Shimano Core51 Mg7 - Opinions?

[ChicagoEd]

Hi all, what are your thoughts on this reel? Which applications does it handle best? Pros, cons? How does it compare vs abu MGX?

[TNBassin']

Just by judging it's line capacity, I'd say that's a reel for finesse fishing. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, as I was looking at the specs on Amazon.

[kickerfish1]

It is not just a true finesse reel. The reel is capable of handling most every task you can put it up to. Line capacity may be an issues once you get above 15# test line or braid equivalent in diameter. I fish mainly bottom contact baits like jig/Texas rig/drop shots but also fish weightless soft plastics and smaller Keitech paddle tail swimbaits.

What I wouldn't use it for was pulling deep cranks, slinging A-rigs, or very heavy cover frogging and punching though it could probably handle the latter 2 in a pinch.

It is lightweight, smooth, very palmable, and built well inside and out.

In its stock form, it would handle true finesse baits pretty well.

I can't speak on the MGX. Though I recall a post on here not real long ago where the user of both said his MGX is a backup to his core reels. Others on here seem to like the MGX but some of these guys haven't fished both. Finding someone that could give you an unbiased breakdown of both would be key. Since I haven't I would leave that call to someone else.

As far as the price goes for me it was worth it (purchased new on sale at 20% off), but part of what I was trying to accomplish was one of the lightest mh casting setups close to 7 feet. Paired the reel with a 6'10 mh cumulus rod and the outfit weighs 8.5 ounces and is a blast to fish.

Good luck!

[iabass8]

My favorite reel. I use mine for most trig applications. I've never used the mgx. It can handle really anything except as mentioned above, deep cranking would be tiresome. 

[Hooligan]

I second what's been said. One of my favorite reels.

As far as the mgx goes, I've not been overly fond of mine. Yes, it's a nice reel, yes, it fishes well. But it remains lacking. It's hard to describe. It doesn't feel as refined and it isn't as comfortable to fish. I've also had to replace the spool twice and spool bearings once. I like the theory behind the braking mechanism, but I don't like the practical application. It's unreliable at best.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I won't go so far as to say one is really better or worse than the others but IMO the Core lineup is the best bang for the buck among high end reels like the Core, Steez and MGX.

[ChicagoEd]

Thanks guys this has been really helpful.  Was thinking of getting this for my 6' mf GLX CR722.  I mainly use the rod for swimjigs and trigs and wanted to find a nice reel to match. 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Ive been throwing lipless cranks with mine AWESOME!! Only have a little over a months use with it but boy it sure is breaking-in nicely. Even with the wind we get in N IL Im set on 1 brake. A 5/16 Rapala Rippin Rap soars a 1/2 Rippin Rap is ballistic a 3/4 RES has people in Milwaukee ducking their heads.

 I may make a 1/4 turn adjustment to the spool tension (20+mph head wind) but other than that it is set. Could open the side go to 2 brakes not touch spool tension but distance will noticeably go down.

[thehooligan]

Love my core 51, i can palm it easily, its super smooth, and so d**n light at 5.5oz's.

[roadwarrior]

The Core 50 is my favorite reel!

[BigMoneyGrip]

I second what's been said. One of my favorite reels.

As far as the mgx goes, I've not been overly fond of mine. Yes, it's a nice reel, yes, it fishes well. But it remains lacking. It's hard to describe. It doesn't feel as refined and it isn't as comfortable to fish. I've also had to replace the spool twice and spool bearings once. I like the theory behind the braking mechanism, but I don't like the practical application. It's unreliable at best.

Why did you have to replace the spool?

[Hooligan]

Once because of the brake pins coming loose and damaging that side of the spool. Second because I somehow bent the lip of the spool. I am completely unsure of how that one happened, but it definitely had a flat spot on it and it just wouldn't cast.

[loodkop]

My Core puts a smile on face every time I use it.