In This Post
Key Takeaways
- The Lew’s KVD Elite delivers superior stopping power with 18 pounds of drag capacity compared to the Shimano Curado’s 13 pounds, while costing $40-60 less at around $179 versus $219-240.
- Shimano’s MGL III spool technology provides significant casting distance advantages, especially with lightweight lures under 1/2 ounce.
- The KVD Elite’s ParaMag RX braking system offers simplified, auto-adjusting magnetic control that’s more beginner-friendly than the Curado’s complex SVS Infinity system.
- Weight matters: the Curado’s 6.5-ounce frame reduces angler fatigue during long casting sessions, while the KVD Elite’s 7.4-ounce build provides more solid leverage for power techniques.
- Both reels excel in different scenarios—choose the KVD Elite for heavy cover and power applications, or the Curado for finesse casting and all-day comfort.
When choosing between two of the most respected mid-tier baitcasting reels on the market, bass anglers face a classic dilemma: raw power versus refined technology.
Both the Lew’s KVD Elite and Shimano Curado 150 M represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturer’s mid-range offerings, yet they take distinctly different approaches to achieving casting excellence.
KVD Elite’s 18-Pound Drag Outmuscles Curado’s 13-Pound System for $40-60 Less
The most striking difference between these reels becomes apparent the moment a big bass makes its first run toward heavy cover.
The Lew’s KVD Elite’s carbon fiber drag system delivers a maximum 18 pounds of stopping power—a substantial 38% increase over the Curado 150 M’s 13-pound Cross Carbon Drag system.
This isn’t just a numbers game; it translates to real-world advantages when punching through matted vegetation or extracting bass from laydowns.
What makes this power difference even more compelling is the price advantage.
The KVD Elite typically retails around $179.99, while the Curado 150 M commands $219.99 to $240, creating a $40-60 savings that doesn’t sacrifice performance where it matters most.
Fishing Zenith’s reel testing has consistently shown that drag capacity often determines success rates in heavy cover situations more than any other single specification.
However, raw stopping power tells only part of the story. The Curado’s Cross Carbon Drag system, while lower in maximum capacity, provides exceptionally smooth and consistent performance throughout its range.
The system maintains steady pressure without the grabbing or jerking that can snap light leaders during extended fights with finicky fish.
Construction and Frame Technology
Aluminum Frame with Graphite Sideplates vs. HAGANE Metal Body
The structural foundation of each reel reflects different engineering philosophies. The KVD Elite employs a one-piece aluminum frame paired with graphite sideplates, creating a rigid platform that resists flex under extreme loads while keeping weight reasonable at 7.4 ounces.
This construction choice prioritizes durability and precision gear alignment, essential factors when Kevin VanDam’s signature is on the product.
Shimano’s approach centers on their proprietary HAGANE metal body construction, which integrates Ci4+ composite sideplates with a metal frame designed to prevent any flex under load.
The HAGANE philosophy focuses on translating every ounce of angler effort directly into cranking power without energy loss through frame distortion. This creates an exceptionally solid feel that experienced anglers immediately notice during retrieve.
Weight Difference Impact on Performance
The 0.9-ounce weight advantage of the Curado 150 M (6.5 oz vs. 7.4 oz) becomes significant during marathon casting sessions.
Tournament anglers regularly make 200-300 casts per day, and that nearly one-ounce difference translates to reduced arm fatigue and maintained casting accuracy late in competition days.
Conversely, the KVD Elite’s slightly heavier construction provides better balance when paired with longer, heavier-action rods commonly used for power techniques.
The additional mass creates a more substantial feel that many anglers prefer when winching bass from heavy cover, where the psychological confidence of a solid, hefty reel matters as much as its specifications.
Braking System Performance
ParaMag RX Magnetic and Centrifugal Combination
The KVD Elite’s ParaMag RX system represents a departure from traditional magnetic braking. Instead of stationary magnets on the sideplate, the system positions magnets radially around the spool collar, creating more even braking force distribution as the spool rotates.
This “auto-adjusting” design provides consistent control without the need for complex internal adjustments.
The ParaMag RX operates silently and friction-free, eliminating the wear associated with traditional centrifugal brake pads.
For anglers who prefer set-and-forget simplicity, this system delivers reliable backlash prevention across varying casting conditions with minimal fuss. The external adjustment dial allows quick tuning without opening the sideplate.
SVS Infinity with MGL III Spool Technology
Shimano’s SVS Infinity system combines internal centrifugal brakes with external magnetic adjustment, providing dual-layer control that experienced casters appreciate.
The internal brake pads can be individually turned on or off, while the external magnetic dial offers fine-tuning from 1-6 settings. This dual approach allows precise customization for specific lure weights and casting conditions.
