JDM 70 sized reel

[HawkeyeSmallie]

I just purchased a dedicated jerkbait rod, Megabass Oneten Special.

 

I was hoping to put a 70 sized reel on it but Omnia doesn’t have many options unless I want to spend $750. If I want to stay married I need to find some other options.   😀

 

In my search, I learned about JDM which seems pretty intriguing.

 

So, my question: What are some good JDM options for around the 70 spool size?

 

Once again it will go on a dedicated jerkbait rod. Price tag hopefully $500 or under.

 

Thanks!

 

[MiceNReets]

I really really enjoy using the slx dc xt… it’s jdm only.   70 size spool.   Mgl III spool.   It DOES NOT feel like an slx at all.  It punches way above its price range and shouldn’t be considered in the slx line up to be honest.   I got one when they came out just to get one and I was blown away.   I don’t care for the dc part but the reel itself is awesome.  I enjoy it as much as my Zillion SV, HD and Steez reels.  
 

Used the reel the other day as well for jerkbaits and it was awesome.   

[casts_by_fly]

Look no further than the jdm met ‘20. You can also get two for your budget if you can find them. 

[FishTank]

So far this year I've been using the Shimano Calcutta Conquest 31 Shallow Edition for jerkbaits.  It's small, palms easy, and I like the flat drilled spot on the frame. 

[Bigbox99]

JDM met.  JDM Zillion if you also skip weightless plastics with your jerkbait rod. 

[Rockhopper]

I know you said JDM, but hard to beat the Curado MGL 70

[HawkeyeSmallie]

52 minutes ago, Rockhopper said:

I know you said JDM, but hard to beat the Curado MGL 70

 

Is that the K?

 

I saw the K version on Omnia but didn't pull the trigger.

 

I'm new to this "JDM stuff" and I saw a previous comment from a different thread that mentioned it was dumb to buy Shimano/Daiwa/etc gear in America as you can get cheaper/better gear across the pond. 

 

IDK, I'm new to this and it's the first time I've bought a high end pole. Just want to put a nice reel on her.   😀

1 hour ago, Bigbox99 said:

JDM met.  JDM Zillion if you also skip weightless plastics with your jerkbait rod. 

 

Do you know which model for the 70 size?

 

Sorry, I'm a newb. I just don't know what to look for since they use different terms/numbers.

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

 

Is that the K?

 

I saw the K version on Omnia but didn't pull the trigger.

 

No, the K that has been discounted a bunch lately is the 200 size.

 

1 hour ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

Do you know which model for the 70 size?

 

Sorry, I'm a newb. I just don't know what to look for since they use different terms/numbers.

 

Met '20

https://japanlureshop.com/shimano-20-metanium.html

[ConnorC]

You would probably be fine with a ‘23 Met 100 but if you’re stuck on the 70 size then go with the ‘20. The zillion is a 100 size reel so if you’re looking for a 70 ish the alphas air would be the closest. At your price point you could get a 24’ Met dc which is a 70 size. Japan lure shop seems to have the best pricing usually but Digitaka, Japan tackle, and asian portal are all good places to look. 

[F14A-B]

You might like the Shimano Metanium w shallow spool. It comes in at under 6 oz. It does have an aluminum drive gear, mines paired up with a GLX rod..

 

Reel is 8.0:1 it’s sweet and throws the lighter baits better than the new Metanium. 

The whole ideal behind the shallow spool was to cast lighter baits, not exactly like a BFS reel, but just lighter rigs, 1/8 to 3/8 is its rating. 

If you order from Japan , asian portal is who I use. Save money buy from Japan. 

[ConnorC]

6 minutes ago, ConnorC said:

The zillion is a 100 size reel so if you’re looking for a 70 ish the alphas sv tw 800 would be the closest. At your

Correction Alphas Sv Tw 800

[Eric 26]

@HawkeyeSmallie Although I’m not trying to sway your decision for any brand I want to show you some examples of why you should strongly consider buying from Japan. I’m going to use one of my favorite small reels the SLX MGL and one of  @MiceNReets favorites the SLX DC. If you have any more questions ask away or you can send me a pm and I’ll be happy to help as will a ton of people on this thread.

[casts_by_fly]

35 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

@HawkeyeSmallie Although I’m not trying to sway your decision for any brand I want to show you some examples of why you should strongly consider buying from Japan. I’m going to use one of my favorite small reels the SLX MGL and one of  @MiceNReets favorites the SLX DC. If you have any more questions ask away or you can send me a pm and I’ll be happy to help as will a ton of people on this thread.

