Scorpion Vs Core

[Arv]

As some of you know, I'm on the hunt for a new reel. I'm looking heavily at the core 51, but the scorpion 1001xt recently piqued my interest. However, the tt review has me a bit confused. It sounds like they like it more than the core/aldebaran but then compare it to the curado 51/50e? I've never heard someone say the curado is better than the core... I saw the question raised on another forum but didn't feel like I saw a solid explanation. Can anyone compare the core and the scorpion performance wise? Thanks.

[kickerfish1]

Just like member "thehooligan" I am a huge fan of the 50 series shimanos. I currently have 4 and each has been supertuned and each has some upgraded parts. I am using the core 50mg7, the scorpion 1000xt, the chronarch 50e, and curado 50e. The differences are very slight and the prices jump considerably even when considering a lightly used reel vs new.

 

I was told the weight of the spool in the core and scorpion are the same. Obviously the handle length and knob size is the same as is the frame. The spool bearings are basically a 9 with the scorpion and as close to a 10 in the core. The reels differ in weight by about 1.4 ounces. The drag star on the core is not plastic like that of the scorpion, probably aluminum or some higher quality material. The spool tension knob is smoother to adjust and slightly larger on the core.

 

Performance wise I think the core will cast a tad further with your typical bass baits (say a 3/8 oz jig) but only a matter of feet. The retrieve may be a touch smoother and the gears are slightly faster. Free spool is slightly better on the core.

 

Also the part compatibility for the scorpion is essentially the same as the curado and chronarch 50 sized reels.

 

I purchased my core for $285 new and my scorpion for $200 in mint condition. I wanted the lightest and smallest sized reel Shimano made to mount on my Cumulus to achieve the lightest outfit I could put together. That is the only way I was able to logically justify the near $100 price difference when I bought the core. The other differences are very minor and are hardly noticeable.

 

It is a tough decision I know but you would probably be happy with either for most bass applications...

[Arv]

Just like member "thehooligan" I am a huge fan of the 50 series shimanos. I currently have 4 and each has been supertuned and each has some upgraded parts. I am using the core 50mg7, the scorpion 1000xt, the chronarch 50e, and curado 50e. The differences are very slight and the prices jump considerably even when considering a lightly used reel vs new.

I was told the weight of the spool in the core and scorpion are the same. Obviously the handle length and knob size is the same as is the frame. The spool bearings are basically a 9 with the scorpion and as close to a 10 in the core. The reels differ in weight by about 1.4 ounces. The drag star on the core is not plastic like that of the scorpion, probably aluminum or some higher quality material. The spool tension knob is smoother to adjust and slightly larger on the core.

Performance wise I think the core will cast a tad further with your typical bass baits (say a 3/8 oz jig) but only a matter of feet. The retrieve may be a touch smoother and the gears are slightly faster. Free spool is slightly better on the core.

Also the part compatibility for the scorpion is essentially the same as the curado and chronarch 50 sized reels.

I purchased my core for $285 new and my scorpion for $200 in mint condition. I wanted the lightest and smallest sized reel Shimano made to mount on my Cumulus to achieve the lightest outfit I could put together. That is the only way I was able to logically justify the near $100 price difference when I bought the core. The other differences are very minor and are hardly noticeable.

It is a tough decision I know but you would probably be happy with either for most bass applications...

Thanks for the quick reply! I know it all comes down to personal preference, but at those prices do you think the core is worth it over scorpion? I already have an aldebaran so I'm not overly concerned with having a super light reel, though it is a desirable trait.

[Hi Salenity]

I have all 4 in 50 size and on the water it's hard to tell them apart.

[kickerfish1]

The Aldebaran MG or the BFS? If you have the MG I really feel that you essentially have JDM core. If it is the BFS reel than you will obviously have a lighter spool and a more finesse oriented reel than the US core.

 

I can't recall if you said somewhere in a previous post that you had rod picked out for it or not? Perhaps the balance aspect may come into play somewhere should the rod be super light or considered normal in weight. I fish the two reels very much and just off performance (Lets say casting distance and smoothness of the retrieve only) I personally don't feel the difference in price is justified. However the selling point for me on the core was the shear weight or lack there of. If you had the reels professionally cleaned and supertuned while keeping the bearings stock in both you would be hard pressed to see a major difference that jumps out to you. The other reason I bought the core and it is somewhat sad, is to perfectly match the cumulus rod I have.

