RTipton Posted December 30, 2020 Posted December 30, 2020 I would appreciate any thoughts, opinions and suggestions on a Shimano baitcaster. I have narrowed it down somewhat, but I have not owned a Shimano in many years. This is not a Shimano vs Daiwa vs Lews. I own some Lews and Daiwas and want to try a Shimano. I just would like to hear some suggestions on which Shimano you guys like. I prefer to be in the $200 to $250 range, but can move up or slide down for the right reasons. Can someone help me understand the different models (Curado, Chronarch, etc) and what the advantages/disadvantages are? Weight, durability, casting range, DC feature? Quote
Super User jimmyjoe Posted December 30, 2020 Super User Posted December 30, 2020 If you already have Lew's and Daiwa baitcasters, why would you be inquiring about the DC (digitally controlled) feature? Just curious, that's all. ? jj Quote
RTipton Posted December 30, 2020 Author Posted December 30, 2020 2 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said: If you already have Lew's and Daiwa baitcasters, why would you be inquiring about the DC (digitally controlled) feature? Just curious, that's all. ? jj Do you have a suggestion on which Shimano reel? 1 Quote
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted December 30, 2020 Super User Posted December 30, 2020 I'm sure people are tired of reading my responses and reasonings, so I will just give you a quick run down on what I would suggest. First and foremost, I have no idea what you plan to do with the reel and that would play a role in the order of what I would suggest. But as an all around reel, here goes. 1. Metanium 2020 - Top dog in my opinion and can be found right around $300 2. Bantam MGL - Probably the best value and all around reel and can be found for about $250 3. Curado 70 MGL - I have only had this reel about 2 weeks and I am blown away so far with it 4. Scorpion MGL/Curado 200K - These reels are very similar aside from the spool. I like the Scorpion better but the K is a fine reel 5. Chronarch MGL - A really nice reel but not nearly as impressive as the Bantam at the same price point or even a little more in some cases 6. SLX 70 MGL - Very solid reel that shouldn't be over looked for what they can be had for The search feature would probably give you enough reading information for a while 1 Quote
Super User FishTank Posted December 30, 2020 Super User Posted December 30, 2020 The Bantam would be a great reel> solid like a tank, smooth and cast well. It can be had close to $250. Check out Asian Portal Fishing on ebay or their site.... 1 Quote
RTipton Posted December 30, 2020 Author Posted December 30, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, jbsoonerfan said: I'm sure people are tired of reading my responses and reasonings, so I will just give you a quick run down on what I would suggest. First and foremost, I have no idea what you plan to do with the reel and that would play a role in the order of what I would suggest. But as an all around reel, here goes. 1. Metanium 2020 - Top dog in my opinion and can be found right around $300 2. Bantam MGL - Probably the best value and all around reel and can be found for about $250 3. Curado 70 MGL - I have only had this reel about 2 weeks and I am blown away so far with it 4. Scorpion MGL/Curado 200K - These reels are very similar aside from the spool. I like the Scorpion better but the K is a fine reel 5. Chronarch MGL - A really nice reel but not nearly as impressive as the Bantam at the same price point or even a little more in some cases 6. SLX 70 MGL - Very solid reel that shouldn't be over looked for what they can be had for The search feature would probably give you enough reading information for a while Well I certainly appreciate you taking the time to offer all of this. Very helpful. And yes, I did not give much direction on the use for it because I havent even decided yet. But, it will most likely be used for jigs/t rigs. Thanks again. Edited December 30, 2020 by RTipton I assume to remove the link? Quote
RichF Posted December 30, 2020 Posted December 30, 2020 58 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said: I'm sure people are tired of reading my responses and reasonings, so I will just give you a quick run down on what I would suggest. First and foremost, I have no idea what you plan to do with the reel and that would play a role in the order of what I would suggest. But as an all around reel, here goes. 1. Metanium 2020 - Top dog in my opinion and can be found right around $300 2. Bantam MGL - Probably the best value and all around reel and can be found for about $250 3. Curado 70 MGL - I have only had this reel about 2 weeks and I am blown away so far with it 4. Scorpion MGL/Curado 200K - These reels are very similar aside from the spool. I like the Scorpion better but the K is a fine reel 5. Chronarch MGL - A really nice reel but not nearly as impressive as the Bantam at the same price point or even a little more in some cases 6. SLX 70 MGL - Very solid reel that shouldn't be over looked for what they can be had for The search feature would probably give you enough reading information for a while Not to hijack the thread, but do you ever have to pay import fees when ordering reels from Japan? I really wanna get my hands on a Bantam and Scorpion mgl. Nice rundown btw. Quote
