70, 150, or 200 Reel

[ckurdziel]

I’m looking at purchasing some more shimano reels at the moment. I have a slx 70 for my jerkbait rod. A curado 200dc for my top waters, and a slx for a flipping setup. 

1. What techniques do you use the different sizes for?

2. I want to get one for moving baits like chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastic swimbaits. What size would be recommended and why? I’m thinking a 150. I feel like a smaller reel would feel more comfortable in my hand versus a 200. 
 

3. Is there any JDM models I should be looking at? I’m open to Daiwa too. 

[MediumMouthBass]

I only have SLX's from Shimano, so to me as a Daiwa and Lews user a 150 is a swimbait or punching reel. Arent Shimanos 150's Daiwas 100's?

The SLX 70 is great for any lure where long casts arent needed, most versatile and nicest reel i have. And since its still the same size as the other SLX's it fits my hands.

 

The new Tatulas from Japan i think are around $100, Zillions $200, etc...

Both have great reviews. And the Zillion is considered by most the best reel you can get.

 

Almost any higher priced reel from Shimano or Daiwa will do anything (except the BFS reels, cause you know they are for BFS). For the baits you mentioned any reel will work, its all about your preferences on color, grips, etc, and your budget.

 

For me thought 100 is the standard. Multi purpose.

150 swimbaits under 2oz, flipping, frogging.

200 swimbaits under 3oz.

300 swimbaits under 5oz

I dont use 70 sized reels, too small and my hands cramp (again why i like the SLX 70 MGL since its a regular SLX frame).

But since Shimanos weird i think 150 is 100 and 200 is 150? Or something like that.

[NorthernBasser]

You can definitely throw Chatterbaits/Spinnerbaits on a 70 MGL. I absolutely love the Curado 150 MGL. I like them so much I sold the 4 Curado K's I had and replaced them with these a few years back. Daiwa Elite's are really nice as well. 

[Columbia Craw]

It’s all about line capacity.

The left two are standard SLX

Next from left is a Scorpian 70 with is a JDM Curado.

The far right is a Tatula 100.

 

I don’t do Shimanos over a 150 size.  A Curado 150 MGL is great but so is the JDM Zillion.  A Zillion at two hundred bucks is the deal.  Too bad the Scorpian 150 MGL’s at $135.00 are a thing of the past.

[king fisher]

I once had a lure like the one on the third rod from the left.  It casted ok, but I was never able to catch a bass on it.

[T-Billy]

JDM Zillion HD. Accept no substitute.😉

[PBBrandon]

Daiwa Zillion SV but if you want a Shimano, then I’d say Curado 150MGL all the way. Great reel for the baits you listed

[ABU is overpriced]

If you haven't tried the Zillion, forget about every other reel, and get the JDM version through amazon jp for $200.

[ckurdziel]

I ordered a Curado 200m for $150 and a new 24 Tatula SV 100 for $165. I want to try the Daiwa as I have almost all Shimano. I'm considering cancelling (ordered before I made this post) the Curado and getting a 150 size reel

 

10 hours ago, MediumMouthBass said:

I only have SLX's from Shimano, so to me as a Daiwa and Lews user a 150 is a swimbait or punching reel. Arent Shimanos 150's Daiwas 100's?

The SLX 70 is great for any lure where long casts arent needed, most versatile and nicest reel i have. And since its still the same size as the other SLX's it fits my hands.

 

The new Tatulas from Japan i think are around $100, Zillions $200, etc...

Both have great reviews. And the Zillion is considered by most the best reel you can get.

 

Almost any higher priced reel from Shimano or Daiwa will do anything (except the BFS reels, cause you know they are for BFS). For the baits you mentioned any reel will work, its all about your preferences on color, grips, etc, and your budget.

 

For me thought 100 is the standard. Multi purpose.

150 swimbaits under 2oz, flipping, frogging.

200 swimbaits under 3oz.

300 swimbaits under 5oz

I dont use 70 sized reels, too small and my hands cramp (again why i like the SLX 70 MGL since its a regular SLX frame).

