Shimano Curado 70 Review

The Shimano Curado 70 is the latest of the Curado family and was introduced in the first quarter of 2016 at the Bassmaster Classic Expo.

So why am I reviewing the Shimano Curado 70, which most people would consider a freshwater Bass reel?

The answer is that Shimano approves this little gem for saltwater fishing, and if you are like me and enjoy lightweight tackle, you will want to learn more about it.

The Shimano Curado I review shows the weight of the Curado I at 7.4 oz, while the new Shimano Curado 70 is 6.5 oz. Granted, an ounce might not sound like a lot to you, but after a full day on the water, you will notice the difference.

The Curado 70 series comes in 2 HG or High Gear models with gear ratios of 7.2:1 with a retrieve rate of 28″ per crank and 8.2:1 with a retrieve rate of 32″ per crank. Both models are available in right and left-hand retrieves.

The bottom line is that this reel is super fast on the retrieve and perfect for fishing smaller crankbaits.

The new design with the Hagane body is the perfect size for pitching lighter-weight jigs and lures, but it also has a very solid feel and can stand up to some decent-sized Red Fish, Trout, and Snook.

The Bottom Line

A very lightweight baitcasting reel that is built to handle saltwater as well as fresh
It is a very smooth reel thanks to the pinion gear design and roller bearing support
High level of manufacturing quality, parts are easy to find, and the reel is easy to maintain
Shielded ball bearings for corrosion resistance and durability

The Shimano Curado 70 is a great baitcasting reel and is available here.

Features

X-Ship for great gear durability

X-Ship combines features to create greater efficiency. It stands for Extra, Smooth & High Power. Positioning the pinion gear close to the large-diameter drive gear’s center line transfers more power from the handle to the spool.

Two shielded A-RB roller bearings also support the pinion gear. This increases the efficiency of the reel and adds to its durability over its lifetime.

Hagane body

The Hagane body is a metal body with high rigidity that prevents flex during the fight while maintaining superb balance, which keeps hand fatigue to a minimum after a long day on the water, cranking baits and large fish.

SVS Infinity Brake System

Infinite adjustability for any casting application. Previous versions of SVS only provided six different brake settings. The new SVS Infinity delivers 4-6 settings and an adjustable brake dial to give a much broader and more precise range for maximum control and consistent brake performance in all conditions.

Shimano Stable Spool Design (S3D)

The S3D spool focuses on delivering a smoother casting experience by reducing the vibration often accompanying baitcasters. The spool is balanced and, more importantly, uniform, leading to its stability.

5 shielded A-RB anti-rust stainless steel ball bearings

These bearings are the same as the standard A-RB bearings with the exception that they are shielded on both sides by a stainless steel shield for the ultimate in corrosion resistance and contaminant protection to reduce the likelihood of any salt, dirt, or water penetrating and affecting the bearings.

Escape Hatch for easy access to the spool

The new escape hatch design allows easy access to the spool and braking mechanism with the simple flick of a switch on the bottom of the frame.

Super Stopper Anti-Reverse

Shimano uses a one-way roller bearing that will allow you to instantly set the hook without any back play in the reel.

Super Free Spool

The super-free system is designed so that a ball bearing suspends the pinion gear and thus has less friction. It is Super Free and smooth, allowing you to make much longer casts.

Once the clutch bar is pressed down in a traditional baitcasting reel, the pinion gear is freed, but it has a tendency to want to create friction on the spool shaft and this, in turn, is going to limit the distance of your cast.

Cross Carbon Drag

The Cross Carbon drag system positions the carbon fiber washers on either side of the master gear for even pressure.

This provides you with a very smooth drag that does not get jumpy or sloppy under heavy loads, and it can be finely adjusted using the oversized star drag constructed of solid aluminum. This is the same system used in the Shimano Curado series of reels.

Features at a Glance

Curado performance
Great for finesse-type fishing
Compact palmable design
Rigid Hagane body
Shimano Stable Spool Design (S3D)
SVS Infinity braking system
X-Ship Technology
5+1 ball-bearing system

When you take the Shimano Curado 70 and place it in your hand, you can cup it perfectly. The reel does have a small form factor, but do not let this confuse you. This little reel is still a beast capable of cranking in significant fish day after day.

I get the same feeling with this reel with a quality watch; it is delicate but built for performance, and that is what I would expect when I lay out a few hundred dollars for a reel.

If you have been fishing with a cheaper baitcaster like an Abu Garcia and are ready to invest a few more dollars to get a higher-quality reel, this might be the ticket.

So, the question comes down to which model of the Curado is suitable for you and your style of fishing. To make this a bit easier, I have included this simple side-by-side comparison, I hope it helps.

Remember that the new Curado 70 only comes in an HG fast and an XG fast gear ratio, unlike the Curado I, which comes in 3 different gear ratios.

Pros

Lightweight
Fast retrieve
Smooth
Small form factor

Cons

Slightly underpowered for some deep divers.
Not as all around as the Curado I due to the fast retrieve rate

Alternatives

Sticking with the Shimano brand, you should look at the Shimano Curado I. While it is similar in price point, the extra drag and size might be a better choice if you are targeting larger species such as Snook and Redfish.

From 13 Fishing, I would recommend the 13 Fishing Concept A, which is slightly less expensive, has a similar weight, gear ratios, and a superior drag system.

The other reel I would have you look at is the Daiwa Tatula. It will come around the same price as the Curado 70 and is neck and neck for performance.

In Conclusion

This is an excellent smooth reel for the money, especially for smaller species, and when you want or need to crank that lure quickly. The Curado 70 is a more palmable reel than the Curado I and is lighter in weight. It is also comfortable to fish with all day without causing any fatigue.

The carbon fiber drag is excellent, and the cast and retrieve are smooth. If you are looking for a solid baitcaster that won’t break the bank and will deliver years of quality time on the water, then the Shimano Corado 70 is an excellent choice for your smaller fish species.

Just remember that if this is your first baitcaster, I would probably steer you toward the Curado I, as it is a better all-around reel.

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David Edwards

David is a freelance writer. He enjoys fishing as much as you do. He understands the challenge to pick the best fishing rod or learning the lifestyle. He provides a detailed review of the available products in the market. He wants to ensure you make the right decision for your next shopping day.