 

For future reference, on JLS you can have it show proces in dollars directly.  Look in the upper right and choose your currence.  Skips converting with xe or google.

[HawkeyeSmallie]

Thanks everyone. This is exactly why I held off.

 

I REALLY wanted to buy a reel no later than yesterday as Omnia had a 20% deal going on.

 

I'm glad I held off.

[MiceNReets]

5 hours ago, Rockhopper said:

I know you said JDM, but hard to beat the Curado MGL 70

Easy to beat that for a cheaper cost.   JDM SLX DC XT is far superior.   Curado 70 is a let down actually.   Much preferred the slx mgl 70 over that reel.  But hey that’s just my opinion  so don’t shoot me over that. 

3 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

@HawkeyeSmallie Although I’m not trying to sway your decision for any brand I want to show you some examples of why you should strongly consider buying from Japan. I’m going to use one of my favorite small reels the SLX MGL and one of  @MiceNReets favorites the SLX DC. If you have any more questions ask away or you can send me a pm and I’ll be happy to help as will a ton of people on this thread.

hey.. you forgot the XT…  slx dc xt.   The regular  slx dc I dont care for .   All good though brother.  

 

but yeah JLS is the way to go for sure.   Excellent prices and customer service is top notch.   

[Eric 26]

18 minutes ago, MiceNReets said:

hey.. you forgot the XT…  slx dc xt.   The regular  slx dc I dont care for .   All good though brother.  

😉

[LonnieP]

Daiwa Alphas Sv 800 is hard to beat for the price. Can be ordered from Japan off of Amazon for 156 right now 

[HawkeyeSmallie]

5 minutes ago, LonnieP said:

Daiwa Alphas Sv 800 is hard to beat for the price. Can be ordered from Japan off of Amazon for 156 right now 

Would that be like a 80 sized reel?

 

That’s the biggest problem I’m having, which is determining the size of reel on these JDM models.

 

I know I mentioned looking for a 70 sized reel but I’m not an expert on smaller sized reels. I thought 70 would be a good size to put on this rod. No clue what the best size would be.

[LonnieP]

1 hour ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

Would that be like a 80 sized reel?

 

That’s the biggest problem I’m having, which is determining the size of reel on these JDM models.

 

I know I mentioned looking for a 70 sized reel but I’m not an expert on smaller sized reels. I thought 70 would be a good size to put on this rod. No clue what the best size would be.

I believe the Alphas is the same frame size as the Tatula 70 and 80. It’s a little smaller than the Zillion. It’s a really compact reel.

[PhishLI]

7 minutes ago, LonnieP said:

I believe the Alphas is the same frame size as the Tatula 70 and 80.

It is.

[Westcoast]

I love the alpha platform for a small jerkbait reel. I must have half a dozen of them, all ordered direct from Japan. 

[Rockhopper]

2 hours ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

No clue what the best size would be.

Curado MGL 150

 

/end thread. 

[HawkeyeSmallie]

12 hours ago, Rockhopper said:

Curado MGL 150

 

/end thread. 

 

For a dedicated jerkbait rod? Mostly throwing the Megabass 110's and the Jr's.

 

The only reason I'm asking is because I saw a video where a guy was mentioning a 50 sized reel was perfect.

 

I thought a 70 would be pretty close to that but a fraction bigger.

 

Once again, I'm NO expert.

 

Just a guy that loves to fish.   

[Rockhopper]

I have a Curado 71 MGL on my jerkbait rod, and I do absolutely love it. But after buying the new 151 MGL, I see no reason to ever buy the 70 size again.  It is that good.  It is really not that much bigger in hand, it casts 10x better than the 70 (the 70 casts amazing btw), and also allows you the option to throw other baits or even move it to another rod in the future for different techniques if you so choose. I am not a die hard Shimano fanboy.  I have tried most every manufacturer.  IMHO, the Curado 150 MGL is one of the best baitcasting reels ever made period.

[HawkeyeSmallie]

1 hour ago, Rockhopper said:

I have a Curado 71 MGL on my jerkbait rod, and I do absolutely love it. But after buying the new 151 MGL, I see no reason to ever buy the 70 size again.  It is that good.  It is really not that much bigger in hand, it casts 10x better than the 70 (the 70 casts amazing btw), and also allows you the option to throw other baits or even move it to another rod in the future for different techniques if you so choose. I am not a die hard Shimano fanboy.  I have tried most every manufacturer.  IMHO, the Curado 150 MGL is one of the best baitcasting reels ever made period.

 

Is that a newer or older model? 

 

Much of a weight difference?