But since Shimanos weird i think 150 is 100 and 200 is 150? Or something like that.

Yeah from what I understand a Shimano 150 is equivalent to a Daiwa 100. Same follows for the 200 and 150.

10 minutes ago, ABU is overpriced said:

If you haven't tried the Zillion, forget about every other reel, and get the JDM version through amazon jp for $200.

. They don't have the 6 speed in stock unfortunately.

[casts_by_fly]

11 hours ago, ckurdziel said:

I’m looking at purchasing some more shimano reels at the moment. I have a slx 70 for my jerkbait rod. A curado 200dc for my top waters, and a slx for a flipping setup. 

1. What techniques do you use the different sizes for?

2. I want to get one for moving baits like chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastic swimbaits. What size would be recommended and why? I’m thinking a 150. I feel like a smaller reel would feel more comfortable in my hand versus a 200. 
 

3. Is there any JDM models I should be looking at? I’m open to Daiwa too. 

A 150 is a pretty standard size in a Shimano. It will do basically everything well. I prefer the mgl spools. 
 

the 70/100 size is smaller in the hand so if you have small hands you might prefer it. Less line capacity so you’re looking at thinner mono or braid most likely, but consider what your intended use and needs are. 
 

The 200 size is a bigger reel and intended for heavier line and lures. If you’re throwing swimbaits, a-rigs, etc then you might want/need it. But there is a significant difference in casting feel on a 200 size and I wouldn’t want it for under a half ounce. 

[Eric 26]

@ckurdziel Don’t give up on the Daiwa Zillion just because they don’t have the 6 speed on Amazon Japan as there are many Japanese tackle shops you can check out, the 2 I’ve used are Asian portal and my favorite Japan Lure Shop but there are a few more that are reliable and worth checking out as well. As a side note I don’t own the Zillion but all of the opinions on here sure makes me feel like I’m missing out.

[LonnieP]

2 hours ago, ckurdziel said:

 

. They don't have the 6 speed in stock unfortunately.

Search for Daiwa Gillion on US Amazon, there a 3 in stock for 201.85

[woolleyfooley]

I’d also recommend the Zillion. Definitely from Japan though. 
 

Ok the topic of size, what exactly does the 100/200/300 represent? The size of what? Companies like Lew’s and Abu Garcia don’t have those same numbers. How would you figure out what a lews/abu 100/200/300 etc is? 

[UmairF]

Would you recommend the curado 200M for glidebaits/swimbaits? Anyone have experience with it? Was looking at the tranx but it think the new curado has the mgl3 spool which Ive been a fan of.

 

Reason Im asking is because Im thinking to sell my 2023 lexa 300. Wayyy too big for my hands. Makes me not want to throw big baits tbh. If anyone’s interested in the reel btw reach out to me.

[casts_by_fly]

19 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

I’d also recommend the Zillion. Definitely from Japan though. 
 

Ok the topic of size, what exactly does the 100/200/300 represent? The size of what? Companies like Lew’s and Abu Garcia don’t have those same numbers. How would you figure out what a lews/abu 100/200/300 etc is? 

generically it’s the model designation from shimano. Curado 200. Bantam 150. Aldebaran 30. Smaller number is smaller size. The same number across different models will be the same sized spool usually, and often a pretty similar sized reel. A met 150 and a chronarch 150 are pretty similar in size and feel. It is NOT a hard measurement of anything. 
 

If you really want to compare across manufacturers then look at the spool size specs. That will get you close. Line capacity will too just be mindful of shallow spools and deep spools. 
 

 

[AvoidingYardWork]

On 11/28/2024 at 2:29 AM, NorthernBasser said:

You can definitely throw Chatterbaits/Spinnerbaits on a 70 MGL. I absolutely love the Curado 150 MGL. I like them so much I sold the 4 Curado K's I had and replaced them with these a few years back. Daiwa Elite's are really nice as well. 