[Arv]

The Aldebaran MG or the BFS? If you have the MG I really feel that you essentially have JDM core. If it is the BFS reel than you will obviously have a lighter spool and a more finesse oriented reel than the US core.

I can't recall if you said somewhere in a previous post that you had rod picked out for it or not? Perhaps the balance aspect may come into play somewhere should the rod be super light or considered normal in weight. I fish the two reels very much and just off performance (Lets say casting distance and smoothness of the retrieve only) I personally don't feel the difference in price is justified. However the selling point for me on the core was the shear weight or lack there of. If you had the reels professionally cleaned and supertuned while keeping the bearings stock in both you would be hard pressed to see a major difference that jumps out to you. The other reason I bought the core and it is somewhat sad, is to perfectly match the cumulus rod I have.

Sorry, I keep forgetting to mention, it is the bfs. The new reel would go on an assortment of rods so I want it to be able to handle any number of things. Mostly Dobyns rods, which I am not concerned with balancing well with any reel, or my Cumulus 71mhxf, so the light weight of the core is, again, desirable, but not an absolute must since the scorpion is already pretty light, and the fact I already have the aldebaran bfs.

[Hogsticker]

http://japaneselure.gostorego.com/reel/shimano/shimano-baitcasting/shimano-scorpion-xt-1000.html

 

Killer price. I agree the Curado and Scorp are fairly similar, but the Scorp is a little better. It feels smoother, tighter, and less stressed to me. It's definitely noticeable in my hands. Could just be my reels though. I wouldn't spend the extra cash on a Core unless you're dead set on magnesium. You're going to want to upgrade the handle, and likely spool bearings either way, so use the additional funds for that. I know for certain MY Scorp makes less noise on the cast and retrieve than MY Curado.

[Raul]

The Core is Magnesium, the Scorpion is not, that's the main difference and the reason why the Core weights 1.4 oz less. Is it worth the extra money ? Well, I don't know, I don't own a core but I do own several Chronarch 50 Mg and Scorpion 1000 Mg, and I really like them over my Curado 100 and Scorpion 1000 ( the same reel but non magnesium version )

[thehooligan]

Two reasons I don't use scorpions/curados. There heavier then the core, and I rarely use the 6:4 gear ratio...

Great reels though, the Scorpions are cheap right now !!

[Greeneye8181]

The Scorpion 1000MG is a sweet reel. I presently own the Core 50MG but sold my Scorpion last season. I prefer the Core but if you can get a 1000MG they are usually a great price.

[JGBassinAL]

Not trying to hijack the thread but I have been contemplating buying a scorpion 1000xt for a while (I already have a 1500xt and love it). I was wondering if there is any way to put 7.x:1 gears in the scorpion? I don't want to spend the extra for the core but I won't buy the scorpion either if I can't put those higher gears in. I really like the scorpion series but would like a 50 size with 7.x:1 gears. Thanks!

[TrippyJai]

I have all 4 in 50 size and on the water it's hard to tell them apart.

 

All 4 spools are the same weight except different in colour. The JDM spools weight a tad lighter because of the lighter brakes, but you can order the smoke ones from Shimano for like $5. Performance wise, they will all be about the same.

 

The biggest factor in choosing a reel is weight, the core is much lighter. If you don't mind the extra weight, with the money saved, you can use it towards upgrading the drag star to aluminum, longer handle, power knobs, bearings, drag, etc.

 

Not trying to hijack the thread but I have been contemplating buying a scorpion 1000xt for a while (I already have a 1500xt and love it). I was wondering if there is any way to put 7.x:1 gears in the scorpion? I don't want to spend the extra for the core but I won't buy the scorpion either if I can't put those higher gears in. I really like the scorpion series but would like a 50 size with 7.x:1 gears. Thanks!

 

Yes, you can buy the 7:1 gear set from the Core.

[JGBassinAL]

Thanks TrippyJai!

[John G]

The Core 100 star drag is a perfect fit for the XT1000.

