As you know, a problem that most baitcasters have is line tangles, also known as bird’s nests. This can ruin the mood of a fishing session if you don’t know how to fix them. And have you ever had to fish in windy conditions? I guess it wasn’t easy at all.
To overcome that, Shimano created a system called “DC brake”. And both Curado DC and SLX DC own it. In the article “Curado DC vs SLX DC“, I will briefly talk about this system as well as give suggestions to help you make a decision on whether to include Curado DC or SLX DC in your collection.
If you are looking for baitcasting for saltwater, check out the following article: Top 7 Best Baitcasting Reel For Saltwater 2024
What is a DC brake?
The new DC brake is constructed to provide trouble-free casting to anglers. Conventional braking systems require a substantial amount of thumbing to prevent backlash. But DC brake eliminates the trouble and reduces thumbing, DC brake provides ultra long-distance for anglers with less thumbing and trouble.
Let’s see the mechanism of DC break: When the spool starts to revolve, an electric current is generated through the coil, and the intelligent microcomputer constantly measures spool speed and controls it to prevent backlash. The DC brake system doesn’t require any batteries or charging. Instead, the microcomputer measures and controls spool revolution at one-thousandth of a second interval and apply the appropriate amount of brake to prevent backlash.
This is an actual casting scene. DC brake can provide trouble-free casting for various lures and conditions by simply adjusting the external brake dial.
No other manual adjustment is required. Conventional brake systems require more thumbing and more adjustment to the brake to best match lures and conditions. An incorrect adjustment can significantly limit casting distance with conventional brakes and cause a backlash. However, DC brake provides trouble-free casting with less manual adjustment regardless of lure or conditions. DC brake can match any conditions to provide anglers with easy, trouble-free, and long-distance casting.
It’s impressive that both Curado DC and SLX DC are equipped with a DC brake system. So now let’s compare these two types of baitcasting.
Last update on 2024-08-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Preview Product Rating Price 
Shimano Inc. CURADO DC 151 XG Reel Box 224 Reviews $259.99 $245.61 Buy on Amazon 
Shimano Inc. SLX DC 151 157 Reviews $199.99 Buy on Amazon
Similarities – Curado DC vs SLX DC
So let’s start with the basic similarities. These reels will feature aluminum frames with graphite side plates. They come in three different gear ratios: regular gear, high gear, and extra high gear. And more importantly, both of them come with Shimano’s IDC 4 – a digital braking system. Finally, both possess Shimano’s basic technologies, such as Hagane’s body and Super-free spool.
The question is since the Curado costs so much more than the SLX. Did Shimano engineer anything different in the SLX’s braking system to make it cast any other than the Curado DC? I wondered if the SLX DC would not cast as well as the Curado because you don’t want your cheaper reels outcasting your more expensive reels. Is there a difference in casting performance?
First is the braided mono mode. Now in the braided mono setting, these reels can cast an extremely long distance. The Curado is more expensive. Does it cast farther than the SLX? The answer is NO. I have tested both types many times, but the results don’t make much difference.
Second, in the fluorocarbon mode, these reels are excellent. They can handle fluorocarbon with the spool tension set just like Shimano recommends, and they can also cast far. And I saw no difference in cast distance.
Finally, in the wind and skipping mode, similar to pitching, these reels were pretty much the same. Again, they’re very capable pitchers with average-weight lures and will probably struggle with your lighter lures because the spools are so heavy. But I saw no difference in distance or spool control.
So you can probably tell by now that based on my experience, I find no difference in the performance of these reels, whether it be long-distance casting, spool control, etc. The reason is that both spools are the same weight, size, and line capacity.
Differences – SLX DC vs Curado DC
The first thing is spec-wise, the Curado DC does have two more ball bearings. I believe it does have better components. The handle and drag star are machined from forged aluminum, while on the SLX, I’m not sure if the handle is machined or stamped, but the drag star is graphite.
Curado DC does come in slightly higher gear ratios as well, but another thing I noticed about the Curado DC is that it is a more, I guess, well-built, well-engineered reel versus the SLX. The finish of the paint feels much better. The SLX DC has this almost raw finish like the base SLX; while it does feel nice, it’s not as nice as the Curado.
And the thumb bar on the Curado is a much better design. It has no mush or wiggle, very smooth in action. The SLX, it’s not entirely as well built or refined as the Curado when it comes to the thumb bar.
Curado has the micro module gears and X-ship, which is the double-bearing pinion that the SLX DC does not have. So when you get some resistance and crank this handle, the Curado suddenly feels more precise but at the same time more buttery smooth. I guess because of the X-ship and the micro module gears.
Key features of Curado DC and SLX DC
Curado DC:
Curado DC:Last update on 2024-08-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- CI4+
(Side Plate) lightweight material - Cross Carbon Drag:
Smoothest Shimano drag performance ever. - Hagane Body
High hardness material, good impact resistance - I-DC 4
The Intelligent Digital Control Braking system is easy to use, easy to adjust, and has 4 external adjustments. - MicroModule Gear:
Creates a smooth retrieval. - S3D Spool
Significantly reduced spool vibration - S A-RB
There are shields on both sides of the bearings, reducing dirt and saltwater - Super Free Spool
Greatly reduces friction on the spool - X-Ship
Provides durability for gears
SLX DC:
Last update on 2024-08-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Hagane Body
- S3D Spool
- Super Free Spool
- I-DC4
Questions & Answers
Is that a waterproof digital brake? – Here’s some good news for you guys who are worried about having a digital chip inside your reel. Both of these reels IDC4 brake units are completely waterproof.
What do you think is the lightest lure you could cast with the SLX, please? – I cast 1/4 oz works okay but I think you can tell it’s getting to the limit Is the SLX DC smaller in hand than the Curado DC? and if so how much? – a great question. With the DC technology, it’s a wider reel. I’d say it might be just a bit smaller than the Curado DC but nothing you’ll actually notice. What gear ratio is the best use for distance on both reels? – Gear ratio doesn’t affect casting distance only how fast the line comes in.
Conclusion
Suppose you want that DC casting, the long-distance casts, the ability to cast into the wind, the skipping, etc. Plus that DC sound, and you don’t care about anything else, I would say save the money and go for the SLX. And if you want that Curado cachet and the Curado name to come with a cachet with it and a slightly more refined cranking experience, then go with the Curado. That’s going to be up to you to decide.
Above is our article “Curado DC vs SLX DC”. Hope to see you in the next posts, good luck!
Further reading:
- Other info about fishing in Fishingandhuntingsports
- How to Cast a Baitcaster
- Top 7 Best Baitcasting Reel For Bass 2022