Reel to pair with IMX Pro 843c MBR

[Jerryj33]

My girlfriend is getting me an IMX 843c MBR for Christmas, which is by far the nicest rod I will own. Most of my current rods are paired to various models of shimano SLX. I know I want to stick with shimano, and step up in quality but I do not know which model to pair with this rod. I plan on using it for finesse jigs, keitechs, senkos, small trigs, flukes and other lightweight single hook applications. My initial thought was a Curado 70 mgl. Does this sound like an appropriate pairing? I do not know how the balance of this rod will be, as I have not handled it in person yet. Could I get away with an SLX MGL or would a cheap reel bring down the experience of using a high end rod?

[softwateronly]

My personal opinion is that it’s worth going up to an mgl spool at minimum. The Curado71 is a great reel. Jdm sites are also very affordable with the current strength of the dollar. A bantam or metanium are a steal at $230. Good luck!
 

scott

[Jerryj33]

33 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

My personal opinion is that it’s worth going up to an mgl spool at minimum. The Curado71 is a great reel. Jdm sites are also very affordable with the current strength of the dollar. A bantam or metanium are a steal at $230. Good luck!
 

scott

Any suggestions for the best place to find JDM? 

[softwateronly]

I usually start with digitaka. But it’s worth comparing prices. 
 

scott

[ATA]

Curado Dc, Scorpion DC or Metanuim DC or Antares DC, See your budget and buy any of above.

[Jerryj33]

25 minutes ago, ATA said:

Curado Dc, Scorpion DC or Metanuim DC or Antares DC, See your budget and buy any of above.

How do the DCs do for pitching? I’ve always envisioned those were aimed at traditional casting. 

[ATA]

33 minutes ago, Jerryj33 said:

How do the DCs do for pitching? I’ve always envisioned those were aimed at traditional casting. 

Dont see anything special to point out, I really pitch with DC same as normal reel.

[NorthernBasser]

4 hours ago, Jerryj33 said:

I plan on using it for finesse jigs, keitechs, senkos, small trigs, flukes and other lightweight single hook applications. My initial thought was a Curado 70 mgl. 

Never held that particular rod, but I have multiple Curado 70 MGLs and they're awesome. 

[Eric 26]

Japan Lure Shop is also a good place to shop. Bonus is they send a free lure with your purchase.

[NorcalBassin]

The JDM and higher end reels are very appealing and I do have a few of those, but don't sleep on the Curado 150 MGL or even a Curado 200k if you prefer to stay domestic. I have a 200k on the IMX 843 and it's a workhorse of a combo.

[waymont]

I have three of these rods, after pairing with Met B, Alphas sv800, and a Zillion G, I would say my favorite reel with the 843c is the Zillion.

However all of these reels are great on there.

It's one of the best rods out there IMO. I love setting the hook on jig fish with it.

It's also a great spinnerbait rod, in addition to tons of other presentations.

[Masaccio]

Just sticking my nose in for a big thank-you to Scott.  I've had my eye on a Bantam for months now.  Just got a decent deal on an 18 model from JDM.  Had to pay a little shipping, but Digitaka was out of the model I wanted in both the 22 and the 18.  

Far be it from me to be recommending a reel to anyone, but the buzz I've noted about the Bantam is that it's a solid workhorse, but also very downwards-versatile ... that you can put it on practically any [casting] rod. 

[jitterbug127]

The curado 150 mgl is the reel I’d be looking at, but your on the right track!  I’ve for a few curado 200k reels and they are fantastic, but I don’t throw anything under 1/4 ounce on then.   Really they are even better with 3/8 oz or heavier. Curado 70 mgl looks great too. You can’t go wrong with any of the shimano reels imo. 

[softwateronly]

2 hours ago, Masaccio said:

Just sticking my nose in for a big thank-you to Scott.  I've had my eye on a Bantam for months now.  Just got a decent deal on an 18 model from JDM.  Had to pay a little shipping, but Digitaka was out of the model I wanted in both the 22 and the 18.  

Far be it from me to be recommending a reel to anyone, but the buzz I've noted about the Bantam is that it's a solid workhorse, but also very downwards-versatile ... that you can put it on practically any [casting] rod. 

 

I have a few 18's and recently grabbed a 22, but haven't been able to use it yet.  They're a touch heavy, but that has been working in my favor with some longer rods.  I really think it'll live up to the hype, the met and bantam are my favorite shimano reels.  And the zillion and the zillion hd are right there on the diawa side.  Great time to be buying from the big dogs.

 

scott

[LCG]

I have the Shimano SLX 71 MGL, Curado 71 MGL, and Daiwa Alphas SV TW 800. They are all great reels. In my opinion the price point reflects their level of qualities, but none of them are bad in any way.

 

I like the Alphas as my senko, jig, Texas rig,and spinnerbait reel, the Curado is on my do it all with one rod combo, the SLX MGL is probably going to be sold. No problem with the SLX in any way, but the Curado and Alphas are a decent size smaller and a tad more refined. 

 

The Curado is a predictable caster and great with 3/16 oz +, spooled with 12lb P-line C21 line. Alphas is becoming my favourite as it is comparable to the Curado but I can skip with it pretty decently. Alphas feel more solid, but overall build quality goes to Curado. Alphas offers a ton of cast control, but it can throw for distance when the brakes are lowered and I'm paying attention. 1/8 oz +, spooled with 10 lb yo Zuri hydrib. 

 

If I was in the market for a full size, but compact reel... I would have a hard time deciding between the '22 Bantam or the Zillion. Especially JDM models. 

[Hulkster]

I have a curado 200i on my IMX Pro MBR903c and its perfect. 

 

a similar reel would be great. maybe Curado 150 mgl?