SLX vs SLX MGL

[thewhitelotus]

So ive narrowed down my reel selection to the SLX and SLX MGL.  Ill be using this to toss smaller baits like light cranks, topwaters, spinnerbaits etc from shore.  (max 1/2oz).  

 

Is there a huge difference between the two reels?  Someone mentioned the SLX MGL handle is smaller than the SLX so that may cause issues?  

Thanks!

[MN Fisher]

The whole reel is smaller. The MGL is basically designed for smaller lures...not quite a BFS reel, but pretty darn close.

 

If you're tossing standard lures (a 1/2oz spinner is pretty standard), I'd go with the base SLX.

 

If you were looking for something for wacky, drop-shot, poppers and such...then I'd go with the MGL.

[FishTank]

I have two reels with an MGL spool, an Antares 70A and a Bantam MGL.   The MGL spool does make a difference when casting lighter baits but the important part is the rod.  The rod needs to be light enough to load the smaller baits you are looking at.  I would like at either a M or ML Fast or Mod-Fast.  The St. Croix Avid 7' M Fast would be one I would consider. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I would go with the MGL for sure.  However I completely agree with what was in a prior comment.  If the rod doesn't cast those lighter baits well to begin with the MGL spool isn't going to vastly improve casting. 

[jimmyjoe]

  

2 hours ago, FishTank said:

 ..... the important part is the rod.  The rod needs to be light enough to load the smaller baits you are looking at.

 

   Such as the Powell Endurance 724CB casting rod. At 1/8-1/2 oz., that would be a match made in heaven!  They used to have another that was almost a twin except it was 6'-10". Both are great rods.      jj

[thewhitelotus]

I wont be tossing 1/2 oz too often, as most of the target fish around here are small to medium smallies.  Mainly 1/4-3/8 baits.  

 

I was looking at getting one of the combos from an online retailer.  I can get the SLX MGL w/ a 7'0 SLX M/M glass rod for 169.99.  That should be a decent rod for light squarebills, cranks, topwater and misc other light baits shouldn't it?  Obviously, not the most ideal rod but i figure i can always upgrade that down the line.  Think i should do M/M or what do you suggest.

 

I do have a 7'0 MH/F for heavier stuff if need be too.  thanks everyone!

 

 

[jimmyjoe]

10 minutes ago, thewhitelotus said:

I wont be tossing 1/2 oz too often, as most of the target fish around here are small to medium smallies.  Mainly 1/4-3/8 baits.  

 

I was looking at getting one of the combos from an online retailer.  I can get the SLX MGL w/ a 7'0 SLX M/M glass rod for 169.99.  That should be a decent rod for light squarebills, cranks, topwater and misc other light baits shouldn't it?  Obviously, not the most ideal rod but i figure i can always upgrade that down the line.  Think i should do M/M or what do you suggest.

 

I do have a 7'0 MH/F for heavier stuff if need be too.  thanks everyone!

 

 

 

   That SLX combo would be great! Just make sure that you can return it if you don't like the glass rod.    jj

 

p.s. - Start thinking about somewhat lighter, lower-diameter lines. They're more appropriate for lighter lures.

 

[thewhitelotus]

9 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

 

   That SLX combo would be great! Just make sure that you can return it if you don't like the glass rod.    jj

 

p.s. - Start thinking about somewhat lighter, lower-diameter lines. They're more appropriate for lighter lures.

 

what about like 15lb braid or should i go with something like 8lb flouro?

Another silly question, they only have 7.2:1 for gear ratio for left handed reels....will this be a problem for a newbie baitcaster like myself?  I know the normal SLX has a 6.3:1

[jimmyjoe]

17 minutes ago, thewhitelotus said:

what about like 15lb braid or should i go with something like 8lb flouro?

 

   Neither. Those lines have a diameter that is too low. 

   I use 12 lb. Big Game, and so do a good number of other people. But that's a little stiff and too large a diameter line to throw light lures all the time. I just wanted to make sure that you didn't think you needed to go with 12 lb. Big Game for this lighter setup.  ?

   You want a line that is around .011" to .012" (11 to 12 mil.)  That's my advice whether the line is nylon, fluorocarbon or braid. The reason is that you're setting up a good all-around rig for lighter lures here. To work at its best, everything need to be sorta balanced. For the size of the MGL spool, lines in the neighborhood of .011" to .012" feed off the spool at high rotational speeds very well, yet give you the reserve of line needed to deal with cut-offs and break-offs.

   If it were just me, and my personal opinion, I would go with 10 lb. Stren or Trilene XL.  They've been around for ages, they're available everywhere, and despite what some people say they're good lines.

   That being said, you know full well that you can get what you want and experiment to your heart's delight. After all, that's what I did.

 

   I wish you the best of luck!          jj

[thewhitelotus]

5 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

 

   Neither. Those lines have a diameter that is too low. 

   I use 12 lb. Big Game, and so do a good number of other people. But that's a little stiff and too large a diameter line to throw light lures all the time. I just wanted to make sure that you didn't think you needed to go with 12 lb. Big Game for this lighter setup.  ?

   You want a line that is around .011" to .012" (11 to 12 mil.)  That's my advice whether the line is nylon, fluorocarbon or braid. The reason is that you're setting up a good all-around rig for lighter lures here. To work at its best, everything need to be sorta balanced. For the size of the MGL spool, lines in the neighborhood of .011" to .012" feed off the spool at high rotational speeds very well, yet give you the reserve of line needed to deal with cut-offs and break-offs.

   If it were just me, and my personal opinion, I would go with 10 lb. Stren or Trilene XL.  They've been around for ages, they're available everywhere, and despite what some people say they're good lines.

   That being said, you know full well that you can get what you want and experiment to your heart's delight. After all, that's what I did.

 

   I wish you the best of luck!          jj

Appreciate all the great info!  

[jimmyjoe]

24 minutes ago, thewhitelotus said:

they only have 7.2:1 for gear ratio for left handed reels....will this be a problem for a newbie baitcaster like myself? 

 

   You'll get used to it. Just remember .......... most fishermen retrieve lures way too fast. When you get that 7.2:1 ratio reel, concentrate on the speed of the LURE, not the feel of the crank.

   I think you'll do just fine.  ?          jj

  

[thewhitelotus]

Thanks JJ!  If ya ever come to northern nevada I owe ya a beer!  

[PhishLI]

3 hours ago, thewhitelotus said:

I can get the SLX MGL w/ a 7'0 SLX M/M glass rod for 169.99.

You might be better off sticking with their standard Medium rods, IMO, They run a bit stiff for their ratings, but should be fine otherwise, and far more versatile with a range of baits. While there really isn't an ideal offering for what you want in these combos, glass is limiting and will kinda suck for precise casting. On top of that, BCs are new to you. Trying to learn on a Medium glass noodle isn't what I'd recommend to anyone, especially with that reel. Shimano MGLs are seasoned user reels. You'll probably end up slingshotting lures with that rod, and that's an extra element you don't need to be dealing with while you're trying to learn.

 

The SLX MGL is fast with it's light spool, so you'll be able to launch light baits like 1/4 oz cranks and jerk baits by adjusting your lure drop and release point, even with a MXF. Ultimately you'll have something with acceptable sensitivity for plastics and light jigs. Soft mono like Trilene XL will compensate for the faster rod and help keep them pinned when using small treble baits.