If you are a fishing enthusiast, you know the importance of having a high-quality and reliable reel. Shimano has been a leader in the fishing industry for over 90 years, and their Curado series has gained a reputation for being one of the best casting reels on the market. In this article, we will be reviewing the Shimano Curado K, the latest addition to the Curado series, and see if it lives up to its reputation.
Introduction
The Shimano Curado K is a low-profile casting reel designed for freshwater and saltwater fishing. It is equipped with Shimano’s latest technologies, making it a versatile and efficient reel that can handle a variety of fishing techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, the Shimano Curado K is an excellent choice for your next fishing trip.
About the Brand
Shimano is a Japanese company that has been in the fishing industry since 1921. They are known for their high-quality fishing equipment and have a reputation for being one of the best brands in the market. The Shimano Curado series has been around for over 25 years and has consistently been one of the best-selling casting reels in the world. The latest addition to the series, the Shimano Curado K, is designed to meet the demands of anglers and take their fishing experience to the next level.
Features
Shimano Curado K
The Shimano Curado K is equipped with several features that make it a top-of-the-line casting reel. Let’s take a closer look at some of its key features:
CI4+
This is a carbon composite material that is used in the body and side plates of the reel. It is lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion, making it a great choice for use in fishing reels.
Cross Carbon Drag
The drag system in the Shimano Curado K uses cross carbon washers, which provide a smooth and powerful drag performance. It is designed to handle heavy loads and maintain consistent performance over long periods of use.
Hagane Body
The Hagane Body is a feature of the Shimano Curado K that provides a rigid and strong platform for the reel’s internal components. It helps to minimize body flex, which can result in improved cranking power and efficiency.
Micromodule Gear
This feature of the Shimano Curado K is designed to provide smooth and efficient gear operation. The Micromodule Gear system uses small teeth on the gears to create a seamless meshing between the drive gear and pinion gear.
S3D Spool
The S3D Spool is a unique feature of the Shimano Curado K that is designed to reduce spool vibration and improve casting performance. The spool is asymmetrical and has a uniform thickness, which helps to reduce the occurrence of wind knots.
SVS Infinity
The SVS Infinity braking system is a feature of the Shimano Curado K that provides consistent and precise brake control. It uses an external dial that allows anglers to easily adjust the brake system to suit their casting preferences.
SA-RB
This is a type of ball bearing used in the Shimano Curado K that is designed to provide long-lasting, smooth performance. SA-RB bearings are treated with a special coating that helps to protect them from saltwater corrosion.
Super Free Spool
The Super Free Spool is a feature of the Shimano Curado K that is designed to reduce spool friction during casting. This helps to improve casting distance and accuracy, and also makes it easier to control the spool during the cast.
X-Ship
This is a gear support system that is used in the Shimano Curado K to provide improved gear alignment and stability. It helps to minimize gear flex, which can result in increased cranking power and efficiency.
Shimano Curado K comes with an impressive array of features that are designed to improve performance, durability, and user experience. From the lightweight and strong Ci4+ body to the precision of the SVS Infinity brake system, every feature is designed with the angler in mind.
Performance
The Shimano Curado K Low-Profile Casting Reel boasts impressive performance, making it one of the most popular fishing reels in its class. Its unique features and technologies work together to provide anglers with an outstanding fishing experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key performance aspects of this reel.
Casting
The Shimano Curado K uses the SVS Infinity braking system to provide exceptional casting performance. This braking system allows anglers to easily adjust the spool tension and braking force, which results in more accurate and longer casts. Additionally, the reel features a high-efficiency gearing system that minimizes friction and maximizes casting distance.
Retrieve
The Curado K has a smooth and consistent retrieve, thanks to its high-speed and low-drag performance. The reel’s S3D Stable Spool Design ensures a smooth, vibration-free retrieve, even at high speeds. Furthermore, the reel’s oversized handle and non-slip knobs provide a comfortable grip and easy handling.
Drag
The Shimano Curado K has a maximum drag of 11 pounds, which is more than enough to handle a wide variety of fish species. The reel’s drag system features Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag, which provides consistent drag pressure and improved heat dissipation. This drag system also helps to prevent fish from breaking the line during a fight.
Durability
Durability is a key aspect of any fishing reel, and the Shimano Curado K is built to last. The reel features a solid, compact aluminum frame and a sturdy Hagane Body, which provides excellent durability and rigidity. Additionally, the reel’s S A-RB bearings are shielded from the elements, which helps to prolong their lifespan and ensure smooth operation.
Price and Applications
The Shimano Curado K is priced at $189, which is quite reasonable considering the many features and the quality of the product. This reel offers a great value proposition for anglers who want to get the most out of their investment. It is an excellent option for both beginners and experienced anglers, who will appreciate its outstanding features.
