Shimano Curado K vs. Lew's Tournament Pro G: My Honest Review

Both are great baitcasting reels that get the job done. I'm lucky to have both but if I were only to have one, which one would I choose?
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[@RXAngler]

Both are great reels that I've had the opportunity to use on the water. But, if I had only one choice, which one would I pick? Subscribe, Like and Comment for more and more videos!

[@CajunRulez]

I own three these Lews reels. All my other reels are Shimano; Curado, Citica, Casitas, with the exception of one BPS Johnny Morris Elite. I'd say that the Lews reels are very impressive initially. They cast very smooth and far. The drag is stout. The braking system is easy to adjust. They're not fussy at all when it comes to different line sizes and types. Rarely see a backlash. However, with my first one I already see and feel signs of wear and tear, whereas I have three old Curados that I bought between 2003-2004(the old Curado E I think, and two of the of the super free spools)and they all still perform like new. I have a 2005 Citica and tow Citicas bought in 2010; same story. They still work like new. It's really unbelievable for any product these days to be made so well. The Shimanos are also so much easier to take down and maintain, but the beauty is that they require less maintenance and will still keep on working. Shimanos are like the Glocks of reels. They just work every time with little TLC required. Yes, I'd say the Lews do perform slightly better when you're comparing similar models, but not by enough to forego the fact that the Shimanos will still be performing at this level for many years to come. IMO, Shimano is a better investment if you spend a lot of time fishing, especially if you do any inshore/coastal fishing like I do pretty often down here in Louisiana.

[@FishermanFred2023]

Since this is an older video, have your thoughts changed between Lews and Shimano or still the same? I’m more of a Shimano and Daiwa guy but started using an older Lews reel I’ve had a bit this week and they are quite nice reels. I have noticed the Lews and Abus start to feel/sound a bit noisy in the gears after a while though compared to the Shimano and Daiwa.

[@BassWhoopinFishingTeam]

Lew's all day long for me. Certainly no bad choice here at all but my personal preference is Lew's. It's all i own and they have served me well. Love their reels and rods.

[@great207]

Thanks for the review. I already have a Curado K and just ordered a Pro G. I'm looking forward to using them both on the water.

[@123benitezm]

Shimano's reputation and customer service is all I need to know. An ounce difference isn't going to tire me out. Lift more weights.

[@manifestgtr]

You know...I just tore my shimanos down to clean them for winter storage and had a new moment of appreciation. Aside from the fact that they fish really well and are durable/smooth/reliable/insert quality, they’re so damn easy to service. Within a few hours time, I was able to disassemble, clean, lube and reassemble 2 casitas and a curado 70 with no trouble whatsoever. They’re simple reels with simple, quality components. None of my other reels have ever given me such little trouble. Any moron can service them without a moment’s pause. They’re like the Martin guitars of fishing reels.

[@godsreclamation2539]

Just bought a Curado as my first bought reel and I’m real excited to get it. I heard it will serve me well for many years

[@ETuss713]

Hey Nick, 4 years later would ypu still go with the Lews?

[@banksavram]

I have both reels and the Curado outcasts the Lews by a good 10 yards and is more accurate.

[@mystoryhisglory9438]

Absolutely at its 30 bucks cheaper. Lews are good reels but nothing like a shimano

[@jimbeauxjimenez1850]

I'm enjoying your videos so much. very informative and entertaining also. keep doing what ur doing. thx for sharing and fish on!

[@RXAngler]

Yodaddi Jim thanks for your kind words and support!

[@happybeing777]

“smoother because it has more bearings” LOL ive never heard of a more wrong statement

[@reeltalkfishing7692]

I just got the Tournament Pro G on sale at Dicks Sporting Goods, got it for $127, for all the features, didn’t think it was a bad price!

[@250zxSkeeter]

I'm right handed as well and fish with a left handed reel! No reason to apologize because casting with your right hand and then switching back to your left hand - has never made sense to me! Especially since left handed reels are now finally more available as they should have been all along. Right handed people always (more than not I should say) use left handled spinning reels! Quite the conundrum, but I understand some still just feel more comfortable because that's what they learned on.

