Core 50Mg7 Vs. Revo Mgx 7.1:1

[Dr. Watson]

so here is just my little review/opinion of these two lightweight contenders. First off, I absolutely love both of these reels, but I think the Core is slightly more refined than the MGX. I believe this because when they are in my hand the Core seems slightly more solid and isn't noticeably heavier, even though the specs state that the Core is only .1 oz heavier. The Core and the MGX are both very smooth, but the Shimano A-RB bearings seems slightly smoother than the HPCR bearings of the MGX. both of these reels cast extremely well and do not require a lot of setup beforehand, the MGX's dual brakes do there part well, and I actually like the ability to adjust the MGX's centrifugal brakes by turning the switch and not having to undo the side plate. The one thing I do like better on the Core in the spool control area is the cast control knob; on the MGX the knob never really seems to tighten down the spool until you really crank it down, the Core's cast control knob just allows for smoother adjustments than the MGX's clicking knob. Both reels have smooth drags, however the Core's drag system seems to have more lockdown power than the MGX's, even though the MGX boasts 12 lbs. against the Core's 11 lbs. Both reels are rated to handle braid, but I have not tried braid on them yet.

As far as comfort, they are tied, both reels feel exceptionally comfortable in my hand. However, I do like the MGX's EVA grips over the hard rubber grips on the Core. If it is looks you are after the MGX wins in this category, I personally love the Carbon fiber handle and how it plays really well into the overall style of the reel, the Core does look good with the red accents but it doesn't really stand out in looks, from some other reels out there. Overall I rate the MGX a 9/10 and Core a 9.5/10; both are exceptional reels, if you are looking at purchasing one of them, you really can't go wrong with either. Here are the Specs on the two:

Shimano Core 50Mg7

weight: 5.5 oz

bearings: 8 S A-RB + 1 A-RB roller bearing

tapered levelwind insert

7.0:1 gear ratio w/ HEG gearing

dartanium drag w/11lbs of drag

recessed reel foot

audible star drag

1/8 turn VBS side plate

Abu Garcia Revo MGX 7.1:1

weight: 5.4 oz

bearings: 10 HPCR + 1 HPCR anti reverse roller

7.1:1 gear ratio w/ duragear brass gearing

carbon fiber drag system w/12 lbs of drag

x-craftic frame

recessed reel foot

clicking adjustments on brakes, cast control, and drag

carbon fiber recessed handle

Hope this helps anyone with a dilema on their mind, tight lines -Alex

[roadwarrior]

Well done!

I would just add that one is a Shimano, the other is not.

[LgMouthGambler]

^what he said^

[jeb2]

I also have both and fish them quite a bit side-by-side. I agree with your overall findings. I've got Orange Seals on order right now for my MGX to see if it makes that last little bit of refinement come in. My Core already has Orange Seals.

The braking system on the MGX is not dual, though. It only has the IVCB-IV centrifugal brake system. And the tackle tour review of the reel showed only a 5lb drag when they tested it. Mine seems stronger than that, but could use an upgrade there as well, probably. Not as weak as my Steez's drags, but close.

[BigMoneyGrip]

I also have both and fish them quite a bit side-by-side. I agree with your overall findings. I've got Orange Seals on order right now for my MGX to see if it makes that last little bit of refinement come in. My Core already has Orange Seals.

The braking system on the MGX is not dual, though. It only has the IVCB-IV centrifugal brake system. And the tackle tour review of the reel showed only a 5lb drag when they tested it. Mine seems stronger than that, but could use an upgrade there as well, probably. Not as weak as my Steez's drags, but close.

Did the Orange seals make a big difference?

[Dr. Watson]

I also have both and fish them quite a bit side-by-side. I agree with your overall findings. I've got Orange Seals on order right now for my MGX to see if it makes that last little bit of refinement come in. My Core already has Orange Seals.

The braking system on the MGX is not dual, though. It only has the IVCB-IV centrifugal brake system. And the tackle tour review of the reel showed only a 5lb drag when they tested it. Mine seems stronger than that, but could use an upgrade there as well, probably. Not as weak as my Steez's drags, but close.

I appreciate your comment, it looked like there may have been a little magnet on the inside of the side plate, that's why I believed it to be dual brakes, either way i like being able to adjust the centrifugal brakes without flipping pins.

[jeb2]

Did the Orange seals make a big difference?

I bought a bunch of the Orange Seals at the same time for my Shimano's. I installed them in my Core 50 and my 2 curados, 50E and 200E7 all at the same time. They made a bigger difference in the Curado's than the Core for sure. I do feel they made a positive difference in the Core, just not as noticeable.

