New SLX MGL, what lb test Braid?

[LCG]

I ordered a new SLX MGL 151 HG. I am planning on using this reel for light 1/8oz texas rigged trick/ribbon tailed worms and creature baits. Maybe some light spinner baits and 1/4oz in line spinners as well. 

 

This is my first 70 sized spool. I am usually a braid to leader guy. I was thinking 20lb braid to 10lb leader would compliment my Stradic FL with 10lb braid to 6lb leader and my Curado K with 30lb braid to 14lb leader. 

 

However, I have never used 20lb braid on a baitcaster for fear of dig in on the spool. Is this an issue on a shallow spool? Any higher seems like it might counteract the MGL spool being light weight and throwing heavier braid with light lures. Also curious if this reel will be able to toss 1/16oz Ned rigs (3/16 total). 

 

Any tips of tricks would be greatly appreciated. 

[bx.versatile]

I run 50lb Maxcuatro which is +/- 40lb 4-strand thinness. I have no trouble with line capacity, tried it throwing close to 3/4 oz frogs and it casted very far. Since braid diameter varies from brand, strands, material used (Dyneema(Izanas), Spectra),etc. I think a 30lb braid any strand and brand and you'll be fine. I have the JDM model, but I don't think the spool is different.

[DomQ]

I usually run 30lb on all my baitcasters other then my top water reels, which get 50lb. I think 30lb is a good baseline to start with and if you don't think its enough line go to a 20lb of your choice.

[waymont]

I use 20lb Sufix 832 to 12lb leader on my two Tatula SV tw reels with zero issues. I have caught a bunch of 5-7lb channel cats while bass fishing, and it works out great. These reels work really well with 20lb braid.

[JustJames]

I normally use braid on my spinning but not so much on baitcaster. I only have one out of 10 on 30lb braid for 3/8oz jig or medium top water as well as frog. I think 8lb copolymer would be more versatile on SLX MGL for all techniques you listed, 1/8oz Texas rig, Senko or even Ned Rig. 

[r83srock]

I have 40lb pp on mine, but I think 30 would be good too. Love to try maxquatro. No issue though with 40.

[LCG]

Thanks everyone for the input, seems like 30lb is the most recommended. Line capacity isn't really an issue as I don't need that much line. 

 

I ordered the reel from Japan Friday night and received an email late last night that it shipped. Can't wait to give it a try, been going back and forth between this reel and the curado 70 MGL, Scorpion MGL, and the Bantam MGL. Then I simplified the list by focusing on a 70 sized reel and at the end of the day the SLX MGL was less than half the cost of the Curado MGL. 

[r83srock]

3 hours ago, LCG said:

Thanks everyone for the input, seems like 30lb is the most recommended. Line capacity isn't really an issue as I don't need that much line. 

 

I ordered the reel from Japan Friday night and received an email late last night that it shipped. Can't wait to give it a try, been going back and forth between this reel and the curado 70 MGL, Scorpion MGL, and the Bantam MGL. Then I simplified the list by focusing on a 70 sized reel and at the end of the day the SLX MGL was less than half the cost of the Curado MGL. 

I’ve never paid for a super expensive reel, I’ve had almost every generation of Curado though, with the K being my favorite and so far I like this mgl slx as much as any Curado I’ve had. I use mine for 1/8-1/4 finesse jigs and it performs really well.

[Big Hands]

I have the SLX MGL 70 and put 30 lb braid on it with 10 lb fluorocarbon leader on a medium SLX casting rod. So far, so good. I decided against 20 lb braid for fear of it digging in as well.

[LCG]

Just got an update on my order, looks like the tax man wants his money too still not bad $169 canadian plus $32 tax/duty. Still $50 cheaper than anywhere I could find. Bought it from Asian portal fishing after reading some good reviews of the company here on bass resource. 

[mrpao]

I've order quite a bit from over seas and had never had to pay any import taxes. Guess I've been lucky.

[LCG]

1 hour ago, mrpao said:

I've order quite a bit from over seas and had never had to pay any import taxes. Guess I've been lucky.

I figure win some, lose some. All good.

 

This is my first JDM purchase and was surprised to see so much different selection of product. It's interesting and I can foree buying future stuff there. I know Japan takes there fishing pretty serious and their level of quality products is well known. 

[LCG]

Reel came in today. Spooled it with some 30lb kastking braid and went out to a local pond. Casted and pitched a 1/8oz trick worm, a 1/4oz in line spinner, and then a weightless trick worm.

 

Unfortunately no fish, but I did get a good feel for the reel and have it dialed in to where I like it. It casted and pitched all of the above lures very well. I am very impressed how easily it side arm cast a weightless trick worm, very little effort and great distance considering the light weight lure and a MH-XF rod that is rated for 3/8-1oz. Accuracy is on point as well. The reel is very comfortable to palm. 

 

I bought it to compliment my Curado K and I wanted something smaller and lighter to throw small baits. The SLX MGL is maybe a tad behind the Curado K in overall refinement, but not by much. Set the brakes at 2 on 2 off, outside dial at 4 with a loose spool tension and it's as good as I could ask for. Retrieve is very smooth and the handle is comfortable. So far I am very impressed with the SLX MGL.