Shimano SLX MGL Thoughts?

[Brett's_daddy]

Now that it's been out for a few months what do people who own them think about the SLX MGL?

[MiceNReets]

Fantastic reel.   I used it with a 7’1 Medium rod and it’s perfect.   Tons of info about them out there with a simple search.  

[Brett's_daddy]

1 minute ago, MiceNReets said:

Fantastic reel.   I used it with a 7’1 Medium rod and it’s perfect.   Tons of info about them out there with a simple search.  

Yup, seen it...just wanted somebody who actually owns one to chime in ?. How does it compare to the Curado K?

[MiceNReets]

2 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

Yup, seen it...just wanted somebody who actually owns one to chime in ?. How does it compare to the Curado K?

I didn’t like the curado k and curado dc.   I didn’t like the regular slx as well however I really enjoy the slx Mgl a lot.  One of my fav reels to use.  I also have a curado mgl but haven’t tried it yet.   
 

I find the slx mgl to be smooth and cast effortlessly.   I used it with 12lbs yozuri hybrid and it casted perfectly.   I imagine the curado mgl would be much more refined.  
either way you can’t go wrong getting an slx mgl.  

[RichF]

Does the USDM version have a 90mm handle?

[Scud_Muffin]

2 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

Yup, seen it...just wanted somebody who actually owns one to chime in ?. How does it compare to the Curado K?

I have one of each. I like the slx mgl for lighter line or braid to leader techniques. Love that carbon drag and paint job.

 

I like K for heavier duty tasks/all fluoro lines, especially if 12# or more. 

[MiceNReets]

1 minute ago, RichF said:

Does the USDM version have a 90mm handle?

I think it has the 86mm handle.   I have both usdm and jdm.   The jdm has an 84mm handle and just a smidge shorter than the usdm.  

[LCG]

I have both the curado k and slx mgl, both left hand HG models. 

 

Both are smooth and refined. But they are different tools. 

 

Slx mgl has 10lb big game and used for lighter weights. 

 

Curado K has 14lb mono for texas rigs, jig, spinnerbaits, and chatterbaits. 

 

Very happy with both reels and would highly recommend both of them equally. 

[Brett's_daddy]

So, I already have 2 of the regular SLX...is the MGL a real step up in performance?

[Scud_Muffin]

1 hour ago, Brett's_daddy said:

So, I already have 2 of the regular SLX...is the MGL a real step up in performance?

So it’s got a carbon drag, which you can do yourself for like $12 for the drag washers, and like $8 for the lube. Just make sure you have the itty bitty screwdrivers. Your all in is way less than a whole new reel.

 

The mgl is dope because it is small, a size 70 reel. That makes it very palmable. BUT that also somewhat limits its versatility to being used for techniques that utilize 10/12# fluoro or braid because it doesn’t hold as much line. It’s a somewhat more finesse reel that does reasonably well at versatility.

 

All of that to say there is nothing wrong with the regular SLX and if you have one, just upgrade the drag and you will be happy. But if you are eyeing a new casting jerkbait setup or shakyhead etc then maybe you grab an mgl for that rod. 

[jdr99a]

They are fantastic reels. 
 

I’ve got two in different gear ratios. The 8.x is my light topwater reel. I’ve been throwing a lot of light walking lures and poppers  recently and this is perfect for it. I go braid to leader on this one. 
 

My 6.x reel is spooked up with 12 pound invisx and I use it for my light cranks (up to 1/2 oz). 
 

I like the reels more than my curado dc, slx dc, sv103, and proti. 
 

If I was starting over today I’d buy a bunch of the mgls. 

[LCG]

7 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

So, I already have 2 of the regular SLX...is the MGL a real step up in performance?

If you are wanting to throw lighter weight lures, under 3/8oz and you are using 10-12lb line or 20-40lb braid, then the MGL is very much worth it. Keep in mind you need a rod to match the weights you want to throw as well. I have mine paired with a 6'6" M-F rod and throw between 3/16-1/2oz with it. Mine is the JDM version and I would buy it again. 

 

The curado 70 MGL is also a reel you that offers the best of the curado k and the MGL spool ie pinion support bearing and micro Module gears. 

[new2BC4bass]

5 hours ago, jdr99a said:

They are fantastic reels. 
 

I’ve got two in different gear ratios. The 8.x is my light topwater reel. I’ve been throwing a lot of light walking lures and poppers  recently and this is perfect for it. I go braid to leader on this one. 
 

My 6.x reel is spooked up with 12 pound invisx and I use it for my light cranks (up to 1/2 oz). 
 

I like the reels more than my curado dc, slx dc, sv103, and proti. 
 

If I was starting over today I’d buy a bunch of the mgls. 

I think I'd be spooked, too. 

[Boomstick]

I just got my oldest son one but we haven't made it out yet. I was hoping to make it out today, but it's quite cold and my foot is killing me. It's certainly been upgraded compared to the regular SLX though, so I think it will be worth it. I have been seeing many people say they prefer it to their Curado K and Curado 70s as well, so I figure it was worth a try.

 

If nothing else, it's a bit smaller than the Curado K with the spool being maybe 80% the width which makes it more comfortable to palm. He will probably use it for real light finesse jigs and weightless soft plastics, but it's also supposed to be decent for skipping and pitching so he could use it for 3/8 and 1/2oz jigs and heavier T-Rigs too, not sure if he's decided.

[zell_pop1]

I have two SLX  7.2:1 reels, and I like the old VBS brakes I am used to from having Curado and Citica D/E/Gs. I am just curious if the MGL spool fits right in?

[Fastbee]

I've got one.  I've used it for everything from flipping to frogging to finesse jigs.  It's a strong performer for its price point.  I will say that it'll skip a frog WAY up under stuff if you need it to.  I like the size more than anything.  Right now it's on a 7'2 MH Expride throwing finesse jigs and small swim jigs.  I like it on that rod so it'll probably stay there but don't be afraid to load it up with heavy line and get into some close quarters combat!  

[CrankFate]

On 4/2/2021 at 8:54 PM, RichF said:

Does the USDM version have a 90mm handle?

Just get a bigger handle. It’s almost as fun as catching fish.