The real advantage lies in the MGL III spool design, which reduces startup inertia by 15% compared to standard spools.
The ultra-thin, lightweight construction requires less energy to begin rotation, directly translating to improved casting distance and accuracy, particularly with lures under 1/2 ounce where traditional spools struggle.
Casting Distance Results with Light Lures
Independent testing consistently shows the Curado 150 M achieving 10-15% greater casting distances with lures in the 1/4 to 3/8 ounce range.
The MGL III spool’s low inertia allows lighter baits to overcome rotational resistance more easily, resulting in longer, more controlled casts that reach previously unreachable structure.
The KVD Elite performs admirably with medium to heavy lures (1/2 ounce and up), where its ParaMag RX system excels at preventing backlash while maintaining good distance.
However, the standard-weight spool requires more energy to initiate rotation, limiting performance with ultralight presentations that have become increasingly popular in pressured fisheries.
Drag Systems and Power Output
18-Pound Carbon Fiber vs. 13-Pound Cross Carbon
The drag system comparison reveals the fundamental design priorities of each manufacturer. The KVD Elite’s 18-pound carbon fiber system uses multiple drag washers in a sealed housing with an external lube port for easy maintenance.
This robust construction handles sustained pressure from large fish and heavy cover techniques without fade or grabbing.
Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag system prioritizes smoothness and heat dissipation over maximum stopping power.
The 13-pound capacity proves adequate for most bass fishing applications, while the system’s consistent performance throughout the drag range provides better control during extended fights.
The Cross Carbon material offers superior heat management, preventing drag fade during long battles.
Drag Range and Control Differences
The KVD Elite’s higher maximum capacity comes with a wider adjustment range, allowing anglers to set precise pressures from feather-light to maximum.
The external lube port simplifies maintenance, ensuring consistent performance throughout the reel’s lifespan. This system excels when fishing requires varied drag settings throughout the day.
The Curado’s drag provides more linear adjustment with predictable increases in pressure as the star drag tightens.
While the maximum capacity is lower, the system maintains consistent performance at all settings, making it easier to dial in precise pressures for specific techniques or line weights.
Gear Ratio Options and Applications
KVD Elite’s 6.2:1, 7.5:1, and 8.3:1 Ratios
The KVD Elite’s gear ratio selection covers the full spectrum of bass fishing applications.
The 6.2:1 ratio (24 inches per turn) was specifically chosen by Kevin VanDam for crankbait applications, providing optimal torque for working deep-diving lures through heavy cover while maintaining steady retrieve speeds.
This slower ratio excels when fishing requires precise lure control and maximum cranking power.
The 7.5:1 ratio (31 IPT) serves as the versatile middle ground, handling everything from spinnerbaits to medium-depth crankbaits with equal effectiveness.
The high-speed 8.3:1 ratio (35 IPT) caters to power techniques like flipping and pitching, where rapid line pickup prevents fish from reaching cover after the hookset.
Curado’s 6.2:1, 7.4:1, and 8.1:1 Versatility
Shimano’s ratio selection follows a similar pattern with subtle differences that reflect their engineering philosophy.
The 6.2:1 ratio (24 IPT) provides maximum torque for deep crankbaits and large swimbaits, while the slightly lower inches-per-turn compared to the KVD allows for more precise speed control in technical situations.
The 7.4:1 ratio (29 IPT) represents Shimano’s recommended all-purpose option, offering excellent versatility for reaction baits while maintaining enough torque for moving baits through cover.
The 8.1:1 high-speed option (32 IPT) focuses on finesse applications where the MGL spool’s advantages in casting accuracy become most apparent during precise pitching presentations.
Choose KVD Elite for Power Applications, Curado for Finesse Casting
The decision between these exceptional reels ultimately depends on individual fishing priorities and techniques. The Lew’s KVD Elite emerges as the clear choice for anglers who prioritize raw power, value pricing, and simplified operation.
Its 18-pound drag system, robust aluminum construction, and ParaMag RX braking make it ideal for aggressive techniques like punching, frogging, and heavy jig fishing where maximum stopping power determines success rates.
The Shimano Curado 150 M excels in applications requiring casting precision, lightweight comfort, and technological sophistication.
Its MGL III spool technology provides measurable advantages when targeting pressured fish with lighter presentations, while the 6.5-ounce weight reduces fatigue during extended casting sessions. The SVS Infinity system offers the fine-tuning control that experienced tournament anglers demand.
For anglers seeking maximum versatility in a single reel, the choice often comes down to fishing style preferences: choose power and value with the KVD Elite, or invest in cutting-edge technology and refined performance with the Curado 150 M.
Both represent excellent investments in their respective categories, with the KVD Elite offering superior specifications at a lower price point, while the Curado delivers premium technology and engineering for those willing to pay for incremental performance advantages.
