Low profile baitcast reels, Shimano SLX 70 mgl alternatives

[bishoptf]

I'm cheap but like shimano slx xt reels and have been able to pick some up on ALF from time to time. I have small hands and really prefer a low profile reel, I'd really like the Shimano mgl 70 reel but I have not been able to find a good deal or used on ALF. The question is what other reels out there that would be an alternative to the SLX mgl 70 reels. I broke down last year and needed some inexpensive reels and picked up quite a few black maxes and actually they have not and are not a bad reel but when I throw one of my curados or newer slx reels well you get the picture...lol.

 

Just wanted to ask what are some of the alternatives to the low profile shimano reels, thanks!

[WRB]

Shimano. SLX 70 A has the MGL spool.

Look at JDM sites for bargain priced.

Tom

[MediumMouthBass]

3 hours ago, bishoptf said:

I have small hands and really prefer a low profile reel

The XT and SLX MGL frames are standard 100 size. Same as the regular SLX.

The only reel comparable to the SLX MGL is the Zillion from Japan. And the Tatula SV TW.

Both Daiwas are also about $50-80 more. (depending on currency and sales)

 

I have several dozen casting reels from all the major brands, to me nothing comes close to the SLX MGL 70, not the Zillion, definitely not the subpar Tatula SV thats also $60 more MSRP....

The Tatula SV and Zillion are the only reels in that same category the SLX MGL is that i own, if my Zillion performed like everyone elses it would be a 50/50 tie between the two. But i just love the size and color of the MGL more. And the Zillion has difficulties casting light lures far, the MGL embraces it and casts a mile.

The Tatula SV is really the closest option, (especially in frame size) and was my first choice. Its a nice reel, i paid $100 for it new. Id be very upset if i paid the $210 MSRP. Its no where near the Zillion or SLX MGL, still a nice reel, just not for what its priced for.

 

The Zillion from Japan is a great option if you want a multi purpose high quality reel, but if you want to fish lighter stuff like weightless soft plastics, think a senko. Then add another $30-50 for an aftermarket spool. MGL is ready to go out the box. 

3 hours ago, bishoptf said:

I'm cheap

Me too, i only buy when theres a sale. Last year they cleared out last gen SLX MGL 70s for $100, that was the time to buy. The new ones are $150 and with holiday sales you might be able to get one for around $120 give or take. I only buy reels if i can get them between 30-50% off or more. The SLX MGL (last gen) is the only reel i would ever pay MSRP for. Check JDM prices on all reels.

[bishoptf]

5 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

The XT and SLX MGL frames are standard 100 size. Same as the regular SLX.

The only reel comparable to the SLX MGL is the Zillion from Japan. And the Tatula SV TW.

Both Daiwas are also about $50-80 more. (depending on currency and sales)

 

I have several dozen casting reels from all the major brands, to me nothing comes close to the SLX MGL 70, not the Zillion, definitely not the subpar Tatula SV thats also $60 more MSRP....

The Tatula SV and Zillion are the only reels in that same category the SLX MGL is that i own, if my Zillion performed like everyone elses it would be a 50/50 tie between the two. But i just love the size and color of the MGL more. And the Zillion has difficulties casting light lures far, the MGL embraces it and casts a mile.

The Tatula SV is really the closest option, (especially in frame size) and was my first choice. Its a nice reel, i paid $100 for it new. Id be very upset if i paid the $210 MSRP. Its no where near the Zillion or SLX MGL, still a nice reel, just not for what its priced for.

 

The Zillion from Japan is a great option if you want a multi purpose high quality reel, but if you want to fish lighter stuff like weightless soft plastics, think a senko. Then add another $30-50 for an aftermarket spool. MGL is ready to go out the box. 

Me too, i only buy when theres a sale. Last year they cleared out last gen SLX MGL 70s for $100, that was the time to buy. The new ones are $150 and with holiday sales you might be able to get one for around $120 give or take. I only buy reels if i can get them between 30-50% off or more. The SLX MGL (last gen) is the only reel i would ever pay MSRP for. Check JDM prices on all reels.

 

Thanks this helps a bunch, kind of what I assumed but wasn't sure if there was anything out there that would be close. I picked up some new XLT's from ALF for a crazy $65ea price, they are left hand reels but that hasn't bothered me much and I have been really impressed. I have some old citica's and makes me think of replacing them, lol.

 

Are the curado's MGL's the same size? I will just have to keep an eye out and hope someone trades some in at ALF, lol.

 

12 minutes ago, WRB said:

Shimano. SLX 70 A has the MGL spool.