[BigMoneyGrip]

I bought a bunch of the Orange Seals at the same time for my Shimano's. I installed them in my Core 50 and my 2 curados, 50E and 200E7 all at the same time. They made a bigger difference in the Curado's than the Core for sure. I do feel they made a positive difference in the Core, just not as noticeable.

I was wondering if they would help my 50E. I'll look into getting a set.

Thanks John.

[Greeneye8181]

Is there a better reel comparison? I own both. Both have upgraded bearings and both are AWESOME reels!

The Core is a bit smoother but both cast about the same distance. The MGX is .1 oz. lighter (as if you actually felt it) and a little cheaper. I think both reels are must haves. 

[aavery2]

I would like to add that one of them one the best of show award at ICAST for freshwater reels.

[Virtuoso]

I own both and I am not overly impressed with the MGX. I don't really have anything bad to say, but having used the Core 50mg7 I feel like its tolerances were much tighter, the reel is smoother and most notable, the drag is much smoother and stronger on the core. I still think you will be happy with either, the MGX sure wins in the aesthetics category, but the Core isn't a slouch either paired with a Cumulus!

[NavyVet]

I am also considering the Shimano Core 50MG7. Love the light weight. Have used the Shimano Core 100MG and it is a super reel. I have two qusetions. Would the the 50MG7 be suitable and have the power for larger plastics such as Brush Hogs or 9-10 inch worms Texas rigged if paired on an apprpriate rod?  Is there a real noticeable difference between the physical size of the 50MG7 as compared to the 100 MG as I have never personally never seen or handled a Core 50MG7?

[kickerfish1]

I am also considering the Shimano Core 50MG7. Love the light weight. Have used the Shimano Core 100MG and it is a super reel. I have two qusetions. Would the the 50MG7 be suitable and have the power for larger plastics such as Brush Hogs or 9-10 inch worms Texas rigged if paired on an apprpriate rod? Is there a real noticeable difference between the physical size of the 50MG7 as compared to the 100 MG as I have never personally never seen or handled a Core 50MG7?

The core 50 is an outstanding reel for anything from bottom contact jigs and Texas rigs to weighltess soft baits, and even jerkbaits and topwaters where one may prefer a faster gear ratio. The reel has plenty of power to move fish, a strong drag system, and can cast baits from 1/8 to 1 ounce in my own testing.

The core 100 and 50 are different in gear ratios, weight and frame primarily. The core 100 has the same frame as the Chronarch D. The core shares the same frame as say a curado or chronarch 50 e. The 50 size is very palmable. I would say the core 50 would handle most applications you could throw at it with the exception of deep cranks, big spinnerbaits, Alabama rigs, and maybe a few others.

[jeb2]

+1. I use one of my 2 Core 50's for all around fishing jigs, t-rigs, weightless senkos, blades, etc. It works great in that role. Weights are usually under 3/4oz, but mostly because of the rod I have it on, not because I don't think it'd handle up to an ounce or so. My other core is loaded with lighter line and I use it for more finesse type stuff, which the reel also works very well at, of course.

[Greeneye8181]

The Core 50 can handle heavier stuff and so can the MGX but lightweight application is where these reels shine.

I have both paired on the same rod with 10 pound fluro. I could go on forever comparing these two reels but a few things stick out about each.

The Core is a bit smoother but doesn't have a clicking spool tension knob.

The MGX has a clicking spool tension knob but the brakes always seem to be on a bit. It's a little restrictive although doesn't effect casting distance. Both cast the same distance pretty much.

The Core has a higher ceiling for adjustments but you can push it too far and get backlash. Both reels have their own way of telling you hey thats too light to cast that far but they will still amaze you with performance.

Hope this helps.

I probably prefer the Core a little more but I highly recommend both.

[jeb2]

Just re-read this thread and realized it was over a year old. I had commented back last year about putting the orange seals in my MGX to try and bring it around. Just to update, they did not really do much for the reel. So I'd assume the stock bearings are very similar quality. I eventually grew tired of the fussy nature of the MGX after trying it on different rods and with different lines. It's now just a spare reel for me, and I've purchased another Core 50 instead. The Core is just a hard reel to beat in this category, IMO.

[dodgeguy]

i love my mgx .

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I was wondering if they would help my 50E. I'll look into getting a set.

Thanks John.

I'll be happy to sell them to anyone here at 10%off retail but in good faith have to suggest proper flushing and lubing of stock bearings first.