Looking for a good "all around" reel. Curado K? MGL?

[cbailey168]

I purchased a new casting rod and I'm looking for a good reel to pair with it. 

 

The Rod is a Phoenix Custom M1 Nanotube  7'2" MH/F 8-17# Lure wt 1/4-3/4oz.

 

I will likely be pitching jigs, texas rigs and throwing spinner baits here and there, and occasionally flipping into some cover so looking for something that could be somewhat versatile as this will be my only setup for the time being. 

The two reels that have caught my attention are the Curado MGL and the Curado K. 

I'm stuck between the two. I have heard the MGL is really good and has an updated version SVS braking that is better than the K and will even skip baits pretty well when setup properly. This has me leaning that direction, however I haven't seen much on how it performs with the slightly heavier line( i.e 14-17lb fluoro)

As for the K, I have read its pretty much a jack of all trades and fishes lots of baits/lines well but I haven't seen all the hype like with the MGL's for casting accuracy, skipping, etc. Casting distance is not a priority of mine.

 

What would people recommend for this rod/application? I'm also open to other reels in the $200-$250 price range.

 

Thanks

 

 

[PBBrandon]

I can’t speak for the MGL but I have a few K’s and I love them. They’ll launch heavier baits a mile and cast lures down to 1/4 oz very well. Plus the larger spool capacity is good for those thicker fluoro lines. The K is a 200 size while the MGL is a 70 or 150 depending on what you get. If you do go with the MGL, the 150 would better fit your needs and be a more do it all reel

[Big Rick]

Welcome to Bass Resource. Be prepared to see many posts from brand fanboys touting the wonders of their brand. Most all the brands have reels that are quality and will fit your need. I have found that it is mostly trial and error as different reels fit your hand differently so you really need to go to a brick and mortar. That will allow you to palm several reels and narrow your choices. Because at the end of the fishing trip if your hand is all cramped up due to trying to hold your reel securely you'll end up not using it as much. 

 

I can't speak to an MGL because I don't own one. I do have a K and it is a nice reel and smooth as butter. I will also clarify that I own more Daiwa than any other brand, so my opinion is limited on your two chosen reels. 

[BooshBass]

I'm fairly new to baitcasters in the last five years and am definitely still liable to backlash due to either forgetfulness in setting the reel correctly or just your basic incompetence. 

 

I use a Daiwa SV TW 7.3 for lures that could cause a lot of backlash because the brakes are ridiculously good and you can set them easily because they are located on the outside side of the reel, not on the inside.  I think being able to set the brakes easily on the outside makes it very versatile, you can fish a light worm and then switch right over to a heavy jig and reset the brakes in 2 seconds, and I think Daiwa is one of the only big brands that has this feature but I'm not sure.  You will be able to cast spinnerbaits far when you want to and light lures into wind when you want to with that reel.  I think this is a good option to consider. 

 

For what it's worth, I am giving having only two baitcasters this year a try as I sadly lost a bag with two other baitcasters in it and don't want to buy another one (though I would prefer three setups: braid, hybrid, flouro).  Daiwa SV TW 7.3 with #50 braid for frogs and high sensitivity lighter stuff and my other reel is a Daiwa Elite 6.3 with Yo-Suri Hybrid for stuff that moves whether on top or submerged.  If I understand correctly, the brakes are the same on both reels, the spool on the SV makes it better for casting lighter stuff, the spool on the Elite makes it a little better for casting farther, but they're both good for both.  Both of those reels are extremely versatile, either one would work great for either application. 

 

This isn't a brand thing, I'm not a Daiwa salesman.  I haven't used Shimano baitcasters but my buddy who is a better fisher than me swears by them, especially Curados.  No brake setting on the outside though.

[cbailey168]

Appreciate the reply’s. Forgot to include reel sizes in my OP-

This thread is referring to the Curado 200k and MGL 150

[softwateronly]

11 hours ago, cbailey168 said:

I purchased a new casting rod and I'm looking for a good reel to pair with it. 

 

The Rod is a Phoenix Custom M1 Nanotube  7'2" MH/F 8-17# Lure wt 1/4-3/4oz.

 

I will likely be pitching jigs, texas rigs and throwing spinner baits here and there, and occasionally flipping into some cover so looking for something that could be somewhat versatile as this will be my only setup for the time being. 

The two reels that have caught my attention are the Curado MGL and the Curado K. 

I'm stuck between the two. I have heard the MGL is really good and has an updated version SVS braking that is better than the K and will even skip baits pretty well when setup properly. This has me leaning that direction, however I haven't seen much on how it performs with the slightly heavier line( i.e 14-17lb fluoro)

As for the K, I have read its pretty much a jack of all trades and fishes lots of baits/lines well but I haven't seen all the hype like with the MGL's for casting accuracy, skipping, etc. Casting distance is not a priority of mine.

 

What would people recommend for this rod/application? I'm also open to other reels in the $200-$250 price range.

 

Thanks

 

 

I use mostly Shimano and definitely prefer the reels with the mgl spool.  To me, cast control, line management, and distance are all better.

