Shimano Curado Brake Weight Help

[Mudguard 92]

Hey guys,
I bought a shimano curado 200 DPV a couple of weeks ago and i was wondering what combinations of the brake weights you use e.g. 3 on 3 off, all off or all on. I dont really know what they do, couldnt find anything on the net and the instruction book didnt say much either. I have only ever used them all on (pushed in) and didnt have any trouble casting. What is the difference between having them all on, all off or set in different combinations.

Thanks! James

[banshee]

The casting blocks slow the spool by centrifigal force,they are flung out against the retainer as the spool spins in turn aiding in control of backlash.If yours are all clicked in then they are in fact off and you have your spool,depending on your cast control setting,in the most free spool.Situations concerning the blocks that can assist the user are in the case of the beginer or the more experienced wanting to throw light weights into the wind,useing the bloks will affect distance.

[Mudguard 92]

The casting blocks slow the spool by centrifigal force,they are flung out against the retainer as the spool spins in turn aiding in control of backlash.If yours are all clicked in then they are in fact off and you have your spool,depending on your cast control setting,in the most free spool.Situations concerning the blocks that can assist the user are in the case of the beginer or the more experienced wanting to throw light weights into the wind,useing the bloks will affect distance.
Ok - so if you have them all on, they will slow the spool down and you wont be able to cast as far? What role do they play in fighting/landing a fish, if any at all.

Thanks! - James

[banshee]

Yep distance will be affected,a combination of the more blocks clicked out/the harder the cast the more friction generated so the faster the spool slows down.The blocks come into play only during the cast and have no bearing on any other reel functions.

[Mudguard 92]

Yep distance will be affected,a combination of the more blocks clicked out/the harder the cast the more friction generated so the faster the spool slows down.The blocks come into play only during the cast and have no bearing on any other reel functions.
Ok thanks - what is the point of the spool slowing down sooner?

James

[banshee]

Over runs / backlashes are the result of the lure slowing faster than the line coming of the spool,slowing the spool equals things out a bit by almost letting the lure pull the line of the spool towards the end of the cast,still these blocks are only an aid not a fix until the angler develops an 'educated thumb' they are going to be of little use when a short flat cast is needed to get in under overgrown creek banks etc.Some blokes I know pull all the weights off the spool in an attempt to lighten it as much as possible,wether this is of any benifit I don't know.

[Mudguard 92]

Over runs / backlashes are the result of the lure slowing faster than the line coming of the spool,slowing the spool equals things out a bit by almost letting the lure pull the line of the spool towards the end of the cast,still these blocks are only an aid not a fix until the angler develops an 'educated thumb' they are going to be of little use when a short flat cast is needed to get in under overgrown creek banks etc.Some blokes I know pull all the weights off the spool in an attempt to lighten it as much as possible,wether this is of any benifit I don't know.
Ok, thanks alot

James

[Piscatory Pursuit]

I really like my Curado and I also have a Citica which is less expensive but very similar. For a relative beginner I have mine set 2 right next to each other off and the rest on. I have found this to be a very effective setting for beginners or if you are casting into a stiff breeze. I recommend playing with it to find a configuration that works well for you. You may find you will want different set ups depending on accuaracy needed or if you are fighting a strong wind. I have always found it difficult to cast into a stiff breeze with other reels but the braking system on the Shimanos makes it a lot easier.

Practice adjusting the pins in a safe environment because it is possible to pop those things off and they can be hard to find. You also don't want to pop one off and have it go overboard.

Good Luck!

[Mudguard 92]

I really like my Curado and I also have a Citica which is less expensive but very similar. For a relative beginner I have mine set 2 right next to each other off and the rest on. I have found this to be a very effective setting for beginners or if you are casting into a stiff breeze. I recommend playing with it to find a configuration that works well for you. You may find you will want different set ups depending on accuaracy needed or if you are fighting a strong wind. I have always found it difficult to cast into a stiff breeze with other reels but the braking system on the Shimanos makes it a lot easier.

Practice adjusting the pins in a safe environment because it is possible to pop those things off and they can be hard to find. You also don't want to pop one off and have it go overboard.

Good Luck!
Ok thanks alot, before i really knew what they were i had them all off, and had no problem casting at all. So i might just keep them off in normal conditions, but ill definitely be experimenting.

James

[tunaticer]

I've found that the casting blocks are of no real value once you have got the knack for casting a baitcaster. Why slow the cast down mechanically from the start of the cast (when the most force is placed on the blocks) when you would prefer the most distance you can get? Nothing will ever match a well trained thumb for getting the most out of a cast.

Jack.

[GPB]

You said it all tunaticer, "once you have got the knack", but for us 'P' platers they are a god send.;D