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Is upgrading from SLX DC to Curado DC actually worth it? Also unsure about my rod.


Hey everyone,

I’m pretty new to baitcasting and recently bought a Shimano SLX DC paired with a 7'3" Medium Heavy Fast rod. I mostly fish freshwater lakes from the bank right now and target bass.

I keep seeing people talk about the Curado DC, and now I’m wondering if I should exchange my reel and upgrade before I run out of exchange period.

From what I’ve read, both reels use the same DC braking system, but the Curado is supposed to have better gears, smoother retrieve, and overall higher build quality.

My questions:

  1. Is upgrading from SLX DC → Curado DC actually noticeable on the water or mostly just a small refinement?

  2. If you already had an SLX DC, would you upgrade or keep it?

  3. I bought a 7'3" MH Fast rod to use as an all-around bass rod (Texas rigs, spinnerbaits, maybe small swimbaits). Is that a solid choice or should I exchange it for something better in the same price range?

  4. If you had about $100–$150 for a rod, what would you recommend pairing with an SLX DC or Curado Dc if i exchange?

Just trying to make sure I made the right purchase while I’m still within the return window.

Appreciate any advice!

Posted by goldtheft69

10 Comments

  1. Joseph4040 on

    Bruh just rock it. It’s a great combo that’ll last forever.

    SLX are wonderful reels.

  2. AlienLP on

    I would not upgrade man keep the SLX. For a rod the 172H zodias/expride pair well with my 150 Curado DC. Should pair nicely with your SLX also.

  3. szabozalan on

    SLX are great for the money. I have one (non-DC) while having high-end reels as well. I still like the SLX and it was a great value for the price. Obviously the Curado should be nicer, but if you already have the SLX, just go ahead and use it.

  4. TheTrueFlexKavana on

    1. In my experience, there’s only a small improvement if any. Chances are that if you’re not a tournament fisherman where you’re on the water everyday you probably won’t notice any big difference. If you’re an occasional weekend angler, then it probably is not worthwhile.

    2. Keep the SLX DC.

    3. Solid choice on the specs for an all around rod. If you are talking about the Johnny Morris rod, then from I understand it’s a fine, but nothing spectacular rod. I think they’re made by Lews (someone tell me if I’m wrong), which is a solid mid to low level brand. Nothing wrong with them, but they are what they are.

    4. Daiwa and Shimano are widely available and great rods. I like Daiwa rods so I would recommend maybe a Daiwa Tatula XT which would be a great rod for the money. I personally like the cork handles on the Daiwa Tatula rods, but those are closer to the $150 price point. Personally I would also feel wrong mixing a Daiwa reel with a Shimano rod, but that’s just me. There are also other great brands out there like Dobyns and St. Croix which are also worth looking into in the price range you mentioned.

  5. Proach89 on

    I was reading one guy stating he preferred the slx DC to Curado DC. I don’t remember the reasoning, but I think you’re good to go unless you have it in your head you need the Curado, may as well get it.

  6. GlowUpAndThrowUp on

    Keep the SLX. I own 2 Curado dc’s and they’re great but idk if I’d put them leaps and bounds above my buddy’s SLX DC. IF I were to buy another, I’d go with the SLX DC XT which is a JDM reel. That has the iDC5 system that’s in the scorpion and metanium where as the Curado DC and US SLX DC has the iDC4 system.

    As far as the rod goes, I’d get a Cashion Element Z2 All Purpose. I hear good things about the carbon light but there’s no way it’s as good as a Cashion for the money.

    https://www.cashionrods.com/collections/rods/products/element-z2-multi-purpose-casting-rod?_pos=2&_fid=d1bc7f180&_ss=c

  8. fishdonthaveeyelids on

    Only worth it if you plan on fishing in brackish/saltwater water.

    Curado has a sealed bearing system that makes it salt water rated.

  9. Luc1d0 on

    if you already bought it just fish with it, then before you buy another combo do some more research on what you actually want/need.
    unless bass pro is like 15 minutes away from you and you want to go swap it out.

    if you are new to shimano’s and DC reels you probably wont notice a lot between the SLX DC and the Curado DC especially if you service the reels correctly and dont beat them up.
    The curado DC has a couple more bearings, Micro module gears, and a metal body vs plastic on the SLX.
    they have the same breaking system.
    Basically in 5 years the Curado DC will still feel tight and smooth and the SLX might feel a little more sloppy but it will be marginal. Both are good reels.

    What you should be considering is not if you should swap the SLX DC for a Curado DC but swapping it for a 150 MGL instead.
    bass pro retail on the MGL is $235 and you get the updated MGL III spool (curado DC doesnt have this)
    you get Micro module II gears vs Micro module I in the curado DC
    and you get the metal frame in the MGL too.
    only difference is you dont get digital breaks.

    The carbon lite rod will be fine, I typically dont buy store brand stuff though.
    I’m partial to St Croix rods for the sensitivity, G Loomis, or the Shimano Zodias rods.

  10. salvalsnapbacks on

    I don’t think it’s worth the upgrade. If you really ask me personally, I think the curado MGL is a far better reel than either of the comparably priced DCs but thats my 2 cents. The DC is nice to have if you live anywhere considerably windy though. And the carbonlite is a solid rod. I have 2 of them.

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