 

scott

[GreenPig]

The 200 K is a fine reel but IMO will not handle light baits like the MGL reels. I own 1 200K and 3 70 MGLs and have fished Neds on a 1/10 and 1/16 Micro jigs with a trailer on the MGL. As PBBrandon said above the 150 MGL is what I'd grab for an all around reel.

[GReb]

I’ve sold all of my non MGL Shimanos. The K is an outstanding performing reel for the price but has horrendous ergo dynamics for 2022. The 150 MGL is a good choice. 
 

Alternatively…the Tatula Elite is an amazing reel that can handle anything. It would be a great option as well. 

[jbsoonerfan]

I would take a good look at a 19 Scorpion MGL if I were you. I love mine and it will do just about anything you could want it to do.

[softwateronly]

Just now, jbsoonerfan said:

I would take a good look at a 19 Scorpion MGL if I were you. I love mine and it will do just about anything you could want it to do.

 

 

https://www.digitaka.com/items/5/4/2/SCORPION+MGL

 

 

[cbailey168]

3 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I would take a good look at a 19 Scorpion MGL if I were you. I love mine and it will do just about anything you could want it to do.

Interesting. Do you know the pros/cons of this reel comparing to the Curado MGL?

Thanks 

[jbsoonerfan]

I have not used the 150 MGL, so I can't compare them. Sorry

[suzuki2903]

Curado mgl 150 would be a great all around reel. The 19 scorpion is not mgl but the 21 is…. The bad, the 21 doesn’t cast as far unfortunately! Seems they over braked it compared to the 19. If you can find a new 19 then that would definitely be a good option. 

[CrashVector]

I love my Abu Garcias, but to be honest, just about any reel from a major brand will serve your needs well from a functionality standpoint.

 

Just decide which features are most important to you, find reels that have those features, and go look at em in person so you can see how they feel in your hands.

[jbsoonerfan]

11 minutes ago, suzuki2903 said:

Curado mgl 150 would be a great all around reel. The 19 scorpion is not mgl but the 21 is…. The bad, the 21 doesn’t cast as far unfortunately! Seems they over braked it compared to the 19. If you can find a new 19 then that would definitely be a good option. 

But it is though

 

https://fish.shimano.com.sg/content/fish/asia/sg/en/homepage/ProductPage.P-19SCORPIONMGL.html

[cbailey168]

Appreciate all the help from everyone. I ended up eliminating the K from my options and started to really onsider the Tatula SV TW, but I'm still leaning towards the Curado Mgl 150. I am going to hold both the MGL150 and the Tatula SV TW at Bass Pro next week and make a final decision. 

 

[LrgmouthShad]

On 3/18/2022 at 9:32 AM, PBBrandon said:

I can’t speak for the MGL but I have a few K’s and I love them. They’ll launch heavier baits a mile and cast lures down to 1/4 oz very well. Plus the larger spool capacity is good for those thicker fluoro lines. The K is a 200 size while the MGL is a 70 or 150 depending on what you get. If you do go with the MGL, the 150 would better fit your needs and be a more do it all reel

Love your signature.

5 minutes ago, cbailey168 said:

I am going to hold both the MGL150 and the Tatula SV TW at Bass Pro next week and make a final decision. 

?? Bring your rod with ya!

[suzuki2903]

On 3/18/2022 at 7:22 PM, jbsoonerfan said:

But it is though

 

https://fish.shimano.com.sg/content/fish/asia/sg/en/homepage/ProductPage.P-19SCORPIONMGL.html

 Ahhhh I was thinking the 17 scorpion ! Forgot about the 19 red one 

[Randy Price]

I can not speak to the MGL but I have a Curado 200K and have been very pleased with it.  I'd buy another today if I needed one if that helps.

[HookInMouth]

The MGL 150 feels way above it's price point. Honestly, unless you need the 200 size spool I can't see a reason to buy a K over an MGL for $10 more. IMHO best bang for the buck at $200. 

[scbassin]

I have both the reels you ask about & like both. I use the  the K for Spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, Jigs, & larger top water baits( using 14 or 16 lb test Shooter line). The MGL I use for Texas rigs, Carolina rigs ( using 12 lb  Daiwa J-Fluoro Samurai Hidden Concept Camo Fluorocarbon Line). You can't go wrong with either but if was choosing it would be the MGL. I also have the 19 Scorpion MGL (https://www.digitaka.com/items/5/4/2/SCORPION+MGL) Which without a doubt I would choose over the other two! It's very smooth & can handle any of the above baits. The 3 reels are all the XG model.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JohnFromLisbon]

I have both and although the Ks are great reels, the MGL is the better choice. Unless you need help balancing a rod with a heavier reel or you really need the 200 size spool, the MGL will work better with a wider range of baits.

 

I already swapped the Ks over to MGLs on two of my bottom contact setups and have the smaller one on my jerkbait/topwater rod. And I'm definitely getting the lower ratio one for my crankbait setup. 

[Koz]

I like my Curado K more than my MGL, and I like my DC more than both of those.

[Fir3hawk]

I have a couple Curado K's and love them. My favorite baitcasters. But I'm also only a weekend fisherman so have a hard time justifying spending over $200 on a reel, especially when pairing it with a $150 rod. 

[lunkerboss923]

The K has more line capacity the MGL has more drag. The MGL is the way a Curado should be.