Look at JDM sites for bargain priced.

Tom

 

Can you give me some of those sites, I have never looked or would even know where to start...thanks

[Bigbox99]

Check Aliexpress for cheap SLX reels.

[Eric 26]

@bishoptf I like and have purchased reels from Japan Lure Shop 

[FishTax]

If you are just looking for a quality, small frame reel, like a black max alternative check out the daiwa cc80. I have normal man hands and feel like the feel like it's a small reel. You can probably palm one at a local store just check inventory online. 

[bishoptf]

2 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

Check Aliexpress for cheap SLX reels.

I would be concerned that ths stuff on Aliexpress would be knockoffs. That would be my concern purchasing from there.

30 minutes ago, FishTax said:

If you are just looking for a quality, small frame reel, like a black max alternative check out the daiwa cc80. I have normal man hands and feel like the feel like it's a small reel. You can probably palm one at a local store just check inventory online. 

Yeah I am looking for a SLX mgl alternative, I like the black maxs but I really like my slx reels and wasn't sure if there was a cheaper alternative to the SLX mgl.

[GReb]

You can find them used for $70 or below. I sold a pair on here not long ago for $125

 

If you are open to other brands the Lews LFS is a small comfortable reel and really solid. You can find them periodically for cheap. Dicks will randomly mark them down. I picked up one for $50 earlier this year. 

[bishoptf]

4 minutes ago, GReb said:

You can find them used for $70 or below. I sold a pair on here not long ago for $125

 

If you are open to other brands the Lews LFS is a small comfortable reel and really solid. You can find them periodically for cheap. Dicks will randomly mark them down. I picked up one for $50 earlier this year. 

I see so many lews models which one is the one at DSG so I know which ones to look out for.

 

I would have bought those used ones that was a good price. I guess I need to keep an eye out on the used section.

[ABU is overpriced]

If you want something as cheap as possible, but at the same time you want it to feel and last just like a premium $400 reel, i'd suggest to get the Alphas. If you can get to $200-220, the Zillion all the way.

[WRB]

JDM tackle is made for the Japanese Domestic Market if anything higher quality products then USA market.

The price is lower do to the difference in USD vs JY and it changes nearly daily.

Some JDM site offer free shipping others don’t and payment method can also impact shipped prices, check that before buying.

Today the SLX 70A is about $119 shipped.

Tom

[newapti5]

JDM Alphas would be a good alternative, which could be had for around $150 new.

[bishoptf]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

JDM tackle is made for the Japanese Domestic Market if anything higher quality products then USA market.

The price is lower do to the difference in USD vs JY and it changes nearly daily.

Some JDM site offer free shipping others don’t and payment method can also impact shipped prices, check that before buying.

Today the SLX 70A is about $119 shipped.

Tom

Again inwould be good with that price but the sites I have found are more than that...can you provide some links?

[newapti5]

6 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

Check Aliexpress for cheap SLX reels.

 

With all the JDM sites, people often forget Ali sometimes could have even better prices for new reels, e.g., Curado M for $115 now after $18 coupon:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806844748439.html

These are CDM reels, Chinese Domestic Market, which is one of the largest markets for Shimano and Daiwa, given the population number there.  I've purchased a Curado K from Ali before. Except a different sticker in the bottom, I don't see any other differences inside or out. It's still one of my smoothest reels, even oddly smoother than my JDM Metanium. 

[casts_by_fly]

21 minutes ago, bishoptf said:

Again inwould be good with that price but the sites I have found are more than that...can you provide some links?

https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/2/4969363046970

 

SLX 70 with the regular spool for $130.  Just get what you like.

[bishoptf]

48 minutes ago, newapti5 said:

 

With all the JDM sites, people often forget Ali sometimes could have even better prices for new reels, e.g., Curado M for $115 now after $18 coupon:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806844748439.html

These are CDM reels, Chinese Domestic Market, which is one of the largest markets for Shimano and Daiwa, given the population number there.  I've purchased a Curado K from Ali before. Except a different sticker in the bottom, I don't see any other differences inside or out. It's still one of my smoothest reels, even oddly smoother than my JDM Metanium. 

Where or how do you get the $18 coupon, funny Alixexpress wants to charge me sales tax, lol. I'd like to purchase more than one but will keep that in mind.

 

I know when I am throwing my old curado's or the new SLX's I notice the difference. Not sure what I need to do to my old citicas they are not throwing as nice, maybe change out the bearings but then I have no idea what size etc...plus even though they are the dsv models they are bigger and I like smaller.

