Baitcaster, Diawa vs Shimano, THANKS!

[klbowe]

I had placed a previous post looking for advice on a Diawa Procaster 100 I had purchased. The reel rod and line combo I had purchased simply would not cast light lures.

Buzzsaw, Bushwacker and others seemed pretty pleased with the Shimano Curado SF and so I stripped the line off the Diawa and took it back to Cabelas to ask their advice and see what they would recommend.

I explained the situation to the customer rep at Cabelas and he said that for that the magnet brake system in the Diawa will not perform as well as brake systems that use weights. He then handed me a Shimano Curado SF and said this is the reel you want.

The results of the "lawn casting" test are in and the Curado out distances the Diawa in casting the same small shadrap. Twice the distance and half the effort. In fact my casting distance was limited by the trees in the yard so I am really not sure how far I will be able to cast the light lure. I plan on hitting the lake yet this weekend and I will let you know how the Curado works out for me. But so far I am very impressed with the reel.

After casting both reels it appears to me that the mag brake on the Diawa absorbs or draws all of the energy out of the cast.
There was no arc in the cast, the light lure went out as far as the weight would carry it and it fell straight down to the ground. While there is a brake control adjustment on the Diawa I had tried casting with the brake set to zero and the reel still would not cast the light shadrap.

THANKS for the advice, I had to dig a bit deeper into my wallet but I think the Curado SF will prove to be worth the extra money.

[Ranger sport]

You will love your curado they are great reels.

[Bushwacker]

Great purchase! Once you figure out the best brake setting for you the fun begins. On a windy opener this year I had mega backlashes for the first five casts. After that I took the reel apart and experimented. I went from cursing the thing out to thinking it was the best reel ever made in about 2 minutes. Occasionally I have to adjust the brakes when the wind is tough, but I usually don't even have to use my thumb to brake. I think you'll be happy.

[Ufatz]

I own several reels from both makers, mainly the Millionaire, Calcutta TE and the Curado SC. They are ALL great casting reels; you simply have to set them up right and take care of them.
What you mainly need is more familiarity with casting reels and more time on the water with them.
Any of these reels will give years of service. Have fun.

[klbowe]

Took the new Shimano out on the water yesterday. Again I am amazed at how it out performs Diawas mag. brake system.
I had a couple small bird nests but nothing major.

Thanks again for the tips !

[Deitz Dittrich]

Congrats ont he new reel, and glad you like it!... Now go and catch some fish!

Deitz Dittrich
mepps/mistertwister/shimano prostaff