What changed for 2026

The Curado DC 150A is the updated version of Shimano's popular mid-price DC reel. It launched at ICAST in July 2026 and won Best of Show in the freshwater reel category. Shimano presents it as an update rather than a new platform: the brake remains I-DC4, now with updated firmware and four braking modes, paired with the MGL Spool III, a HAGANE body, Cross Carbon drag, MicroModule gearing, X-Ship and SilentTune.

Several secondary listings assume the newer I-DC5 system; Shimano's own specification lists I-DC4. Buyers who specifically want five-level I-DC5 adjustment should look at the Metanium DC A or the Calcutta Conquest DC instead.

Specifications that matter

Three ratios are offered in both hands: 6.2:1 (MG, 27 in per crank), 7.4:1 (HG, 32 in) and 8.5:1 (XG, 37 in). Weight is 7.8–7.9 oz, maximum drag 13 lb (12 lb on the XG) and the bearing count 6+1. Mono capacity is listed as 10 lb/120 yd, 12/110 and 14/90; braid as 20/150, 30/135 and 40/105. MSRP is $314.99.

At about 7.8 oz it is heavier than the Curado 150 M, a trade-off for the electronics. On a typical 7-foot bass rod the difference is modest, but anglers who make hundreds of light casts a day may notice it.

Who should buy it

The Curado DC suits anglers who fish in wind, switch between lure weights or simply want fewer backlashes without constant brake adjustment. It is a strong single-reel choice for crankbaits (MG), general jigs and moving baits (HG) and flipping or frogging (XG). Experienced casters who enjoy tuning a mechanical brake may prefer the lighter Curado 150 M at a lower price.

Shimano does not state saltwater approval for this model. Occasional brackish use with careful rinsing is common practice, but for regular inshore fishing the salt-rated Calcutta Conquest DC is the documented choice.

Verdict

The Curado DC 150A is the most accessible way to get Shimano's digital braking in a current US reel, and its ICAST award confirms it as one of 2026's key baitcasters. Choose it for consistency and forgiveness; check the exact code (CUDC150 = right, CUDC151 = left) and remember that older Curado DC 150/200 stock with different specifications is still sold.

A historic first for Shimano

The 2026 Calcutta Conquest DC combines the machined round-profile body of the Calcutta Conquest with the latest I-DC5 digital brake (three modes by five levels, plus an AUTO setting on US models), the MGL Spool IV and InfinityDrive, which Shimano says reduces rotational resistance under load by up to 40%. Shimano describes it as the first saltwater-rated DC reel in the company's history, and the US page names striped bass, snook and redfish among its targets.

It reached Japan in April 2026 (some sizes followed in May and June) and the US around ICAST 2026. Shimano's Japanese page gives April; a few Japanese media reports cite March.

Sizes and specifications

The US 200-size is offered as 200/201 HG A (6.5:1, 9.0 oz, 31 in per crank) and 200/201 XG A (7.5:1, 9.2 oz, 35 in), each with 13 lb maximum drag and 13+1 bearings. Capacity is listed as mono 10/155 and 14/110, braid 30/190, 50/120 and 65/80. In Japan the range also includes a 100 size (MG 5.6:1, HG 7.4:1) and a 200 PG at 4.8:1, weighing 235–260 g with 4–6 kg drag, priced ¥74,600–77,000. US MSRP is $649.99.

Where it makes sense

This is a specialist premium reel: heavier than low-profile models, but with a large spool, strong round frame and documented saltwater suitability. It suits big crankbaits, swimbaits, inshore plugging and anglers who value durability and the classic palming feel of a round reel. For light bass lures, a low-profile Metanium DC or Antares will be more comfortable.

Even with a salt rating, follow Shimano's care instructions: rinse after use and avoid immersion beyond what the manual permits.

Verdict

If you want Shimano's best digital braking on a reel you can take to the coast, the Calcutta Conquest DC is currently the only option in this lineup. It is expensive, but it is genuinely new for 2026 and fills a gap no other Shimano DC reel covered.

