There are lots of reels out there that have gone through more than one or a few incarnations with as many if not more opinions on which is or was the best version.
The Shimano Curado 200 I Casting Reel is the latest version of a storied name in casting reels.
While we’re not going to go through the whole history of the brand, we will touch on the fact that many of you have past versions of the Curado that you still use today and are completely happy with.
There undoubtedly are also some of you who were disappointed with one or more of the recent versions of this reel.
We believe that Shimano was very aware of what consumers were less than enthusiastic about and as a result, the new I series was scrutinized extremely closely prior to its introduction.
They used this as an opportunity to re-introduce the Curado with a host of technological improvements all designed to once again, put the Curado on top of its market segment.
New Technologies
The X-Ship technology refers to the more precise gear alignment which remains true even under load. The result of this is improved power and gear efficiency that extends the life of the gears as well as increasing casting performance with lighter lures.
The S3D Stable Spool Design is a more precise way of cutting the spool so that the two sides are as close to identical as is possible. That means less vibration from the spool as you’re casting and retrieving your bait with the result being an all around smoother performing reel.
The new SVS Infinity Brake System is a dual braking system consisting of a four pin internal centrifugal adjustable brake with an external fine tuning adjustment knob on the underside of the non-handle side, sideplate.
If you look closely there are six distinct settings with corresponding numbers on them. However, these are more parameters than hard settings because there are several settings between each number. This system is smooth and fluid so that it provides very fine tuning for your casts.
Proven performance
Add to this a proven cross carbon drag system, comfortable grips, their super free spool design, super-stopper anti-reverse clutch bearing and new styling that is clean, functional, a little edgy but at the same time, classic and you’ve got all the raw ingredients for an exceptional reel.
The Curado 200 I is available in both right and left hand retrieve models. The righties can choose between 6.3:1, 7.2:1 or 5.5:1. Us lefties get either 6.3:1 or 7.2:1.
All models share the same bearing count of 5A-RB + 1A-RB, the same weight of 7.4 ounces, the same line capacity of 10/155, 14/110 as well as the same retail price of $179.99.
When you open the box of the Curado I, you’ll find the reel wrapped in bubble wrap, a small vial of oil, four replacement braking elements and the schematic all neatly arranged inside. No, this has nothing to do with the performance but it is kinda cool to see that Shimano is putting this kind of effort into the details for the “I”.
Time to Get Busy
Our routine with a new reel is simple. Chose a line, spool up, tie something to the end of it, then get ready for the initial set up.
With the Curado, that process is uncomplicated and down right fast. We started with two of the four braking elements on, two off. From there, stand up, hold the rod at ten o’clock and push down on the thumb release bar. Adjust the spool tension so that the spool stops when the lure hits the ground then turn the secondary breaking knob up fairly high.
The spool tension knob on the “I” is oversized, easy to turn but does not have an audible clicker. It functions very well but the clicker would be a nice touch.
Now we’re ready for our first cast. Time to pull it back and let it fly. Hey, good distance, no professional overrun, no concerning noises and smooth on the retrieve.
Loosen up a bit on the secondary brake and cut loose again. Better distance, no issues. Loosen up a bit more and repeat.
A couple of things of note here. The thumb bar is higher than many of the reels out there but it hasn’t presented any problems for us. It doesn’t get in the way of palming the reel or when fighting a fish.
The knobs are large, easy to find and provide good grip when wet or dry. The handle shows no signs of backplay which makes for a sure feel from beginning to end, hook set through landing the fish.
The casting is exceptional for a reel at this price point. It is also forgiving of angler error. By that we mean that there are reels out there, some very expensive, that are touchy or finicky. Don’t check all the adjustments when you change lures, you could wind up with a world class birds nest.
Simple and Easy
The Curado isn’t that picky. Yes, you do need to make some adjustments when you change lures to accommodate for weight but we’ve thrown everything from unweighted soft plastics to 3/4 ounce plugs without overruns simply by using the secondary braking.
The knob for that on our CU201I is just under your right index finger and is easily manipulated to increase or decrease pressure. Actually what you are adjusting is the amount of space that the internal brakes have to contact the raceway or hub. The more contact, the more braking. Simple and effective.
The “I” weights 7.4 ounces but fishes lighter than that. It doesn’t feel that heavy in hand and is comfortable to fish all day.
The new Shimano Curado I not only looks the part by way of tight tolerances, quality components and well thought out cosmetics but it delivers with excellent casting distance, smooth retrieves, versatility and outstanding overall feel.
Is the new Curado I set to challenge for “king of the hill” status in its price range like some older models? We’ll leave that to you folks but, in our opinion, this reel has definitely earned a shot at the title.
| Shimano Curado I | |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating |   |
| A very forgiving, exceptional performer | |
See ya’ on the water …
