Shimano SLX MGL vs Curado 70

[NJBasstard]

Looking at the SLX MGL and Curado 70's both new for the same price. I know the MGL has the lighter spool and the Curado has X-Ship. I have no experience with either but aiming for something high speed that palms similar to my 50e's. I swap reels from rod to rod sometimes but I'd mostly use it for 1/4-1/2 jigs. Maybe try it with hollow body frogs if it can handle it.

 

Any other differences I'm not aware of besides lack of warranty on the MGL?  

[The Bassman]

Can't speak from experience. @Bass_Fishing_Socal might chime in on this. FWIW Asian Portal Fishing has the MGL 70's for under 120.00. That's a steal. Bait Monkey has been talking in my ear but I really don't need another bc. I've bought from them recently and they're a very good source.

[NJBasstard]

12 minutes ago, The Bassman said:

Can't speak from experience. @Bass_Fishing_Socal might chime in on this. FWIW Asian Portal Fishing has the MGL 70's for under 120.00. That's a steal. Bait Monkey has been talking in my ear but I really don't need another bc. I've bought from them recently and they're a very good source.

Thanks that's $20 cheaper than what I've found assuming it's free shipping. Not sure if you're in the US but if so did you have to pay any customs fees?

[jbsoonerfan]

2 minutes ago, NJBasstard said:

Thanks that's $20 cheaper than what I've found assuming it's free shipping. Not sure if you're in the US but if so did you have to pay any customs fees?

I bought my last Scorpion MGL from them and it was free shipping with no customs fees. I think the SLX MGL is like $118 right now. Got my Scorpion in about 8 days total.

 

BTW, I have an SLX MGL and it is a nice little reel and hard to beat for $120

[kayaking_kev]

What would you guys recommend for a Dobyns 704 Glass, a SLX XT 6.3.1 or SLX MGL 70 6.3.1? 

I've had the SLX XT and SLX before, but just sold them to get a lower gear ratio. I like the external braking system better on the XT, but would the MGL 70 palm a little bit better or is that just the spool size? Thanks!

 

EDIT: I just realized the MGL 70 has the SVS Infinity Braking System!

[NJBasstard]

1 hour ago, kayaking_kev said:

What would you guys recommend for a Dobyns 704 Glass, a SLX XT 6.3.1 or SLX MGL 70 6.3.1? 

I've had the SLX XT and SLX before, but just sold them to get a lower gear ratio. I like the external braking system better on the XT, but would the MGL 70 palm a little bit better or is that just the spool size? Thanks!

 

EDIT: I just realized the MGL 70 has the SVS Infinity Braking System!

 

Yes both the SLX MGL 70 and the Curado 70 have SVS brakes from what I understand. Curados on sale for $140 and the MGL for $118 at the site listed in the previous comments. Wish I could get my hands on both to compare but I can't.  Hopefully someone who has experience with both chimes in with more info. 

 

Edit- Shimanos website also list the MGL has micromodule gears as well.

[kayaking_kev]

27 minutes ago, NJBasstard said:

 

Yes both the SLX MGL 70 and the Curado 70 have SVS brakes from what I understand. Curados on sale for $140 and the MGL for $118 at the site listed in the previous comments. Wish I could get my hands on both to compare but I can't.  Hopefully someone who has experience with both chimes in with more info. 

 

Edit- Shimanos website also list the MGL has micromodule gears as well.

REELTEST on YouTube did a comparison video between the two.

[JustJames]

5 hours ago, NJBasstard said:

 

Edit- Shimanos website also list the MGL has micromodule gears as well.

I don’t see any list of Micromodule gear on Shimano Japan or Singapore website, Too bad I did not open it up before selling it off. To me if they are the same price, I would pick Curado 70 any day. They both palm similar to 50 series, but curado feel more refined. I like drag set on Curado only 1/2 turn, can go from loose to lock down. From what you intend to use jig and frog, I think curado would fit better. 

SLX MGL is not a bad reel either. It is a lot more control than curado. I would use SLX MGL for more of finesse stuff since that would benefit more from MGL spool. I sold the reel off because I want spinning reel instead.

 

One thing though, you might get grinding issue with Curado 70 after awhile, but that can be fix with new bearing. I didnt fish with SLX MGL long enough but my reg SLX doesn’t have this problem yet.

[JustJames]

5 hours ago, kayaking_kev said:

 I like the external braking system better on the XT, but would the MGL 70 palm a little bit better or is that just the spool size? Thanks!

 

EDIT: I just realized the MGL 70 has the SVS Infinity Braking System!