The 2025 flagship refresh

The Antares B was announced in the US on 10 January 2025 and shipped in spring; Japan received the 25 Antares from March 2025. It combines the MGL Spool IV with SVS Infinity braking and an external dial, MicroModule gearing, Silent Drive tuning, a HAGANE body, X-Ship and Cross Carbon drag. The goal is maximum casting distance and refinement with a mechanical brake that experienced anglers can tune by feel.

Specifications

US models are ANT100HGB/101HGB at 7.4:1 (34 in per crank) and ANT100XGB/101XGB at 7.8:1 (36 in). Both weigh 7.6 oz, have 11+1 bearings and 11 lb maximum drag. Mono capacity is 10/110, 12/90 and 14/75; braid 20/120, 30/110 and 40/85. MSRP is $599.99 (an early trade preview quoted $550). The Japanese 100HG weighs 215 g with 5.0 kg drag and 86 cm per crank.

Who it suits

The Antares targets skilled anglers who want the longest, smoothest casts with lures from medium crankbaits to jigs and who prefer mechanical braking to DC. Its 11 lb drag is adequate for bass but not intended for heavy saltwater work, and Shimano does not state saltwater approval. Some Japanese blogs describe the 25 Antares as salt-capable; we have not confirmed that from Shimano.

Compared with the Metanium DC A, the Antares is slightly heavier but avoids electronics; compared with the Curado 150 M it offers a more refined spool and finish at more than double the price.

Verdict

The Antares B is the reel to buy when casting performance and refinement matter more than price. Choose HG for versatile bass fishing and XG for faster pickup; confirm you are buying the 2025 “B” generation rather than earlier Antares stock.

Lightest DC in the lineup

Shimano calls the Metanium DC A its lightest DC reel to date. It uses a CoreSolid magnesium body, the I-DC5 brake with Nylon/Fluoro/PE line settings plus AUTO, an MGL Spool III and MicroModule gearing. The US store handle (“24metanium-dc-a”) suggests a 2024 introduction; we could not find an exact date.

Specifications

METDC70HG A / 71HG A run 7.1:1 at 6.2 oz and METDC70XG A / 71XG A run 8.1:1 at 6.3 oz, each with 10+1 bearings. Shimano lists mono capacity of 10/105, 12/85 and 14/70 and braid of 20/115, 30/105 and 40/80. Maximum drag and inches per crank were not published on the page we checked. MSRP is $539.99.

Who should buy it

This is the DC reel for anglers who make many casts with light to medium lures and want both automatic braking and low weight. The 70-size spool holds less line than a 150 reel, so it is less suited to heavy cover with thick braid or long-distance big-bait fishing. No saltwater approval is stated.

Verdict

Choose the Metanium DC A over the Curado DC when weight and I-DC5 adjustability matter more than price; choose the Antares B if you prefer a mechanical brake at a similar cost.

The 2025 Curado

Shimano introduced the Curado 150 M at ICAST on 17 July 2025. It replaces the previous Curado K with an MGL Spool III (19 mm width), SVS Infinity braking with an external knob, MicroModule Gear II, X-Ship, a HAGANE body and Cross Carbon drag.

Specifications

Three ratios in both hands: 150/151 MGM at 6.2:1 (24 in per crank), HGM at 7.4:1 (29 in) and XGM at 8.1:1 (32 in). All weigh 6.7 oz with 13 lb drag and 6+1 bearings. Mono capacity is 10/120, 12/110 and 14/90. MSRP is $234.99.

Curado M or Curado DC?

The Curado M is about an ounce lighter and $80 cheaper than the Curado DC 150A and uses an externally adjustable mechanical brake. For an angler comfortable setting a brake, it is arguably the better value and the more versatile all-day casting reel. The DC wins for beginners, windy days and frequent lure changes. Neither has a stated saltwater rating.

Verdict

The Curado 150 M is one of the most sensible mid-price baitcasters of 2025: modern spool, external brake adjustment and a well-proven name. Buy the HGM as a do-everything reel.

Value with Shimano basics

The SLX A brings Shimano's HAGANE body and gearing, S3D spool, SilentTune and the VBS centrifugal brake to an MSRP of $114.99. We could not find an exact release date; it is the current US value baitcaster.

Specifications

Offered as SLX 150/151 A (6.3:1), 150/151 HG A (7.2:1) and 150/151 XG A (8.2:1). Weight is 6.9 oz with 3+1 bearings; Shimano lists mono capacity of 10/120, 12/110 and 14/90 and braid of 20/150, 30/135 and 40/105. Maximum drag was not shown on the page we checked.

