Shimano Core?

[bmlum415]

I'm considering on purchasing this reel either in the 50 size or 100 for jig and soft plastics, can I hear some reviews on the reel and how it compares to others in the price range and is it really worth the money you pay? Also how would it compare to a lews tp? Oh and p.s. if anyone has one for sale let me know. Thanks

[jeb2]

The Core 50 is a great reel for bass fishing. Smooth, easy to operate, very low "fussy" factor and good drag. After I bought my first one, I bought 2 Steez's (100 and 103) and a Revo MGX. All are similar in size and weight. Those other reels do not hit the sweet spot for me as much as the 50, so I bought another 50. I still use the Steez's, and they are okay after supertuning, but prefer the 50's. The MGX lives below decks as a spare.

[roadwarrior]

I have both the 50 and 100. In terms of performance they are the same. I prefer the 50 simply because it

is a better fit in my hand. Strong, smooth, silent and reliant, everything you would expect from the top-of-

the line Shimano. My 50 is saddled to a MBR842C which is a match made in heaven.The 100 is on a PR844C

which I use almost exclusively for topwater.

 

In terms of "value", although I love the Core, there are other options.  I have had both my Curado 50E and

200E supertuned by Mike at DVT. These reels have a cost basis of around $185 all-in.  They are not quite

as tight as the Core, but they are a VERY strong 2nd. 

 

 

 

[Hogsticker]

Just throwing this out there and take it for what its worth. From what I've been told the Core is going to be discontinued somewhere towards the end of the year. We will likely see price drops at tackle shops, and then the things will sell on Flebay for six grand. A Shimano rep told somebody that at Icast this year Shimano will be releasing a new Chronarch line (I imagine the E's will go on sale to). This reel is suppose to be the US version of the JDM Metanium. Yeah, I'm holding my breath just like everyone else, but it's suppose to retail cheaper than the Core. I think 270-280?

[DaveT63]

The Core 50/51is a SWEET little reel!  It is as smooth and light as my Steez reels at much less money, unless you find a used Steez cheap. The core won't let you down.  But i also agree with RW about the Curado 50E.

[MarkH024]

I don't have a Core 50 but I do have a Chronarch 50E that I'm falling in love with fast. I haven't had it very long but it feels and performs great so far and I can only imagine the Core is that much better.  So you can look at the chronarch too if you're not willing to shell out the additional cash. 

[bmlum415]

Just throwing this out there and take it for what its worth. From what I've been told the Core is going to be discontinued somewhere towards the end of the year. We will likely see price drops at tackle shops, and then the things will sell on Flebay for six grand. A Shimano rep told somebody that at Icast this year Shimano will be releasing a new Chronarch line (I imagine the E's will go on sale to). This reel is suppose to be the US version of the JDM Metanium. Yeah, I'm holding my breath just like everyone else, but it's suppose to retail cheaper than the Core. I think 270-280?

sounds like ill be getting the core 51 and a US metaium when that comes out. I'm not too much of a shimano guy but I figured these reels would be worth a try and I hope they perform how everyone says they do

[00 mod]

I have everything from core 50/curado200e/50e/300/ch50mg, you name it.  My advice, get a 50e and have it supertuned.  Save the few bucks! That being said, I have a Metanium XG(JDM) on the way.

 

Jeff

[Grantman83]

Have a 50, 100mg with hawg handle and a MGFV with hawg handle....all of them are awesome..

I find it strange that they would discontinue them when they just recently introduced the 100MG7 to replace the MGFV.

Either way, a new chronarch line along the lines of the D series would be appreciated. Have a chronarch d and it is spectacular

[bmlum415]

Planning on putting a hawg handle on mine, how do you get the red anodized ones?

[bassinbrian]

Won't be disappointed with a core. Had 2 51's and 2 core 101's at one point, they never let me down. Though they are sold now.

[bmlum415]

Oh and could anyone tell me what size or model number boca bearings fit the core?