[dam0007]

All 4 spools are the same weight except different in colour. The JDM spools weight a tad lighter because of the lighter brakes, but you can order the smoke ones from Shimano for like $5. Performance wise, they will all be about the same.

 

The biggest factor in choosing a reel is weight, the core is much lighter. If you don't mind the extra weight, with the money saved, you can use it towards upgrading the drag star to aluminum, longer handle, power knobs, bearings, drag, etc.

 

 

Yes, you can buy the 7:1 gear set from the Core.

smoke brakes?

[Hogsticker]

The Scorpion weighs a whopping 6.7 ounces. I think you can handle it. You may already be aware, but after buying your 1st Jdm reel you'll want another, and another.

[Raul]

smoke brakes?

Smoke colored weight blocks.

[Raul]

The Scorpion weighs a whopping 6.7 ounces. I think you can handle it. You may already be aware, but after buying your 1st Jdm reel you'll want another, and another.

How can you fish an entire day with a 6.7 oz reel ? It must be soooooo tiresome !!! A real workout.

[TrippyJai]

 

Smoke brakes I put on my 50E.

 

The list of upgrades are in this thread with pictures:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/128379-finished-upgrading-my-curado-50e/

 

I lied about being finished because I did a few more upgrades for fun. I swapped out the rachet, drive shaft and key washer from the Core because they were lighter saving a bit of weight. Reel was a tad lighter in hand, but when I put it on a rod, it didn't make much difference from before.

[War Eagle 44]

 

 

I was basically going to post the same pic but I opted to use three different brake weights because sometimes one smoke isn't enough but two is too much, imo. By having three different weights I can for instance on a windy day use one green brake, instead of two smoke brakes, and regain complete control over my spool. Two of any color block provide more braking force than a single green and I've never encountered a situation yet that the one green block wasn't able to handle. The clear blocks are "somewhere" in the middle, I can't remember exactly where in the order they fall.

 

I too, just yesterday in fact, installed Core 51 gears in this little guy. I can tell a slight difference in hand that it's a bit lighter but as you said not on a rod. Also as an interesting side note, I'm not sure if you guys have read about my previous pitching "problems" with this reel but the Core pinion gear seems to have fixed my problem. Even though I polished the inside of the pinion that came in the reel there was always a slight "lag" in spool start up while pitching but it doesn't seem to be there anymore with the Core pinion gear. I polished the inside of it as well before installing it and just playing around with the reel in the house last night after I was finished my free spool time seems to have increased a good margin.

 

I've "inspected" the stock pinion as thoroughly as I can but I can find a single spot on it or the spool shaft where they were rubbing together but they had to be doing so slightly somewhere as the "lag" is now gone. Either way I'm a happy camper as I killed two birds with one stone, made my 51E lighter, faster, and lag free.   

[Arv]

Well guys, I wound up getting the core. The scorpion will probably be in my short list in the future. I forgot how much I like the 50 size shimanos

[kickerfish1]

Nice buy. For the palmability, proven reliability, and the fact that it is still one of the lightest reels in the industry even though it is more than a few years it has been around should tell you something. I don't think you will be disappointed. I would fish it stock and likely flush the bearings and properly lube them and even have the reel supertuned. Those two things together will put the performance up there another notch. Most reel techs will do it for under $30 which is great upgrade. The stock bearings in the Core are some of the nicest Shimano uses. And yes the bearings between the Curado, Scorpion, and Core are different as you progress up the line. I was told by a reel tech that does thousands of Shimano reels that once cleaned and lubed the bearings on the core are close to 10. I don't mean a 10 on the abec rating scale like the 5 and 7 series which are popular but a 10 in terms of overall quality and performance.

 

Enjoy!

[bass1980]

Here's my suggestion. Buy a Curado 50e and get some core 7:1 gears and send it in for super tune and the works. Should still end up being cheaper than buying a core and from what I hear, should weigh around 6.7 oz with the lighter gears. I will be doing that for one of my Chronarch 51e this offseason.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I've got 1 or 2 of the 7:1 gear sets if anyone's interested. 

[dam0007]

wait a minute, the different color brakes weigh differently? Is there a chart or something? Ive only ever used whatever came with the reels and typically all of them have only 2 set.