[@thatfishingguy11b]

I LOVE FISHING TACKLE UNLIMITED!!! I was there 5 out of 7 days when I lived in Houston.

[@colonelsanders3512]

I have lews reels, I have Shimano reels. They are both great reels, I personally think Shimano is a higher quality brand, just my opinion.

[@RhinoVenturesOutdoors]

I really enjoyed this review. I have become a huge Lew's fan the past few years. I have three Tournament MB reels, and one LFS Speed Spool. I will put the Pro G on my wish list. I recently took apart my LFS and "lost" a bearing retainer and a spring. Contacted Lew's who sent me replacements free of charge. Made me very happy. Do you use the little hook keeper?

[@RXAngler]

BassFishing SoMD I’m very happy with the Pro G. I’ve never used any other model to be honest since I’ve always used Shimano. Lew’s customer service is very good. I don’t use the hook keeper since I like to use the ones on my rods.

[@timg185]

I love the pro g but probably get more use out of the bb1 pro. I think its a better reel when you need a little more line capacity . Like deep cranking. I also like it for things like chatterbaits.

[@EddieLindsay681]

Awesome review, I have a Lews on the way largely based on your review here. Its nice to see a review that doesn't include a bullshit KastKing or a guy wearing the shirt and obviously sponsored by said reel. Well done

[@emsmedic24]

Dude where is the tackle shot located and what is it’s name??? I heard you say toys r us.... I’m from Louisiana but I’d drive to Texas to visit this shop

[@RXAngler]

Fishing Tackle Unlimited

[@playhooky4life5]

How has the Lews Pro G holding up in the saltwater? I’m torn between these two reels and the Concept Z 😕

[@RXAngler]

PlayHooky4life Pro G is doing fine. As well as the Shimano. Can’t go wrong with either Pro G or Curado.

[@prestongover2158]

Number of bearings doesn’t make a difference also u get more of ur money out of a shimano because they last forever unlike lews

[@peytondardenne6242]

And also. Lews has definitely went downhill on quality. And performance. Compared to other companies. And liek you said. Shimano left lews. And lews went downhill. See the connection

[@danielbeavers8701]

@@peytondardenne6242 i love shimano. I can send you plenty of pics of all my gear. The dc is a cool reel but its more of a luxury item. In fact i find myself only useing it very rarely. I do think shimano and diawa make the best equipment over $350 but from 60$ to $350 lews baitcaster reels outperform them. I do think the shimano and diawa have a tad more solid feel slightly. But in performance the lews is by far better. If you don't believe me find someone to prove me wrong. The tournament pro from lew's is one of the smoothest quietest, farthest casting, and finesse reels ive ever used. Like i said iam just addicted to fishing gear i love anything good. Iam just addicted to buying it and using it. But iam more of a collector of my shimano and diawa stuff . But i find myself useing lews more. It just out performs it $ for $ . Use one i promise you will see.

[@peytondardenne6242]

What I mean by going down hill is technology wise. Which. Your right I can’t really judge that. Because just because the haven’t came out with 20 different breaking systems and etc. doesn’t make them any less performing. But yea man I do agree with you that lews makes a better. Budget friendly reel. Except for that curado k. I have seen what they go through and still perform like new. It’s crazy. But yea. Don’t want to start an argument over which company is better. In all honesty. There really isn’t that big of a difference between all of these companies. They all serve the same purpose. To help you have fun and catch fish. It’s all just what you prefer

[@peytondardenne6242]

And I have used lews I own a tournament pro lite. And another tournament pro

[@m4a1JAY]

Peyton Dardenne Lews is not American made, it’s made in the same factory, same assembly line as Abu Garcia and Bass Pro Shop reels in South Korea by Doyo. That is why they all look the same. Shimano and Daiwa Japan made reels is on a higher level, better metallurgy, tighter tolerances.

