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Old vs. New: Comparing the Shimano Curado Baitcaster
I remember buying my first Shimano Curado baitcasting reel in the 90s. It was my first bait caster. It became my trusted companion on what seems like 1,000 fishing trips.
That Curado was an absolute workhorse. But time and countless casts eventually took their toll, and even after multiple cleaning attempts, it just wasn’t performing like it used to. When I started looking for a replacement, I was hesitant about the new Curado 201 M model. Like many anglers, I’d heard the familiar refrain: “They don’t make ’em like they used to.”
The moment I unboxed the new Curado 200 M, I noticed two significant differences. First was the weight – it felt surprisingly light in hand. Now, conventional wisdom might suggest that heavier equals better built, but with fishing reels, lightweight construction can be a major advantage if done right.
The second thing that caught my attention was the size. While I loved my old Curado, it was admittedly a bit bulky. This new model felt almost toy-like in comparison, allowing me to palm nearly the entire reel. The improved ergonomics immediately gave me better control over my casting.
I decided to put the reel to the test on a cold day at a private stocked lake. I selected a Shimano Zumverno 95 SP jerkbait. I know how these bass behave mid-winter, and I was sure I could catch at least one running it deep. Making long casts to the middle of the lake and working the bait back, I immediately noticed I could cast further than with my Bantam, thanks to the better grip and control. I could palm the reel and whip the lure out harder because of the tight grip on the reel.
After about two hours of working that jerkbait with no results, my confidence was starting to wane – maybe it was just too cold for these bass. That’s when it happened – I noticed my line moving to the right during one of my pauses (I like to work my winter jerkbaits slow, with extended pauses between pulls).
When I set the hook, I quickly discovered my drag was a bit too loose. But here’s where the reel really impressed me – I instinctively reached for the star dial with my thumb and easily adjusted it mid-fight. The drag system instantly tightened and proved as stout as my old Curado as I wrestled in a solid 3-pound bass to the shore.
After several months of additional testing in various scenarios, the smaller size doesn’t mean it can’t handle big baits. These last few months, I’ve used a lot of umbrella rigs and hefty jigs, and I couldn’t feel any difference in strength between the old Curado Bantam and the new.
The Curado 201 boasts several key improvements. The MagnumLite Spool III significantly reduces startup inertia, which I’ve found particularly useful when making those long casts with umbrella rigs. I opted for the 6:1 gear ratio version, which provides excellent torque when fighting big bass back to the boat.
Another feature that stood out is the SVS Infinity braking system. Casting accuracy is crucial when I’m using forward-facing sonar to target bass. The combination of the MGL Spool and this braking system allowed for accurate casts that I couldn’t consistently achieve with my old Curado.
The build quality is also impressive. The aluminum HAGANE frame provides a rigid feel that reminds me of the durability of my original Curado but with modern refinements. The SilentTune technology is a nice touch – the spool runs noticeably quieter than my old model, cast after cast.
While my original Curado set a high bar for durability with its 1,000+ fishing trips, only time will tell if this new model can match that longevity. My new Curado stood up to the comparison and surprised me with its performance.
I was so impressed that I immediately purchased a second one for saltwater. If you’re in the market for a new baitcasting reel, particularly one that excels with larger baits, the Curado 200 M is definitely worth your consideration.
Recommendation: Pair this reel with a medium-heavy rod, 12-16 pound fluorocarbon, and you’ve got a combo ready for everything from jerk baits to jigs.
Don’t tell my old Curado; the new kid might be sticking around.
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