How to set the Curado 200E7 Brake Settings

[robosgonefishin]

Hello All,
I just bought a CU200E7 this is my first Shimano reel and I'm not sure how to set the brakes.
Basically I'll be using this reel for TX rigs\jigs in the 1/4 to 1/2oz range. Any suggestions on how to set the brakes?
Or is it going to be pretty much trial and error?

Thank You
Robo

[breezy]

Take off the palming side plate, you should see six pins with a plastic shoe on each that can either be locked down or pushed up and moving freely.

Pushed down/not moving = off
Pushed up/free moving = on

Majority of people usually have 2 on. If you're not experienced with a BC maybe try 3 and go from there, but one of those should suit your needs.

[froteur]

If you do two pins, make them the ones that are opposite from each other. If you do three, then do every other one. Four should be the opposing pairs. In other words, don't use the pins only on one side. It throws off the balance.

[skunked]

If you do two pins, make them the ones that are opposite from each other. If you do three, then do every other one. Four should be the opposing pairs. In other words, don't use the pins only on one side. It throws off the balance.

In my experience and testing, this is purely myth. I was surprised, but it didn't matter if I used opposing brakes or not, same performance.

[slipperybob]

It's more mechanically sound to do opposite brake pegs. I've tried it myself and I didn't find any difference, I still backlash just as much. I have also tried just one and five pegs on a few occassions.

[thelatrobe33]

I typically use 1 brake on and fine tune with the cast control cap. Now that I've upgraded the bearings I may have to go back to 2 brakes:)

[froteur]

Even I tried it "off balance" and didn't feel any difference but I was told by my mechanical engineering professor buddy that it can't help but be, so I figured, why take any chances. He said that the weights are so light its not like it's going to make the reel vibrate out of your hand but it does affect it. So I'll stick to my method.

[progressive816]

If you do two pins, make them the ones that are opposite from each other. If you do three, then do every other one. Four should be the opposing pairs. In other words, don't use the pins only on one side. It throws off the balance.

In my experience and testing, this is purely myth. I was surprised, but it didn't matter if I used opposing brakes or not, same performance.

Once you get used to it, one brake will get you very good distance. Start with three pins pushed out first.

[robosgonefishin]

Thanks Guys! I really appreciate your help!

RobO

[johnD]

I use every other one, thats 3 up..With a heavy wind and light bait, I'll use 4 up.I like to keep the spool tension knob sorta loose so there's no extra resistance on the retrieve.

[revo680]

I set 2 brakes on (across from each other) and forget about it. There are times when you can get away w/ 1 brake, but casting distance is plenty good w/ 2 brakes. Unless your lure weight change is substancial, usually you won't have to adjust the cast control too awfull much.

[mustfishmore]

I always set two pins that are opposite of each other and forget it. Then do any fine tuning that is necessary with the spool tension adjustment.

[dustlane]

I know this is an older post but I do have a little input. I have been using a baitcaster for almost 30 years so I am pretty familiar with them. But I have found that two brakes on works great if you are make easy "normal" casts. But for me, I have to use three on because I really sling it when I make a cast. I need to learn to make easier casts and take advantage of the smoothness of the spool bearings and actually let the brakes do their job but I just can't do it. Old habits die hard. I can get away with two brakes on if the bait is pretty heavy, but to avoid the dreaded backlash, especially with fluorocarbon line, I have my Citicas and Curados set with three brakes on. So I guess it is not only the weight of the lure or wind conditions that dictate how many brakes you need, but also the way you cast. I am just hard headed or I would stop casting like a mad man. I guess I started casting this way back when my reels had bushings instead of bearings so I had to cast really hard to get the distance I wanted.

[slipperybob]

I have that problem as well, since I'm a spinning reel guy. I get comfortable and forget. Then I sling harder and backlash.

[georgeweeber]

I also set two brakes on. This covers most baits