardly an expert, having just entered the baitcasting field myself, but I have examples of each of the above DC systems and I can tell you the that there is a quantifiable performance difference from one system to the next.

Generally speaking, the 4x8 system (Antares, Conquest) is the most advanced, and is included on mostly higher tier reels within the Shimano lineup. It has an internal setting for line type (with an additional mode for extra long casting), as well as 8 external brake settings to set the level of braking between lure types. The more recent versions on the 4x8 DC system don’t have an easily accessible tension knob, as they are meant to be factory set for optimal performance in conjunction with the internal line setting and external brake setting. This is the “cats meow” of the DC lineup.

Next, the IDC5 system features an internal setting for line type, as well as 5 external settings of braking force. These reels feature a regular tension knob, but it is suggested that it be initially set to eliminate any side to side play in the spool and keep it there. The external dial has settings from 1-4 based on the weight of the lure you are using (heavier lure, less braking…ligher lure, more braking), and an additional setting for casting into the wind.  This system is a good compromise of DC quality, as there are more overall combinations of braking force than the lower tier IDC4 system.

 

Finally, there is the IDC4 system, which does not have any internal settings and has a standard tension knob (which also is recommended to be set just to eliminate spool side to side play). There are 4 external settings, settings 2&3 are for line type while casting in normal conditions, while setting 1 is for least brakes (heavy lures with little to no wind) and setting 4 is for most brakes (into the wind, or much lighter/less aerodynamic lures).

This system is the “bare bones” version of DC technology, although many find it quite satisfactory for their purposes.

 

Most of the above variations of the DC system have evolved over time, with minor changes within even the same DC type. Also, certain reels started with a “lower” version of DC and later where given a “higher” version over the course of time.

 

Once you have the above sorted, you need to find the best match according to your DC needs within a certain standard of reel. Once again, generally speaking, the higher tier DC systems go to the higher tier reels (re:more expensive, although not necessarily better for your intended usage). You need to figure out the best option within each DC tier that meets your usage and budget requirements and decide accordingly. As stated above, I find the IDC 5 to be an excellent compromise and a more reasonable starting point (as apposed to a budgetary commitment to a flagship reel with DC)

 

I enjoy all of them to various levels, but I would respectfully suggest that the better quality DC systems will most likely give you commensurate performance and pleasure.

 

Good luck!
 

Start with DC5.  I've tried a bunch of DC4 reels and there's a  difference for sure.  JDM Scorpions have it and they're available for 200