The Curado 150 MGL is amazing!  Just got once recently and I'm tempted to start replacing everything with them.  I have the Curado 70 MGL for my jerkbait set up and that reel is a revelation as well.  Might have to put my 200ks in a display case and place of reverence.

[Bigbox99]

If you like your Shimanos and want to stick with them I would recommend the Bantam for a high resistance moving bait reel.   Also, don't get to hung up on Shimano's sizing equating to a frame size.  It's more reflective of reel capacity (spool dimensions) than outward frame size.  All the modern 200 and under shimanos are pretty close in size.  

[NorthernBasser]

1 hour ago, Bigbox99 said:

All the modern 200 and under shimanos are pretty close in size.  

 

IMO, the Curado 200 K and M are noticeably larger (and heavier) than the MGL 150, and way larger than the Curado 70. 

[Bigbox99]

34 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

 

IMO, the Curado 200 K and M are noticeably larger (and heavier) than the MGL 150, and way larger than the Curado 70. 

To me they are all in the same ball park.  I come from Daiwas so something like a Tatula 150/200 or Z200 feels huge compared to a modern Zillion and Tatula 100 or 80.  My Shimano Scorpion 70, 1000xt and Casitas MGL 150 all feel the basically same in size. 

 

I'm also always amazed at how small a Curado 200k feels in store when comparing it to my big blocky Tatula 150 despite it having nearly identical capacity.  It's much more compact around the front of the reel than the box shaped old Tatulas.  I palm my reels and wrap my hand around the reel and place my thumb on top of the frame so a compact front portion of the reel plays a big impact on perceived reel size.  I think the 200M is so small in fact that I will be getting one over a 150 MGL for bombing lipless because I can't get over using a tiny 32mm spool to bomb cast and the 200k felt normal/100 size to me every time I palmed a display model.  

 

I do like the performance and parts compatibility of the Tatula 150.  Not knocking the reel but it's never been a good palming reel due to it handsome blocky shape.  It does look cool though.  I don't like reels or cars that are too egg shaped. 

[Rockhopper]

I'll throw in my $.02 since I have used quite a bit of casting reels.

 

Regarding my SHIMANO brand casting reels specifically, I have become a big fan of the curado mgl's over the past couple years and have mostly those in my arsenal now.  But to also help answer your question about reel size vs application, read below.

 

I have two 71 mgl's.  One for my jerkbait rod and one for my flipping/pitching jig rod. Both 8:1.  I have three 151 mgl's for almost everything else except big baits and deep cranks. One 6:1 and two 7:1.  I have two 201k's used on heavier rods for big baits and currently deep cranks. Both 7:1.  I have one 301e in 7:1 that I have paired to a 9ft Loomis that is used for river salmon/steelhead and BIG swimbaits for bass. Lastly, two reels I own that I will never part with are two 201i citicas.  I don't know what it is about those reels, but I absolutely love them.  They are on dedicated rods that I take only on the kayaks, as I do not take my high end gear on the kayaks.  But they have been awesome to fish with for me.  I also use these for when I take a buddy and need to lend a rod out.

 

I had four 201e's that were general purpose. I have replaced them with the 71 and 151 mgl's.  I had one 51e that I still beat myself for ever getting rid of.  That was an exceptional small reel, and would take another in a heartbeat if I could find one mint condition or close to it.  My next shimano casting reel purchase will be a bantam mgl lefty in 6:1 for a dedicated mid to deep cranking rod that I am currently trying to procure. 

 

Of everything I have now, the only two that will probably go at some point are the 201k's.  They have been absolutely great reels, but I do not use them much because the size is the most fatiguing over the course of a day of fishing.  If I only fish that size all day, my hands will be cramping by the end of the day, and I have some big paws.  I will probably hang onto the better of the two, or sell both and pick up one 201m in 7:1.

 

IF I could only choose one for everything, it would without question be a Curado 151mgl in 7:1.

 

Edit: I forgot I also had a couple of the older gen met's that I also sold when the 151mgl's came out.  Those were also fantastic reels, but I thought they were ugly personally.  And I wanted to try the newer technology, and I am glad I did.