[thehooligan]

I put the orange seals in my core and curado, heres the number

 

Boca Spool Bearing Kit ABEC 7 Orange Seal FR-008C-OS LD

[bmlum415]

Sweet, thanks I appreciate it. I think I Am going to get a core 51 with a hawg handle and boca bearings abec 7

[Hi Salenity]

I have a Core 50 with a carbon drag and Bocas, it's a great reel I like the color and the fact it's 7.1. I was fishing it and a stock 50e side by side today and if I didn't know better I'd have thought they were just different colors.

[jeb2]

Agreed on the 50E. I have one of those too, and installed orange seals in it. Pretty much all of my reels have upgraded bearings. Anyway, it gives up very, very little to the Core except for weight.

[mod479]

I'll never part with my supertuned 51e curado, ever. It's gonna have to explode first.

 

I've also got a core 51, what the major difference? The gear ratios plus the core feels "tighter". Someone else already mentioned this, but it's spot on, the core is somewhat smoother than my curado with orange seals. But it should for 2x the price even after upgrades.

 

Hawgtech CF handles on both, and they are just a joy to fish with.

[rubba bubba]

Per one of your original questions on the Core vs. the TP:

- if money is not an issue, the Core is the way to go - no brainer here

- if money is an issue, the TP is the better value

[kickerfish1]

I love my core 50. For versatility the 50 size is the weigh to go. The 100mg7 is supposed to be a great reel for heavier applications. Baits that offer more resistance would be better suited on a 100mg7. I believe the reel utilizes brass gears and a few other other features to help it with "power" techniques.

I have a curado 50e, chronarch 50e, and core 50. I like them all. The reasons that you way consider the core 50 over the other 50 sized reels would be IMO...

-lighter in weight... one of the lightest reels in the US market

-faster gear ratio

-smoother retrieve

-Anti rust bearings... also a grade above the curado from what I have been told

- the above leads leads to a faster spinning spool and better distance in my hands

-awesome color scheme for stellar looks on high end foam handle rods!

The curado and chronarch are no slouches especially if upgraded and tuned and just a bit heavier in weight.

[rockchalk06]

I have everything from core 50/curado200e/50e/300/ch50mg, you name it.  My advice, get a 50e and have it supertuned.  Save the few bucks! That being said, I have a Metanium XG(JDM) on the way.

 

Jeff

I just picked one up today. What will I gain in getting a core 50 over having my 50E super tuned by Mike?

I'm not worried about the weight difference more just the smoothness and reliability.

Thanks

[barroncooper]

I just replaced the gears in my curado 50 e with the 7:1 gears from the core 50 and fell in love all over again!  I don't notice a weight difference switching to the aluminum drive gear of the core but I really appreciate the few extra ipt's

[00 mod]

I just picked one up today. What will I gain in getting a core 50 over having my 50E super tuned by Mike?

I'm not worried about the weight difference more just the smoothness and reliability.

Thanks

 

 

Only differences I see are weight, gear ratio and the ability to use the core in saltwater.  Other than that I don't see the monetary difference.  I have 1 core and 3 50e's.

 

Jeff

[rockchalk06]

Only differences I see are weight, gear ratio and the ability to use the core in saltwater.  Other than that I don't see the monetary difference.  I have 1 core and 3 50e's.

 

Jeff

Gotcha. Thanks.

I got my 50E for medium to shallow cranking so I don't need the higher gear. Sounds like this is the ticket

[thehooligan]

i have a core 51 and curado 51 and the only difference for me is weight and the gear ratio... I love light weight, but a supertuned curado sounds like the way to go bud.

[South FLA]

I have everything from core 50/curado200e/50e/300/ch50mg, you name it.  My advice, get a 50e and have it supertuned.  Save the few bucks! That being said, I have a Metanium XG(JDM) on the way.

 

Jeff

 

Glad you joined the club, lol.

 

You can't go wrong with the Core, but as Jeff states you can super-tuning goes a long way.  Get an 50e add Abec 7 ceramics, a Carbontex drag upgrade, and a Hawg Handle and you have a custom solution under the cost of a Core.