13 Fishing Concept Z vs. Shimano Curado K: My Candid Review

13 Fishing caused a lot of buzz with the release of the new Concept Z bait casting reel with NO ball bearings technology. But, can it match the Goliath Shimano Curado K that has garnered so much acclaim?
I'm lucky to own both reels. However, if I only had the option to own one of them, which one would i choose?
Watch my comparison between these two awesome reels and how they are appllied to my type of fishing. I end up picking a winner at the end!
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[@RXAngler]

Here is my honest review between the Concept Z and Curado K. I touch base with the specs that are important to my type of fishing. I hope you enjoy. Make sure you subscribe, like and comment!

[@margerygomez3086]

Texas RX Angler thanks for your time and help I injoyed all your videos.

[@nobutter3337]

RX Angler what kind of line and weight do you use

[@HotBoiRicer]

Any update on the Concept Z? How’s it held up this last year?

[@eastcoastbassin5575]

good review, I don't think the Z will last as long as the Curado K though. Thats why people love the Curado series

[@RXAngler]

Thanks for your comment. We will see how the Z fares in the long run as time goes by. So far, its been a tank for me. Enjoying both reels quite a bit.

[@Sub0Gamerz]

RX Angler it’s been 4+ months now, how’s it keeping up? Would you say it’s still better than the Curado?

[@RXAngler]

Still going strong!

[@Sub0Gamerz]

RX Angler I was watching your lews tournament pro g vs the shimano k, having all 3 reels in mind, concept z, shimano k and the tournament pro g, would you be able to rank them? Also what would they be better at? I just got the concept z and I don’t have anything to compare it to, so for me it’s been great but I’m afraid of all the talk about it not being good. You said it’s still going strong but have you been using it a lot?

[@RXAngler]

Concept Z, Pro G, Curado in that order. I still use mine. But have been using my Concept C a lot lately.

[@kaonieoh]

I just reeled in a 45lb blue catfish on my concept z, performed flawless, impressive drag. When the reel was new, the reel-in was practically silent, but now not as smooth but still good. Bought it for salt water. The Shimano C‐k just feels better overall but never caught anything big with it to compare. So if I had to choose 1, it would be the Z only because I've experience the big fish and it handled.

[@ccog6450]

Just a note in the noise some may be hearing. I was going back and forth between these two reels. To me, the shimano felt smoother in the store and I did hear this weird clacking noise from the z. The z was smooth but it was a different type of smooth If that makes sense. I did buy the the z because I will do a lot of salt water fishing and the no B.B. thing was the deciding factor for me. But I was concerned about the noise the reel made in the store, but after putting line on it, the noise went away. I think it’s coming from the spool hitting the frame when ur spinning it in the store.

[@Narrahd]

I love all my 13 fishing products 😍

[@marsheldavid9664]

I have both. 2 years used this reels.. but the result: -Curado k : performance 9/10 (Serviced : 3 times) - Cncpt Z : performance 7/10 ( serviced : none)

[@alancrome3684]

So the concept z is a tank? Is the rating based on performance after 2 years + servicing or is it just your rating on which one you like better? Seems the ccpt z is insane to have no servicing and it's a 7/10 while 9/10 with 3 services in 2 years.

[@johnthemachine]

Guys if your Concept Z is making noise OIL AND GREASE the CZB bushings. 13 keeps saying they dont need oil or grease but my Z was SCREAMING out of the box everytime I turned the handle, so I lubed the CZBs and its completely silent now. I was going to return it but I'm so happy I didnt.

[@isaacarnold4635]

I have a 13 Fishing Concept Tx limited edition, which DOES have bearings, it is a great reel. I mention that to show I do like 13 Fishing. I do not have a Concept Z and have not tried one yet. I DO have a Shimano Curado K, and I could not be more pleased with it. Whenever I see new technology, I like it to be out for a while until I buy it. Remember the Cadillac V-8,-6,-4? Remember the Remington R51? Samsung Galaxy Note 7?

[@RXAngler]

That’s fair. I too have the Z, C, A and the TX limited. They are all great reels. I do enjoy the Z very much and encourage anybody that’s curious to try out the new tech. I’ve beaten mine to death in the saltwater and it’s still a workhorse without any issues.

[@isaacarnold4635]

I like your channel, I just subscribed. I am in Texas, too.

[@RXAngler]

Thanks for the support!!!

[@ctgilcrest]

hahahaha the ford edsel ! maybe the hugo ?

[@lesrinehart933]

Curado fan here

[@the45er]

Nick, would you say the same today?

[@aymajid85]

Can you do a comparison between the concept z and the curado DC?

[@randyprovost8426]

Hey man I hardly see you use these reel in your new videos. You're all about the BFS now. How are these two reels doing for you now? What size braid do you use on them?

[@KJMFISHING]

I picked up a Concept Z at Dicks for $70 a few weeks ago. I put it on a Dobyns Extreme HP and they look crazy together.

[@richardhernandez9249]

I have both reels as well but over time the quality of my 13 is not as good

[@DylanGarciaaa]

The orange color looks way better in person!!

[@RXAngler]

Agreed! Sharp looking reel in my opinion.

[@PhilosophyDaily]

Would you recommend concept z or the shimano scorpion dc? I only have enough money for one or the other...

[@RXAngler]

I would go with the Z honestly.

[@PhilosophyDaily]

Texas RX Angler really why?

[@RXAngler]

I have worked my Z in the salt since late February and it’s still ticking like a champ. No issues whatsoever.