[@John_D2]

lews are made by some oem manufacturer.. shimano is made by shimano. big difference. if you are dunking your reels in salt , you better learn how to work on them yourself.

[@dolucks1]

Nice vid, what camera are you using?

[@RXAngler]

dolucks1 thanks! Panasonic DMC-FZ1000

[@bassnazi4713]

Lol I picked that knife over the hoodie with my Mach Crush combo, which I love knives so was easy, and all their rebate stuff is sold on their site so can get a hoodie next fall lol. It really is an awesome knife that has great ergonomics.

[@FENCfishingeasternnc]

Great review, thanks!

[@Fish-os4pe]

Do you know who used to make the original lews reels when lew childers started making reels?

[@RXAngler]

sorry, i have no clue

[@Fish-os4pe]

Shimano

[@APRAPR-nq2wn]

made by Shimano of course , that's basically what got them into the reel business

[@hunternixonfishing2500]

While I love both reels, at the end of the day it’s Lews. Lews you just get all around better casting. The drag is excellent and the braking system is amazing. I’ve never used a Lews reel I didn’t like. I especially love my custom speed Spool and my Tournament Pro G. The tournament pro g is honestly the best hands down casting reel I’ve ever used. And I love Shimano as well I own a few. Lews and Shimano are the only ones I use.

[@Fish-os4pe]

Where are the lews bearings made compared to shimano?

[@RXAngler]

Eric Carter not sure specifically on the bearings themselves. But, the shimano is made in Malaysia and the Lew’s is made in Korea.

[@ddm62571]

Texas RX Angler Like Abu's Garcia low profile reels Lews are built from the Doyo manufactor. Shimano I think even though some are made in Malaysia but still built from a Shimano factory

[@maxsworld8287]

Awesome video!!!!!!!! best one yet!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RXAngler]

Thanks buddy! Tell your family Happy Thanksgiving.

[@maxsworld8287]

Texas RX Angler check out my new video. I’m posting every day now.

[@alvinwine5665]

I'm a Lew's fan I'm getting the Lew's pro LFS reel next .

[@RXAngler]

That’s a sweet reel

[@dustinlabat4566]

I'm not going to say much about specifications because you can look at the box and see them. But then the whole video, he reviews specifications about each reel.

[@John_D2]

lol.

[@lesrinehart933]

My Curado K you can tighten the adjustment knob all the way down and close the side plate no worries

[@lesrinehart933]

Short term I think the Lew’s is a good choice but for the long term the Curado is a proven warrior so both are qood quality with Curado being the best

[@videojoe7]

Thanks for the 'unbiased' review! 👍

[@RXAngler]

videojoe7 thank you!

[@camdog7447]

Would the curado k be good for saltwater use?

[@RXAngler]

Yes!

[@camdog7447]

which one would you prefer for both fresh and saltwater use? (Sorry for the questions)

[@jaredbushman7638]

I would way rather take the shimano over lews. Lews just does not hold up as well as shimano and they just do not feel good in the hand. I’ve had two lews and I sold them both and got a two shimano‘s and I feel I didn’t any mistake on selling my lews.

[@timg185]

Its the same thing every time you compare shimano to other reels. There are a lot of guys who use shimano reels religiously . For good reason they have made some great reels over the years. Just be careful and open minded. It’s not better just because it says shimano. The chronarch model that came out just after the old pearl colored chronarch 100’s were junk. I repair reels sometimes for friends . They completely wore about a dozen of those reels. They were heavy and overpriced. They are the reason i went to lews. All the lews i use cost in the $200 range and they have held up great no issues. I do have several shimano spinning reels and i just purchased curado k. I’m not bashing shimano . I just think the criticism of lews is unwarranted.

[@ddm62571]

The only way where the Lews is better is it's lighter and it has more bearings!

[@AG.Floats]

😂

[@jason-ian-Van-Sloten]

Its not about the number of bearings! It's about the quality of the bearings!