Who should buy it

The SLX A suits a first baitcaster or a second rod-and-reel for specific techniques. Its VBS brake is simple and forgiving once set. Anglers who want an external brake dial or a lighter spool should step up to the Curado 150 M. Other value and specialist lines (SLX DC, SLX XT, SLX 70) are also sold.

Verdict

For a budget baitcaster from a major Japanese brand, the SLX A remains a safe recommendation. Check the suffix — HG for general use, XG for flipping and frogs.

A DC reel for light lures

The 25 Aldebaran DC arrived in Japan in March (right hand) and April 2025 (left hand). It pairs I-DC5 with an MGL Spool IV of 30 mm diameter — Shimano's smallest DC spool — to bring digital braking to lighter lures than a standard DC reel handles comfortably.

Specifications

30HG/31HG run 7.8:1 (73 cm per crank) and 30XG/31XG 8.9:1 (84 cm), each at 150 g with 4 kg drag and 10+1 bearings. Capacity is 8 lb/100 m, 10/80 and 12/65. List price is ¥59,800.

Who it suits

Suited to light bass lures, black bream and light rock fishing in Japan. Import buyers should confirm handle side, warranty and service before ordering. Shimano Japan publishes the specification; a stable product URL for this model was not found, so check the Japanese catalog.

Verdict

An interesting bridge between BFS reels and standard DC reels; most useful for anglers who already know they want digital braking with light lures.

Power fishing with I-DC5

Japanese retailers list the 26 Scorpion DC MD for June 2026. It combines I-DC5 (15 settings), an MGL Spool IV and Shimano's MD (Monster Drive) power design for heavy lines and big lures.

Specifications

200HG: 7.4:1, 225 g, 6 kg drag, 7+1 bearings, 88 cm per crank. 200XG: 8.5:1, 225 g, 5.5 kg, 101 cm. Capacity is 14 lb/145 m, 16/120 and 20/100 on a 38 mm spool. Price ¥44,500. Not sold in the US; an official Shimano URL was not confirmed, so treat these retailer specifications as provisional.

Who it suits

Heavy freshwater cover, big swimbaits and some shore saltwater fishing, though Shimano saltwater approval was not confirmed. A strong value for a DC power reel if you can buy in Japan.

Verdict

A specialist power DC reel worth watching; wait for official confirmation of specifications and salt guidance before relying on it for coastal work.

First renewal in nine years

The 26 Grappler (April 2026 according to Japanese media) is an offshore low-profile reel for light jigging from boats. It uses HAGANE gearing, X-Ship, SVS Infinity with an external dial and a rigid “core solid” body, with a 43 mm spool designed for PE line.

Specifications

300HG/301HG: 6.3:1, 340 g, 7.5 kg drag, 5+1 bearings, 85 cm per crank. 300XG/301XG: 7.6:1, 345 g, 7 kg, 103 cm. Price ¥41,000. Per-model PE capacity was not found.

Who it suits

Light offshore jigging and boat fishing where a low-profile casting reel is preferred over a conventional reel — a bridge between this Casting Reels category and our Slow Pitch and Conventional Reels pages.

Verdict

A purpose-built saltwater option rarely found in US catalogs; import buyers should confirm parts and service.

Affordable bait finesse

The 25 SLX BFS launched in Japan in March (left) and May 2025 (right). It uses Shimano's FTB magnetic finesse brake and a 32 mm super-duralumin spool to cast very light lures on a baitcaster.

Specifications

XG: 8.2:1, 170 g, 3.5 kg drag, 5+1 bearings, 82 cm per crank. Capacity: fluorocarbon 6–8 lb/45 m, PE 0.6/150 m, 0.8/130 m and 1.0/100 m. Price ¥26,000 (some retailers show ¥28,600 including tax).

Who it suits

Anglers exploring BFS fishing for trout, small bass and light saltwater species at a modest price. In the US, Shimano sells separate Curado BFS and Aldebaran BFS models.

Verdict

A low-cost entry into bait finesse from Shimano; confirm handle side and line plan before importing.