XT and MGL is the same frame and same external adjustment. 70 is only for line capacity. If you plan to use with 12lb or more XT would be better. 

[NJBasstard]

8 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

I don’t see any list of Micromodule gear on Shimano Japan or Singapore website, Too bad I did not open it up before selling it off. To me if they are the same price, I would pick Curado 70 any day. They both palm similar to 50 series, but curado feel more refined. I like drag set on Curado only 1/2 turn, can go from loose to lock down. From what you intend to use jig and frog, I think curado would fit better. 

SLX MGL is not a bad reel either. It is a lot more control than curado. I would use SLX MGL for more of finesse stuff since that would benefit more from MGL spool. I sold the reel off because I want spinning reel instead.

 

One thing though, you might get grinding issue with Curado 70 after awhile, but that can be fix with new bearing. I didnt fish with SLX MGL long enough but my reg SLX doesn’t have this problem yet.

 

When I searched the MGL the first thing to pop up is this, which mentions the micromodule gears. 

http://fish.shimano.com.sg/content/fish/asia/sg/en/homepage/ProductPage.P-19SLXMGL.html

 

Wether thats true or just an error on the site I'm not sure. What bearing are you referring to in the Curado? The MGL being $118 and the Curado at $140 the cost is pretty close. Is the Curado more of a workhorse than the MGL? 

[TBAG]

Tough choice, but I'd go with a 70.

 

I've never fished the MGL but that's a good price.

 

To those who have how big of a difference did you see versus the regular SLX? I've got a few and they are great little reels so far. I love the smaller size over my Curado K's.

[Crankin4Bass]

9 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

One thing though, you might get grinding issue with Curado 70 after awhile, but that can be fix with new bearing. I didnt fish with SLX MGL long enough but my reg SLX doesn’t have this problem yet.

Which bearing did you replace on the the Curado 70 to take care of the grinding?

[kayaking_kev]

I purchased a MGL last night, $121 shipped was the total, not bad at all. I decided I'm going to get the XT for the 704 Glass and replace my Concept Z on my Extreme HP 702c with the MGL 70.

[JustJames]

@Crankin4Bass I’m not sure which one, so I replace both Xship bearing, 3927 and 4194.

@TBAGit is quite a bit different compare to SLX, You got one more bearing (mainshaft), you got Japan bearing (which can free spin about twice as long (but it might not benefit on regular use). You got nicer color not cheap flat black. You got external fine tune adjustment. And most importantly you got light weight MGL spool. A lot of fishermen request more and more lighter spool, in believing that lighter spool cast further, thanks to those BFS crown. They willing to spend big money for that, why shimano come up with MGL to complete with Daiwa SV spool. 
I don’t really see a lot of benefit of lighter spool in regular use 3/8oz and up. I can cast Neg rig on conquest50 with 17.5 grams spool as good as Yumeya spool on scorpion 1000XT (8 grams).

Now let me tell you something about MGL spool. At one time I have bantam MGL loaded you with #12 copolymer on 7’1 MH/XF rod. I didn’t have any other lure in my car but 1/8oz shakey head with Big TRD. I fish it anyway, and bantam MGL can handle that weight just fine giving that line and rod is not really suitable for such weight.

Now to get which one is your choice, I sold my SLX MGL but still have SLX and might buy another one soon. I use my SLX for medium to heavy stuffs, but once awhile I pitch 4”senko with it no problem.

@NJBasstard I see that too, man I should have open them up. There is no mention on MM gear on the reel nor the box. Curado come with stock carbon drag, and can handle 25lb crap on 8lb line with no sweat.

[OnthePotomac]

As indicated above, the SLX MGL has a size 100 spool and the Curado 70 has a size 150 spool and you will find that on several JDM reels of external physical comparisons.  With regard the 70's making noise, Shimano recommends using their ACE2 drag grease on HG and XG drive gears.  Cal's drag grease is the same as the ACE2.  I use it on all three of my 70XG's and my other Shimano XG reels.  It really makes a difference.  I have never purchased a Shimano reel requiring a faulty bearing replacement.

[NJBasstard]

1 hour ago, OnthePotomac said:

As indicated above, the SLX MGL has a size 100 spool and the Curado 70 has a size 150 spool and you will find that on several JDM reels of external physical comparisons.  With regard the 70's making noise, Shimano recommends using their ACE2 drag grease on HG and XG drive gears.  Cal's drag grease is the same as the ACE2.  I use it on all three of my 70XG's and my other Shimano XG reels.  It really makes a difference.  I have never purchased a Shimano reel requiring a faulty bearing replacement.