[@ddm62571]

@@jason-ian-Van-Sloten This true. Also I posted this 4 1/2 years ago.

[@dygsr92]

Nice review. You just sold me on the lews's.

[@lCWB_CRUISIN]

More ball bearings doesn't make it smoother the 13 fishing concept z has zero bearings and is one of the smoothest reels out there and almost all of Shimano's reels have very little ball bearings

[@conner5901]

What's the price difference?

[@RXAngler]

Conner Goodman shimano is $179.99 and Lew’s is $199.99.

[@mrlifetime64]

What is line capacity on both reels Please

[@RXAngler]

Lews: 120yards 12 lb mono Shimano: 110 yards 14 lb mono

[@jacobmiller9292]

Can't stand Lews reels (at least the mid-lower end) , they don't feel smooth very long, burned through an mb, and 2 lfs in little over a year. Have two Curados and they overall have performed way better for me and have lasted way longer. If you want a better version of the Curado, Shimano Japan makes a reel called the scorpion which has better bearings and gets slightly more casting distance.

[@RXAngler]

Jacob Miller I can’t argue with your experience. I’ve never had issues with Shimano. But if I only had one choice I would get the Pro G based on what you get for your money.

[@jacobmiller9292]

Texas RX Angler Lews are definitely great reels out of the box (better than Shimano) but mine just did not last long at all

[@edholloway7857]

You down-play a $100 reel against a $180 reel--Come on dude!

[@kushcrumbleshatter]

Ed Holloway the pro G is actually a $200 reel

[@timg185]

I have several lews pro g’s , several bb1 pros , a couple lews lite , and 3 super duties. I fish a lot ! 18 lews reels in all. Been using them now for about 7 years. They feel the same as when i bought them . They have been flawless. You can’t compare a $100 lews mb to a $180 shimano. I can afford decent reels so i don’t buy $100 reels. I havn’t been impressed with $100 shimanos either. Years ago i used all shimano . The new curado k looks pretty good so i decided to give it a try . It’s ordered and on the way. Hopefully i won’t be dissapointed

[@zuzoon437]

I'm a die hard fan of lews and shimano. Shimano builds amazing high quality reels due to the fact that they are a giant gear based company and have a huge hand in manufacturing but lews doing with what they have, make amazing internally made reels with customer support like no other. Hard choice. You made the right one both

[@RXAngler]

Zu zoon both are great reels. I’m loving both of them. I have the Lew’s on a lighter rod and the curado on a slightly heavier rod.

[@linh811]

I believe DOYO makes Lew's, as well as Abu and BPS reels .........

[@rolandonandin4183]

Sorry but shimano hands down. Its going to outlast Lews. Lews click knob is a gimmick to make you feel more goes into reel, nobody needs that. Plus bearings matter but more does not mean better. The quality of bearing is what matters.

[@lmsmbassaddict7378]

The lews will break if you keep that drag maxed. What Shimano does is instead of breaking your spool or pinion the drag is 11 so you can play the fish more workout breaking your reel. Also the lews isn't another that's a plain out lie.

[@nickrinks8330]

Shimano is a far superior reel I own both and just sold my lews for a curado and by the way number of bearings doesn’t mean smoother lol it’s about the placement and quality of them and guess who has the nicest bearings in the game.... Shimano

[@prestongover2158]

