Recommend me a nice Shimano BC reel

[pauldconyers]

For most of my BC reels I have Shimano SLX reels and I've been thinking about upgraded to a nicer Shimano BC reel on my "main" rod. That rod is a DOBYNS Champion 7'3" DC 734C and is my do-everything rod if I am just grabbing one rod for the day. I think I want to stay with Shimano and want to keep the price under $250. I have seen some very large looking high end Shimanos and I think I would like something somewhat palmable. The problem is am just somewhat lost and even a bit intimidated with looking at all the different reel models I could consider. When I try to look at them it is hard to sort through all the different models, their features, what is still currently available versus no longer currently being made, Japanese models from over seas and such I am just swimming in info. Maybe a Curado 200K or Curado DC? IDK? HELP!!

[FishTank]

I have the Curado K and the DC.  If I had to choose, they are both great but the DC is definitely worth the extra cost.  Great reel and just fun to fish. 

[jbsoonerfan]

Scorpion DC, Scorpion 70, Scorpion MGL, Bantam MGL, Chronarch MGL, Curado DC, Curado K

 

I currently own or have owned them all and you can't go wrong with any of them.

[pauldconyers]

1 minute ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Scorpion DC, Scorpion 70, Scorpion MGL, Bantam MGL, Chronarch MGL, Curado DC, Curado K

 

I currently own or have owned them all and you can't go wrong with any of them.

That's the thing, I see all these different models and have no idea what is what. Shimano's page does not seem super helpful. Is there a website or posts on here that kind of explain the differences in an easy manner?

[jbsoonerfan]

What kind of questions do you have that you can't find the answers to? Weight, gear material, handle length, line capacity, IPT, braking system?????

 

I don't know if this is against forum rules, but tackle tour has a bunch of reviews that would take you a while to read if you are so inclined to do so.

[zell_pop1]

Read reviews and specs on Tackle Warehouse or Amazon. 

Another reel to consider is the Shimano Citica I. It is on clearance, and is the same reel as a Curado I without the saltwater rating.

[GReb]

If I had a $250 budget and was going after Shimano I’d grab a Chronarch MGL from Digitaka for $232 or step it up to Bantam MGL for $260. 

[JustJames]

Each reel would have some specific specification that fit each situation. Most that important to me when considered buying new reel is line capacity and size of reel.

If you like the size of SLX then next best thing would be either bantam MGL 150 and 2019 anteres 70. The line capacity, if you happy with 150 size then there is plenty option in that size. If you plan to use lighter line then you’ll have 70 (Curado 70, Aldebaran 50, Slx MGL 70, Anteres 70 and JDM metaniam 70), the one that hold more line now would be 200K or scorpion 200 (old I series body)

If I were you and if gonna buy new reel, that would be Chornarch MGL 150. The size is a bit bigger than SLX, line capacity the same but lighter weight. Unfortunately I have SLX MGL coming, I just want to really see if this can compare to my favorite Curado 70.

[fishballer06]

With your budget, the Chronarch MGL is going to be your best bet from the US market. If you're willing to buy JDM, the Scorpion MGL or a Bantam MGL are going to the be the best in your price range. 

[jbsoonerfan]

17 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

With your budget, the Chronarch MGL is going to be your best bet from the US market. If you're willing to buy JDM, the Scorpion MGL or a Bantam MGL are going to the be the best in your price range. 

Solid advice!

[bwjay]

There isn't some list of "best Shimano reels" out there that'll explain it for you. But some reels have features that others don't, and it's up to you to figure out what does what. Sometimes it's a little easy to guess. Like, the Aldebaran MGL 50 has a 50 sized spool which is quite small. It's also a very lightweight reel. One might think it is for finesse techniques since you won't be casting far with it, and sure enough, it is a finesse-focused reel. But for reels like the Chronarch MGL or Bantam MGL, well, they're both just all-around winners. The Chronarch is lighter, the Bantam is more solid and smooth. IMO, if you want a solid-feeling reel that inspires confidence, look no further than the Bantam. Snag one from Digitaka for just over your budget range. You won't be disappointed.

 

For any other reel info, I recommend watching YouTube videos and using Google to search BassResource, like "site:bassresource.com chronarch mgl vs bantam mgl" and stuff like that. Obviously without the quotes.

 

Best of luck finding a reel to love! Shimano has many.

[Fishes in trees]

I don't believe in " do everything" reels, mostly because these days I don't have to.  Back in the day a "do everything" reel was a matter of circumstance, not choice.  To address your question of which reel to get, if you're going to be throwing reaction baits, then I think that the Curado DC will get you a little better distance when you get it dialed in.  If you're throwing "feel" or bottom contact baits, I don't think the computer controlled braking is necessary, so I'd go a different direction.  For me, that is the smaller 50 size Shimano reels.   For pitching, they just seem to fit my hand better and they are a little lighter.  15 years ago, I didn't care much how heavy a reel was, these days that is a major consideration.  My 50 size Chronarch and Curado 50 E reels are all a few years old and no where near needing replacement, so I can't speak to the variety of reels Shimano has come out with lately, with then exception of the Curado 150 DC - which I got last winter and I like a lot for throwing spinnerbaits.  I'm pretty sure it would work great for any reaction bait, but I've got other reels for those duties right now.

[johnD.]

Bantam MGL from digitaka $268 if you can squeeze that into your budget.

[Bandersnatch]

22 hours ago, GReb said:

If I had a $250 budget and was going after Shimano I’d grab a Chronarch MGL from Digitaka for $232 or step it up to Bantam MGL for $260. 

Either or but both are great. The bantam is even better. They are both leaps and bounds above the slx