[NorthernBasser]

3 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

To me they are all in the same ball park.  I come from Daiwas so something like a Tatula 150/200 or Z200 feels huge compared to a modern Zillion and Tatula 100 or 80.  My Shimano Scorpion 70, 1000xt and Casitas MGL 150 all feel the basically same in size. 

 

I'm also always amazed at how small a Curado 200k feels in store when comparing it to my big blocky Tatula 150 despite it having nearly identical capacity.  It's much more compact around the front of the reel than the box shaped old Tatulas.  I palm my reels and wrap my hand around the reel and place my thumb on top of the frame so a compact front portion of the reel plays a big impact on perceived reel size.  I think the 200M is so small in fact that I will be getting one over a 150 MGL for bombing lipless because I can't get over using a tiny 32mm spool to bomb cast and the 200k felt normal/100 size to me every time I palmed a display model.  

 

I do like the performance and parts compatibility of the Tatula 150.  Not knocking the reel but it's never been a good palming reel due to it handsome blocky shape.  It does look cool though.  I don't like reels or cars that are too egg shaped. 

 

Reel sizes are crazy nowadays. Back in the day the Curado 200K would've felt like a BFS reel of today.

 

I remember this old Curado feeling "small" 20+ years ago. Comparing it now to the new Hundo is is really something. Granted, the Hundo is considered small even by today's standards.

 

 

[Eric 26]

37 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

 

Reel sizes are crazy nowadays. Back in the day the Curado 200K would've felt like a BFS reel of today.

 

I remember this old Curado feeling "small" 20+ years ago. Comparing it now to the new Hundo is is really something. Granted, the Hundo is considered small even by today's standards.

 

 

[Eric 26]

4 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

 

 

 

I do like the performance and parts compatibility of the Tatula 150.  Not knocking the reel but it's never been a good palming reel due to it handsome blocky shape.  It does look cool though.  I don't like reels or cars that are too egg shaped. 

 

Although I don’t own a whole lot of bait cast reels in general I definitely prefer the Daiwa’s for their braking systems and what I feel is their simplicity in adjusting their braking systems. With that said in context to this thread my first Shimano reel was an SLX first generation and it’s one of the only reels I regret selling also because what I feel was a simple braking system along with very comfortable ergonomics. Since then I’ve  purchased a SLX MGL 71 and a used Curado 151 MGL and I really enjoy them both. Keeping in the context of this thread for me personally there is something about the Daiwa’s that just fit my medium sized hands with sausage size fingers as my wife would describe them including the above quoted “picture” reel along with it’s cousin the Arachnid that I own both of and love them both. For me the only reel that although I had zero problems with the performance but just didn’t find comfortable was a BPS Carbonlite 2.0 the white & gold version and I’ve handled the “new” black version and feel the same about the ergonomics of both. With that said I believe and I’m sure someone on here can confirm or disprove that the BPS reel in reference is a Lews LFS frame, I will say and again I’m sure someone can correct me if I’m wrong I’ve handled the last generation Lews Carbon Fire reel which I believe is an SLP frame and I really like the feel of that enough that if I find a good enough to me deal I’d like to purchase one of the SLP framed reels and I’m definitely keeping my eye on DSG which seems to always have some kind of deal that I could try out the Carbon Fire reel and upgrade if I find I like the ergonomics. 

[woolleyfooley]

2 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

 

Reel sizes are crazy nowadays. Back in the day the Curado 200K would've felt like a BFS reel of today.

 

I remember this old Curado feeling "small" 20+ years ago. Comparing it now to the new Hundo is is really something. Granted, the Hundo is considered small even by today's standards.

 

 

Wow. That really puts things into perspective. Thanks for posting that.

[MontclairDave]

On 11/28/2024 at 2:39 AM, Columbia Craw said:

A Zillion at two hundred bucks is the deal.  

$200 would indeed be a deal for a Zillion. Where are you getting it for that price? Dijitaka $233 as of today.