Shimano MGL VS DC ?

[Mr.C in Texas]

This reel will be on medium light custom rod dedicated for open water swim baits from 1/8 oz. to 1/4 oz. total weight and we often have higher winds.  I haven’t owned a MGL or DC. I’m thinking about the Chronarch but may go as high as this Alderbaran.  I’m pretty confident in My casting ability but I’m finding it challenging to throw light baits while battling the wind.  I also have a spinning setup for this application if I want to get light or if it’s really windy. Would the DC or MGL benefit me the most?  Thanks!

[Tywithay]

MGL would be most beneficial, in my opinion. DC is great for casting typical lures with less fuss, but offers no advantages with lighter stuff. If you're already willing to spend the coin, I'd consider ordering a new Metanium from Japan, rather than the Chronarch. I've paid $285-$290 for mine and both arrived in less than a week. It has the newer MGLIII spool and a smaller frame.

[BigTimeBassin]

42 minutes ago, Tywithay said:

MGL would be most beneficial, in my opinion. DC is great for casting typical lures with less fuss, but offers no advantages with lighter stuff. If you're already willing to spend the coin, I'd consider ordering a new Metanium from Japan, rather than the Chronarch. I've paid $285-$290 for mine and both arrived in less than a week. It has the newer MGLIII spool and a smaller frame.

My understanding is the only difference here is that there would be no factory warranty, is that correct? Short of that, the reel is exactly the same as the US market reel? 

[Tywithay]

Correct. I think the spool may be slightly shallower, like 10 yards. However, that could just be a difference in labeling between US and Japanese line manufacturers. Aside from that, it's exactly the same frame and hardware. I've never had a reel fail me, but Shimano parts are easy to come by, and there's several places that fix reels if you don't work on them yourself. I worry more about rod warranties than reels, personally. 

[BigTimeBassin]

5 minutes ago, Tywithay said:

Correct. I think the spool may be slightly shallower, like 10 yards. However, that could just be a difference in labeling between US and Japanese line manufacturers. Aside from that, it's exactly the same frame and hardware. I've never had a reel fail me, but Shimano parts are easy to come by, and there's several places that fix reels if you don't work on them yourself. I worry more about rod warranties than reels, personally. 

Appreciate the info! 

[CFDoc]

1 hour ago, BigTimeBassin said:

My understanding is the only difference here is that there would be no factory warranty, is that correct? Short of that, the reel is exactly the same as the US market reel? 

 

No!

 

The JDM spool is shallower and casts BFS baits much better than the USDM spool.

 

The USDM handles knobs are a good bit larger than JDM.

 

The USDM handle length is longer than the JDM.

 

More information here

[jbsoonerfan]

I have the 20 Met, Chronarch MGL, Scorpion MGL, Scorpion 70, SLX MGL, Bantam, Aldebaran 50 & a Curado 70 on order. The Aldebaran is what I go with for down to 1/8 oz. In fact, I have it on my 6'10 ML Zodias for weightless senkos and 1/8 oz t-rigs. I use one of the Mets for 3/16 t-rigs and it is a GREAT reel. I really like the Scorpion MGL a lot as well. For light weight lures, my order of preference would be Alde, 20 Met, Scorpion MGL, Scorpion 70, SLX MGL (I don't use mine a ton, but need to try it more) and Bantam (one of my favorite reels but I don't have the right line on them to go down to 1/8 oz as they shine with heavier baits.)

[Dumbbassanglr]

I own multiple mgls and dc reels and would say if your main concern is wind I would go with a dc reel. In the end the mgl reels are probably more versatile but they will backlash in the wind just like other reels. 

[PhishLI]

5 hours ago, Mr.C in Texas said:

I’m thinking about the Chronarch but may go as high as this Alderbaran.  I’m pretty confident in My casting ability but I’m finding it challenging to throw light baits while battling the wind.

You'll need to be very competent with a reel like the Alde 50. It's a great reel, but also unforgiving when the brakes are set to throw light baits for distance. Your thumb really needs to be on point, especially when you're fishing in wind. It has a very fast spool. If nothing else you'll up your game if you can master it.

[JustJames]

For 1/8-1/4oz total weight with some wind, that gonna be though for any reels. Line is also critical with this weight lure. I would go with lightest and shallowest spool you can find. This case I believe aldebaran 30MGL might be a ticket. 

[BigTimeBassin]

10 hours ago, CFDoc said:

 

No!

 

The JDM spool is shallower and casts BFS baits much better than the USDM spool.

 

The USDM handles knobs are a good bit larger than JDM.

 

The USDM handle length is longer than the JDM.

 

More information here

Awesome breakdown. Thanks so much! 

[Mr.C in Texas]

Thanks for all the great info! This is a saltwater marsh setup and most of my casts are under 20 yards in a kayak.  

[DABASSBROS]

Get the slx dc. Casts really nice and is smooth. Don’t think it’s worth the extra money to buy the more expensive shimanos. You can get a really nice rod with the money. 

[FishTank]

On 7/28/2020 at 7:53 PM, Mr.C in Texas said:

Thanks for all the great info! This is a saltwater marsh setup and most of my casts are under 20 yards in a kayak.  

 

I really wouldn't recommend I either one, especially from a kayak.  I would think salt will get everywhere, even in a DC reel and all of Shimano's MGL reels are not rated for saltwater.  

 

Out of what is a available,  the Chronarch G and the Tranx 200 would work for salt on a regular basis.  

[Mr.C in Texas]

Wow, forgot about this post. Bought a 2020 metanium and it’s been great.  As long as you take care of your reels magnesium is fine. Several of us use 2020 Mets almost every weekend with no issues.

[TimTheGearNerd]

I always though an educated thumb and MGL reel will outcast the same model DC reel. Anyone have experience on this subject and can chime in? 
 

i.e Met DC will not cast as far as Met MGL

 

 

[jbsoonerfan]

This is just my opinion, but casting distance is the most over rated thing there is to talk about when it comes to reels. For one thing, a few feet here and there usually doesn't make a lot of difference. Secondly, 99% of guys are going to lie about how far they can cast anyway. I rarely ever just throw it as far as I can. Most all of my casts are at targets so I want a reel that I can dial in and control in any situation. For me, this means I am going to use an MGL every chance I can.

[roadwarrior]