Is the DC feature on Shimano reels a realistic upgrade or an expensive gimmick?  

I had the chance to cast a Calcutta 201DC at a BPS a couple of times and it does cast a long way but it did not seem outstanding.  The bad thing was I was casting with a light rapala shad rap on a BPS Extreme 6'6'' M. This was not a good set up IMHO but this was just what the sales guy was playing with.

FishTank,

I have a TE200DC and if I could afford it, I would have another one. I think they are amazing and I have fished many, many hours with mine. I can cast a LC pointer a mile and winch the boat onto the trailer with it (very strong). Because of the 5:1 gearing, it's stricly a cranking reel for me, in my opinion, it's no gimmick. Although expensive, the new calais has it and I think you will see more and more models with this technology in the future.  Shimano's just got to figure out how to make it more affordable. You can't have mine.

Ronnie

You can't have mine.

LOL!!!

For me conquest DC is the  best round reel at the moment!!! Abu Morrum are good too, but the DC system is the A BIG that you feel on fishing!

It's amazing!!!!!