 

I assume the difference is for weight reduction on the MGL spool? I assumed they were almost the same since they advertise each as 70's and appear to hold the same amount of line. It does seam odd that the Curado weighs less that the MGL overall.

After reading more and seeing the comparison video I have no doubt either will handle the 1/4-1/2 jigs I'll throw a majority of the time. When in the kayak or on the bank my jig rod often doubles as my frog rod and I'm not sure how either one will hold up to that abuse. 

 

[NJBasstard]

Just wanted to bump this thread with some pics incase someone reads this at a later date. I ended up getting the Curado 70xg shortly after starting this thread and just received my SLX MGL.

 

Here's an inside pic of a 6.3:1 SLX MGL..

 

[LCG]

8 hours ago, NJBasstard said:

just received my SLX MGL

How does it compare to your other reels? This Slx MGL has me intrigued. 

[OnthePotomac]

On 2/25/2020 at 11:23 AM, kayaking_kev said:

I purchased a MGL last night, $121 shipped was the total, not bad at all. I decided I'm going to get the XT for the 704 Glass and replace my Concept Z on my Extreme HP 702c with the MGL 70.

Deleted my comment since I already said my piece on the 70 grinding comments above.  Still no grinding on my four year old 70XG's.

[NJBasstard]

5 hours ago, LCG said:

How does it compare to your other reels? This Slx MGL has me intrigued. 

 

I just got it so I've only been out with it twice. I fished it right out of the box side by side with the other reels pictured and so far I'm impressed. Gave all of them a good cleaning last night and went out this morning. The 50E & SLX MGL are spooled with 20lb J Braid, the Curado 70 with 30lb Seaguar Smackdown and the XT 1000 with 12lb Big Game mono so I can't give a direct comparison, but casting and pitching baits down to 1/4oz it did very well. I haven't tried throwing anything lighter than that yet.  It palms nicely for me although I still prefer the frame the 50's built on. The knobs feel great and are shimmed perfectly, no play at all in the handle and this thing is buttery smooth. We'll see how it holds up the rest of the season but so far I'm happy. Can't say much more until I spent more time with it.

 

Just so you know the price went up a few dollars but I did order it from Asian Portal Fishing. I ordered on Thursday night and it arrived to my house in NJ on tuesday. Total cost was $127. 

[Manifestgtr]

6 hours ago, LCG said:

How does it compare to your other reels? This Slx MGL has me intrigued. 

I have all the reels pictured above. The SLX MGL feels great to cast and genuinely feels like an “upgrade” from the SLX. I would expect to buy an extra pinion, though. Mine has gone a tiiiinyyyy bit grindy on the retrieve after about a season’s worth of hard use....been keeping an eye on it.

[JustJames]

On 6/26/2020 at 7:52 PM, NJBasstard said:

 

 

Nice collection there

[Sir Shamsalot]

The SLX does have "X-Ship." All X-Ship Technology" is a double bearing supported pinon. I suspect its not on the box because its a selling point for the more expensive reels. If you look at the Tranx 200, it has a double supported pinion as well and the X-Ship identifier. Something to keep in mind, micro gears or tighter pitched gears means tighter tolerances. All micro gears have to have a pinion that is rigidly supported or the gearing can come out of mesh which usually results in gear damage.

[garroyo130]

1 hour ago, DustyBill said:

The SLX does have "X-Ship." All X-Ship Technology" is a double bearing supported pinon. 

 

The SLX does not appear to have X-Ship. Your post made me wonder about this and what I found is that the SLX shares a drive gear (BNT4869) with the "I" series Curados/Citicas but not a pinion gear. 

 

SLX's non X-Ship pinion gear, too short for bearing

 

Curado I's longer X-Ship pinion gear for the bearing

[Sir Shamsalot]

You're right my bad. The SLX XT does.

 

On 12/21/2020 at 1:47 PM, garroyo130 said:

 

The SLX does not appear to have X-Ship. Your post made me wonder about this and what I found is that the SLX shares a drive gear (BNT4869) with the "I" series Curados/Citicas but not a pinion gear. 

 

SLX's non X-Ship pinion gear, too short for bearing

 

Curado I's longer X-Ship pinion gear for the bearing

You're right. The SLX does not. It has 3 +1 bearings. I ment the 4 +1 SLX's like the XT, MGL, and DC. For whatever reason, spellchecker, forgetfulness, or just being tired, the "XT" was missing.