The Shimano Curado K is versatile and can be used for various fishing applications. It is ideal for freshwater fishing and can be used to catch a wide range of fish species, including bass, walleye, and pike. The reel’s smooth casting and precise control make it suitable for both long and short-distance casting. It also works well for saltwater fishing, particularly inshore fishing for species like redfish, trout, and snook.
The Shimano Curado K is suitable for a variety of fishing techniques, including flipping, pitching, and casting. It is also perfect for topwater fishing, crankbait fishing, and jig fishing. The reel’s excellent retrieve and drag system make it suitable for catching larger fish species. It is an excellent option for anglers who want a versatile and high-performing reel that can handle various fishing applications.
In summary, the Shimano Curado K offers excellent value for its price and is a perfect option for anglers looking for a high-performing and versatile reel that can handle different fishing techniques and applications.
Specifications Model Chart Comparison
To help you choose the right model of Shimano Curado K Low Profile Casting Reel, here is a chart comparing the key specifications of each model:
| Model | Retrieve | Gear Ratio | Line Retrieve Per Crank (inch) | Mono Line Capacity (lbs/yds) | Braided Line Capacity (lbs/yds) | Bearings | Max Drag (lbs) | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU-200K | Right-Handed | 6.2:1 | 26 | 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 | 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 | 6+1 | 11 | 7.6 |
| CU-201K | Left-Handed | 6.2:1 | 26 | 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 | 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 | 6+1 | 11 | 7.6 |
| CU-200HGK | Right-Handed | 7.4:1 | 30 | 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 | 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 | 6+1 | 11 | 7.6 |
| CU-201HGK | Left-Handed | 7.4:1 | 30 | 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 | 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 | 6+1 | 11 | 7.6 |
| CU-200XGK | Right-Handed | 8.5:1 | 36 | 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 | 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 | 6+1 | 11 | 7.8 |
| CU-201XGK | Left-Handed | 8.5:1 | 36 | 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 | 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 | 6+1 | 11 | 7.8 |
Shimano Curado K
- Well made with quality components
- Durable and hard-wearing
- Excellent casting manners
- Stable, reliable, and predictable
- Very smooth, cast, retrieve, and in battle under load
- Great looking reel
- Price point. A lot of reel for accessible pricing
- Number of variants
- Drag power reduction was unfortunate
Alternatives
As an alternative to the Shimano Curado K, two other low-profile baitcasting reels to consider are the Abu Garcia Revo SX and the Lew’s Tournament Pro LFS.
The Abu Garcia Revo SX is a popular choice among anglers and offers similar features to the Curado K. It has a durable, corrosion-resistant construction and a powerful drag system. The Revo SX also has a higher gear ratio than the Curado K, which allows for faster retrieves.
The Lew’s Tournament Pro LFS is another great option in this price range. It has a lightweight design and a sturdy, one-piece aluminum frame. The LFS also features a smooth, multi-setting brake system and a strong, reliable drag. The main advantage of the LFS over the Curado K is that it has a faster gear ratio, which makes it an excellent choice for fast-moving lures. However, the LFS has a lower mono line capacity than the Curado K.
Overall, the Shimano Curado K stands out among these three reels for its advanced features, durability, and smooth performance. Anglers looking for a top-of-the-line reel at a reasonable price should consider the Curado K. However, the Abu Garcia Revo SX and Lew’s Tournament Pro LFS are both solid options for those on a tighter budget or who prefer a faster gear ratio.
FAQs
- Q: Is this reel suitable for saltwater fishing? A: Yes, the Shimano Curado K is designed to be used for both fresh and saltwater fishing.
- Q: Can I use braided line with this reel? A: Yes, the Shimano Curado K is compatible with braided line and can hold a significant amount of it.
- What types of fishing can the Shimano Curado K be used for? The Shimano Curado K can be used for a variety of fishing techniques including flipping, pitching, and casting for bass, as well as inshore
- Is the Shimano Curado K suitable for beginners? While the Shimano Curado K is a high-quality reel, it may not be the best choice for beginners due to its advanced features and price point. However, if you are an experienced angler looking for a high-performing reel, the Shimano Curado K may be a great option.
Conclusion
The Shimano Curado K is a top-of-the-line baitcasting reel designed for serious anglers who demand precision, performance, and durability. Its advanced features such as the Ci4+ material, Micromodule gear, and Cross Carbon drag system make it stand out among its peers in the market.
Not only does it offer a smooth and consistent performance, but it is also lightweight, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time. The reel also offers a reasonable price point, especially considering the number of advanced features it includes. It is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a high-quality baitcasting reel that won’t break the bank.
Overall, the Shimano Curado K is an excellent investment for serious anglers who demand top-of-the-line performance and durability from their fishing equipment. With its many advanced features, reasonable price point, and proven track record of quality and reliability, it is an excellent choice for any angler looking for a high-quality baitcasting reel.