[Eric 26]

@bishoptf here’s a screenshot from Japan Lure Shop it says 24 SLX but it’s def the SLX MGL as I purchased one from them myself. The shipping was definitely no more than 15.00 to Illinois and they included a baby pop x megabass lure that they do on every reel order in fact I received a chatterbait jackhammer when I purchased my Daiwa Tatula 80 from them.

Edited December 10, 2024 by Eric 26
Removed content

[newapti5]

1 minute ago, bishoptf said:

Where or how do you get the $18 coupon, funny Alixexpress wants to charge me sales tax, lol. I'd like to purchase more than one but will keep that in mind.

 

I know when I am throwing my old curado's or the new SLX's I notice the difference. Not sure what I need to do to my old citicas they are not throwing as nice, maybe change out the bearings but then I have no idea what size etc...plus even though they are the dsv models they are bigger and I like smaller.

 

I'm not sure if admin would ban me here if I  keep taling about Ali, but on their homepage, they're giving out coupon codes, like "USGS18" for $18 off of any order over $139. Add a couple bags of tungsten weights or such to your order, and then you can input the coupon code during checkout.

 

If you want SLX, do a quick search there and you'll find some regular SLXs for less than $100. BTW, the size for most Shimano spool bearings is 3x10x4mm, which you can find some ceramic hybrid ones, or NMB or NSK ones on Ali as well.   

[bishoptf]

1 minute ago, newapti5 said:

 

I'm not sure if admin would ban me here if I  keep taling about Ali, but on their homepage, they're giving out coupon codes, like "USGS18" for $18 off of any order over $139. Add a couple bags of tungsten weights or such to your order, and then you can input the coupon code during checkout.

 

If you want SLX, do a quick search there and you'll find some regular SLXs for less than $100. BTW, the size for most Shimano spool bearings is 3x10x4mm, which you can find some ceramic hybrid ones, or NMB or NSK ones on Ali as well.   

Thanks I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble either just have a hard time finding stuff on Alie..lol.

 

Thanks for the heads up.

[Bigbox99]

1 hour ago, newapti5 said:

 

With all the JDM sites, people often forget Ali sometimes could have even better prices for new reels, e.g., Curado M for $115 now after $18 coupon:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806844748439.html

These are CDM reels, Chinese Domestic Market, which is one of the largest markets for Shimano and Daiwa, given the population number there.  I've purchased a Curado K from Ali before. Except a different sticker in the bottom, I don't see any other differences inside or out. It's still one of my smoothest reels, even oddly smoother than my JDM Metanium. 

That M price is tempting.  I want the M or the 150 MGL for a flat side special.  

[newapti5]

2 minutes ago, Bigbox99 said:

That M price is tempting.  I want the M or the 150 MGL for a flat side special.  

 

I haven't tried the MGL III spool from Curado M, but my experience with the ones from Bantam and Metanium tells me that MGL III spools are really great improvement over the last generation when it comes to long casting. 

[bishoptf]

Can someone tell me when looking at a JDM site they list in Yen but is there additional fee for conversion through paypal etc? I can get the conversion rate via google but not sure if it will be the same from paypal etc. Just trying to figure out what the actual price will be, thanks.

[Eric 26]

30 minutes ago, bishoptf said:

Can someone tell me when looking at a JDM site they list in Yen but is there additional fee for conversion through paypal etc? I can get the conversion rate via google but not sure if it will be the same from paypal etc. Just trying to figure out what the actual price will be, thanks.

I’ve never been charged a conversion fee when I order through Japan Lure Shop, as was pointed out to me on this site you can get the prices in US currency by utilizing their menu button on their website also. 24 SLX is $106.00 currently on JLS, and although it says 24 SLX it’s the SLX MGL, when I purchased mine from them it was labeled the same way although I bought the 2019 version. Which I paid $13.00 for shipping.

[newapti5]

11 minutes ago, bishoptf said:

Can someone tell me when looking at a JDM site they list in Yen but is there additional fee for conversion through paypal etc? I can get the conversion rate via google but not sure if it will be the same from paypal etc. Just trying to figure out what the actual price will be, thanks.

 

If my memory serves me, PayPay's rate is a bit higher than market rate, which means they're gonna charge a little extra. You could also pay with your US debit/credit cards, but the banks may charge some conversion fees as well. Wells Fargo once charged me $10 extra for a $200 order. 

 

Some JDM sites would have the options to pay with US dollars directly, like JLS Eric just mentioned, but their conversion rate would be a bit higher than market rate as well when you do the math. 

 

In summary, you're gonna pay some extra, like ~10 bucks.