100% right

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Gee, that's awful funny.......because I've been a Shimano guy since they started making their own reels decades ago. LEW'S ( Lew Childre ) is who got Shimano in the fishing reel game. Look it up. But since Lynn Reeves totally revamped Lew's when he bought it ( after Zebco royally screwed them over ), I bought 2 Pro G's, 2 Super Duty's, and 2 BB1 Pro's back in June of 2016. I was so impressed with em all, but the Pro G was it......so I bought 2 more Pro G's. It has now been 28 months of hard fishing usually twice every week, year round, here on the Stick Marsh in Florida.......and I have YET to experience a single problem or issue with ANY of my Lew's reels. They are absolutely, dollar for dollar, the best reels I have ever used.......and I've used the better Shimano reels all through the years, including Curado and Calcutta's that I bought back in 2001, and 2006. I will not be trading my Lew's for anything. I also challenge you to find a company that has a quicker turn around time on repairing, replacing, or servicing reels as Lew's. My fishing buddy had an anti-reverse bearing go bad on his Lew's Custom AFTER it went out of warranty. They STILL replaced that bearing and shipped it back to him FOR FREE, IN LESS THAN 14 DAYS from the day he mailed it to em. They said even after the warranty expired, that those anti-reverse bearings are of such high quality, it had to be a defect from the get go, that finally failed. THAT is how good Lew's is gentlemen. Why is it that the Shimano guys in particular post NONSENSE about Lew's baitcasters??? I've caught so many in BS, where they stated "the Lew's broke in only a few weeks, it's total garbage".......and I responded with: "So what did Lew's have to say about it? YOU DID CALL THEM, DIDN'T YOU?"........and nothing but radio silence as a reply. I get the same thing time and time again. Ain't nobody bullshitting me. I also challenge ANYONE to slap a better rod on the counter top costing $100, than the Lew's TP-1 Speed Stick. I quit buying more expensive rods because of the TP-1. Got 10 of em now, in all different lengths & actions. I don't make videos......but I've got hundreds of digital images of the big bass I catch........and I'm talking about only in the past 28 months since I switched 100% over to Lew's.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

See my main response to both of you guys. ......and PS.......MOST Shimano reels aren't even made in Japan any more, and haven't been for years. China, Pakistan, and a couple other countries. Lew's uses only 2 plants that I'm aware of.....their economy reels in China.....and all their upper mid-shelf to top of the line reels made in 1 plant in Korea. You guys act like "all Shimano's have superior bearings over everything else"......what a load of horse shit.

[@paulwyman2299]

Would like to see the Lew's bb1 against the concept Z

[@RXAngler]

Paul Wyman I’ll have the Concept Z vs the Shimano Curado K once I put some time on the Concept Z. I may pick up the BB1 in the near future.Thanks for watching.

[@paulwyman2299]

Great can't wait .. I'm looking to buy my first baitcaster , trying to decide between the concept Z or the Lew's bb1..pro.. Thanks

[@cmoney041074]

I know the curado k will definitely outcast the concept z, I'm not a Shimano fanboy.

[@parkerlovelace1900]

Who likes that toys r us

[@drone2sky997]

Can you please review the new Lews custom inshore speed spool

[@RXAngler]

Drone2Sky I might do a review on that reel in the future but first I plan to do a head to head review on the new 13 Fishing Concept Z.

[@drone2sky997]

Texas RX Angler ok thank you. I just can’t decide between the concept z and the lews inshore

[@girabaldytasty6224]

Toys r us has fishing stuff?

[@boldewijnsaviee4117]

Cane i plse hve one of yre shiman 🙏

[@eternalthread7846]

Shimano is way better I would never get a Lews and more bearings doesn't mean it's smoother btw

[@basscaliyinkkk3699]

Shimano ofc...get shimano from Japan is way better tho..

[@RXAngler]

isn't all shimano now made in Malaysia?

[@basscaliyinkkk3699]

Nope not if you order straight from Japan

[@FilipinoBMW]

Depends on the model. Chronarch MGL, Metanium MGL, Calcuttas and the higher end spinning reels still made in Japan. It's just that the JDM market has different specs for the same reel, like the Casitas vs. Casitas MGL, but both made in Malaysia.

[@ddm62571]

basscali yinkkk They are not better just different specifications, different models like Filipino BMW said. The are made with the same quality materials.

[@bennywheatty9485]

Lmao I have a 30$ bait caster

[@vhaanlen1]

RIP real toys r us

[@RXAngler]

LOL

[@garanjavictor2229]

Wheare is a shotaut batle...? Bla bla bla...the best bitecaster is Tailwalk..super elan mglite actualy..