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted December 30, 2020 Super User Posted December 30, 2020 I have never have had to pay any import fees. I've probably ordered 25+ from Japan in the last 2 years or so. Quote
DomQ Posted December 30, 2020 Posted December 30, 2020 Check out the slx xt or curado k reels. They are both in your budget and great examples of hat shimano has to offer. The slx xt is a awesome reel at its price point and looks and feels great, super smooth and fairly light. The curado k is a straight up hog, the reel is strong and can withstand a beating. Its god a solid frame and even smoother then the slx reels. Comes in 5,6,7,8 gear ratios as well. 1 Quote
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted December 30, 2020 Super User Posted December 30, 2020 51 minutes ago, RTipton said: Well I certainly appreciate you taking the time to offer all of this. Very helpful. And yes, I did not give much direction on the use for it because I havent even decided yet. But, it will most likely be used for jigs/t rigs. Thanks again. Jigs and Texas Rigs, I would go with the Curado 70 MGL in your price range. 1 Quote
RichF Posted December 30, 2020 Posted December 30, 2020 50 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said: I have never have had to pay any import fees. I've probably ordered 25+ from Japan in the last 2 years or so. Thanks for the info. Do you normally order from Asian Fishing Portal and Digitaka? Quote
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted December 30, 2020 Super User Posted December 30, 2020 29 minutes ago, RichF said: Thanks for the info. Do you normally order from Asian Fishing Portal and Digitaka? Asian Portal, I always compare their website to their auction site prices. They are low on inventory in a lot of reels right now. 1 Quote
Super User PhishLI Posted December 30, 2020 Super User Posted December 30, 2020 Your bases would be very well covered if you had both a Curado K 70 MGL and a Curado K 200. Personally, if I'm wading flats where I'll be going through baits from 5/8oz down to 1/4 oz I'd pick the K 70 all day. It's much more capable and far less touchy than the 200 with lighter baits. If you'll be working with baits a shade under a half ounce and up then the 200 is in a happier place. You can throw light baits with the 200, but it gets touchy, especially if wind is in the equation, and it's trickier to dial in than the 70 in that scenario. 1 Quote
OnthePotomac Posted January 2, 2021 Posted January 2, 2021 I would second the Chronarch MGL, which I have in the XG speed (8.1:1) It is one fantastic, effortless reel you can fish comfortably all day. I throw Senkos and other plastics on mine. Just simply really well engineered and well built. 1 Quote
RTipton Posted January 2, 2021 Author Posted January 2, 2021 On 12/30/2020 at 3:08 PM, DomQ said: Check out the slx xt or curado k reels. They are both in your budget and great examples of hat shimano has to offer. The slx xt is a awesome reel at its price point and looks and feels great, super smooth and fairly light. The curado k is a straight up hog, the reel is strong and can withstand a beating. Its god a solid frame and even smoother then the slx reels. Comes in 5,6,7,8 gear ratios as well. Thank you. 16 minutes ago, OnthePotomac said: I would second the Chronarch MGL, which I have in the XG speed (8.1:1) I is one fantastic, effortless reel you can fish comfortably all day. I throw Senkos and other plastics on mine. Just simply really well engineered and well built. Thank you. I am very interested in the Curado 70 MGL, which a couple of folks suggested. But, I had a retailer suggest the Chronarch MGL. Retail wise, it looks to be about $50 more than the Curado MGL. What does the Chronarch give you for the extra $? Quote
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted January 2, 2021 Super User Posted January 2, 2021 19 minutes ago, RTipton said: What does the Chronarch give you for the extra $? A bigger frame and better looks. Quote
waymont Posted January 2, 2021 Posted January 2, 2021 Another vote for the Curado 70 MGL. I have two, and they are fantastic reels. Perfect for what you want, and a great entry in Shimano world. Quote
RTipton Posted January 17, 2021 Author Posted January 17, 2021 Just wanted to thank you all for your input and let you know I ended up with 2, of course. I got a Curado K, and a Curado MGL 70. Hope to get out with them soon, and I would be glad to offer my thoughts when I do, if it would help anyone. I am still messing around with the setups, but for now it will probably be the Curado K on an Expride and the MGL 70 on an Adrena. Thanks again for those of you that offered your thoughts, I appreciate it. Quote
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