[@manifestgtr]

Why those two? That’s an odd couple....two completely different technologies for people with two different priorities. That being said, the scorpion is a time-tested design. My scorpion xt is almost 10 years old and has another ten years of life left in it, easily. Honestly, that’s what you get for the price of admission with shimano. Some guys (like me) love the way they cast, some don’t. But they’re nearly indestructible...especially if you maintain them.

[@josevalles123]

Good reviews bro. You ever do meet ups to go fish?

[@NFL88]

Any comment on how the concept Z compares to the curado with lighter baits? I'm noticing the k doesn't fare as well in my opinion as previous curados below 3/8oz. Perhaps it's the newer style braking, which I do like- but I believe I still prefer the standard VBS 6-pin.

[@RXAngler]

I mostly use plastics with 1/4 oz jig heads when I wade fish. However, the Curado K has casted/handled everything from 1/16 oz jig heads to 1 oz spoons with no issues. Concept Z is no different compared to the Curado K. It is built to handle all types of lures if you have the line and rod to match it. Try it out, you won't be disappointed.

[@brandonr2188]

Amazon has these for $100 rn!

[@WaynJul]

A great review. Looking for support.

[@John_D2]

i’ve used both. the tolerances are sloppy on the concept z. curado is really good , chronarch G is the best. no comparison.

[@torress1976]

Iv use the curado k and the dc ..now i have the shimano chronarch...and by far is the best so far. Iv even tried dawia swt and i took it back now i have 2 chronarch g..👍🏼👍🏼

[@rosswatkins2277]

Shimano curado k is 140 several places one of my local tackle stores here in Louisiana had them on sale for 139

[@RXAngler]

That’s a great price!

[@banksavram]

The scene of him dunking the Z pains me 😬

[@RXAngler]

It's been dunked a lot now. Still holding up like a tank. Rinsed it down after every trip and still going strong.

[@grandfishing590]

Actually the curado does cast further people just think the concept z does for some odd reason. The concept z has a rattling spooling if you for far cast after a while. It’s not defective it’s just the spool shaft. Check out the reel test for his review on it and it going up against the curado.

[@RXAngler]

GrandFishing not sure I agree with that. I’ve pitted them side by side on the water while fishing and the Concept Z does go out further by a few feet. Also, don’t always think Shimano are built to last. Check out my newest video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmKco5qvndSriLM and see how my Japanese Chronarch G fails on me in the middle of fishing.

[@ddm62571]

Texas RX Angler I gotta say I agree with Grandfishing and I'm not even a Shimano guy. I've casted both reels with a 1/4 swimbait and got further with the Curado K.

[@cmoney041074]

Shimano has way more castability settings than the concept z, you can fine tune your cast unlike the concept z. 13 fishing needs to change there brakes if they wanna compete with big Giants like daiwa and Shimano.

[@eddieaquatics8652]

Which is smoother?

[@OsamaDaLama]

Probably the Curado

[@myungkim861]

Is this a sponsored video?

[@reaper2009rzr]

my Z works flawlessly ! I am finding that this is a love it, or hate it reel. I love mine.

[@RXAngler]

I like to give new things a try before I label it as "failure". So far so good with the Concept Z.

[@davidu6093]

great review im on the fence between the two its just that orange color is killing me haha

[@RXAngler]

The color will grow on you.

[@lesrinehart933]

Just put you some Boca ceramic bearings in the Curado and you have a better reel

[@smcewen7]

I just got one from Academy on sale for $99,with gift card also $75 for the reel👍💪🎣

[@nomaam9797]

Inexperienced review !!!!!!

[@mrbass0013]

Add alil grease and oil to the reel

[@RXAngler]

Mrbass 00 I need to show her some love lol

[@alvinwine5665]

That 13 fishing concept z is nothing new, people are too young to remember Ryobi came out with that first way back in late 70' s early eighties they are using bushings instead of bearings .

[@fisch1139]

Hate the colour. Will stick with my K.

[@RXAngler]

The looks can be subjective. The color doesn't really bother me. I encourage you to try the reel out. It will surprise you. I love Shimano too FYI

[@fatbackfishing9789]

Cool review

[@maxsworld8287]

First

[@nickschmitz7044]

if the color of a reel bothers you then you should stay in the kitchen

[@evelynlowery4521]

Curado k is a tank great tolerances super reel. The concept z is crap just my honest review

[@mambaqaibthai9601]

Come on I need a reel! Please

[@RXAngler]

Get both of them and you will have two great reels.

[@jefferyfore3342]

We can not hear anything because of the dang music! Kill the music and you will have better videos. Good review though.

[@fatbackfishing9789]

It's a matter of time before concept takes over the fishing industry.Shimano made a mistake by going overseas to make new reels.Shimano isn't as good as they used to be.I didn't like the new curado at all and was cleaning it daily after salt water fishing.And that is with not dunking the reel in the water.

[@RXAngler]

I really like the originality 13 Fishing put into this new reel. I’m all about being innovative. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my Curado K. But the Concept Z is a serious contender.

[@fatbackfishing9789]

Texas RX Angler I agree totally.I Havn't even reeled the z though,but as far as the concept goes.I have the regular baitcaster concept and is a great light,smooth,solid reel.Less back lashes too I've noticed.I like the Curado 200 DHSV personally and by far my favorite of the Curados.

[@652barry]

FatBack Fishing It’s not knew technology. It’s still a bushing and not a bearing.

[@tigermusky765]

Jimmy it's a bearing by definition

[@652barry]

Alexander Grant we are going with industry standards and common knowledge and it’s considered a bushing.