LCG

I don't use jerkbaits, but caught plenty of bass using treble hooked baits and don't have any issues. You do have to adjust your hooksets and lower your drag a bit while you fight the fish as there is far less stretch with a leader than straight mono or fluorocarbon. I just prefer XF rod actions so I make adjustments to my drag and hooksets, keeps it simple for me. I also fish a lot from a kayak where you don't get the solid stance hooksets like when bank fishing or from a boat as you are floating in the water and easily moved by current, wind, or while fighting a fish. FYI, I saw a video about KVD himself using a 6'10" MH-F rod for jerkbait, but he also changes out the hooks for more stouter, stronger hooks. He also used the same rod for spinnerbaits. Everyone has their own personal preference, so what works well for one person, may not work well for another.

I don't have the DC version of either. I have the curado k and the slx mgl. I am very impressed with the smoothness of the slx mgl. Yes the curado is smoother and beefier, but for the price the slx mgl is a solid, smooth reel. I would assume the same holds true for the DC variants. I use my K for larger moving baits like spinnerbait, chatterbaits, crankbaits, etc. The SLX MGL is used for light texas rigs. Very impressive reels. The K has one year of use with no issues, just got the SLX mgl so time will tell, but I imagine both reels will last a long time.

I prefer a 6ft mono leader with braid main line. I find mono holds the knot better and is far cheaper. Been using BPS Tourney Tough for the last two years and it works well for me. 20lb braid to 6lb leader for spinning and 30lb braid to 14lb mono for casting and 10lb mono for my new light texas rig set up. I have found that I always end up breaking my leader just below the knot when I use a long Leader that goes into the spool of my baitcaster. It must be the uni to uni knot, but hate the fg knot with a passion. I only use xf action rods, prefer the feel so I need some stretch between the xf action and the braid. Mono helps, but wouldn't mind using a longer leader for when the fish is close and make the last second runs.

6'8" M-Xf bass pro carbonlite 2.0 with braid to leader. Very sensitive and great action. Lure rating 1/8-1/2oz.

I have 20lb suffix. 832 on my spinning set up with 6lb leader. I have found that the higher pound test does not get wind knots as much and it's easier for me to work with. I also use 30lb kastking superpower 4 carrier braid on a baitcasting set up that I like too. Power pro is another good brand.

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the great advice. I feel a bit more confident to clean and lube my own reels without messing something up.

I only fish in fresh water, would this be OK to remove the shields and it won't cause any issues? I guess it would make the whole process a lot easier.

So am I understanding this correctly in that only the spool bearing should be oiled, and the rest ie drive bearings, shaft bearing, pinion, and pinion support bearing should be greased?

I have a Shimano Curado K and a newly acquired SLX MGL. Not sure how the bearings are shielded. The Curado K is still super smooth but has been used all season.

So is there enough room between the shield and the rim of the bearing for oil to enter? If so, I assume the shield is to keep larger pieces of dirt or whatever from entering.

Hoping i can get some help with cleaning and oiling bearings in a baitcaster. I am fairly new to maintaining my equipment, but I enjoy the learning curve and seeing how things work. My main question is what to do with bearings. I have read soak them in acetone and oil them. But when the bearings have those metal rings protecting them, how to you ensure a proper clean and lube? Afraid to try to remove the metal shield and mangling it. I am planning on using super lube for the gears and bantam oil for the bearings. I would greatly appreciate any help and direction. Want to have a clear understanding before I start the process. Don't be afraid to dumb it down, I take no offense

I always find it odd when I read or watch reel reviews and some people criticise drag of only 11 or 12 pounds. That's more than enough for the fish I have caught. Usually set mine by hand 2-5lbs ish depending on line, technique, and cover. I will take smooth drag over raw power any day.

Reel came in today. Spooled it with some 30lb kastking braid and went out to a local pond. Casted and pitched a 1/8oz trick worm, a 1/4oz in line spinner, and then a weightless trick worm. Unfortunately no fish, but I did get a good feel for the reel and have it dialed in to where I like it. It casted and pitched all of the above lures very well. I am very impressed how easily it side arm cast a weightless trick worm, very little effort and great distance considering the light weight lure and a MH-XF rod that is rated for 3/8-1oz. Accuracy is on point as well. The reel is very comfortable to palm. I bought it to compliment my Curado K and I wanted something smaller and lighter to throw small baits. The SLX MGL is maybe a tad behind the Curado K in overall refinement, but not by much. Set the brakes at 2 on 2 off, outside dial at 4 with a loose spool tension and it's as good as I could ask for. Retrieve is very smooth and the handle is comfortable. So far I am very impressed with the SLX MGL.

I figure win some, lose some. All good. This is my first JDM purchase and was surprised to see so much different selection of product. It's interesting and I can foree buying future stuff there. I know Japan takes there fishing pretty serious and their level of quality products is well known.

Just got an update on my order, looks like the tax man wants his money too still not bad $169 canadian plus $32 tax/duty. Still $50 cheaper than anywhere I could find. Bought it from Asian portal fishing after reading some good reviews of the company here on bass resource.

Thanks everyone for the input, seems like 30lb is the most recommended. Line capacity isn't really an issue as I don't need that much line. I ordered the reel from Japan Friday night and received an email late last night that it shipped. Can't wait to give it a try, been going back and forth between this reel and the curado 70 MGL, Scorpion MGL, and the Bantam MGL. Then I simplified the list by focusing on a 70 sized reel and at the end of the day the SLX MGL was less than half the cost of the Curado MGL.

I ordered a new SLX MGL 151 HG. I am planning on using this reel for light 1/8oz texas rigged trick/ribbon tailed worms and creature baits. Maybe some light spinner baits and 1/4oz in line spinners as well. This is my first 70 sized spool. I am usually a braid to leader guy. I was thinking 20lb braid to 10lb leader would compliment my Stradic FL with 10lb braid to 6lb leader and my Curado K with 30lb braid to 14lb leader. However, I have never used 20lb braid on a baitcaster for fear of dig in on the spool. Is this an issue on a shallow spool? Any higher seems like it might counteract the MGL spool being light weight and throwing heavier braid with light lures. Also curious if this reel will be able to toss 1/16oz Ned rigs (3/16 total). Any tips of tricks would be greatly appreciated.

Finally decided to order the SLX MGL. Something smaller, lighter, more finesse oriented. Hopefully it fits what I am looking for.

Congrats on the new purchase, you will have to post a review. I wish I could be so decisive. Keep going back and forth between MGL reels from slx 70 MGL, curado 70 MGL, scorpion 150 mgl, chronarch MGL, to bantam mgl. I am all over the place

Out of curiosity, do you have any suggestions or input on the handle lengths 84mm vs 90mm for the xg model? And can they cast the lighter range of 1/4oz?

How is the MGL for light texas rigged plastics? Looking for another reel and really like the K. Looking for pitching with a 1/8oz weight and trick worms, creatures, etc., the K will do it, but curious if the Scorpion MGL can do it better.

They have the 17 in DC and BFS. I believe the 19 is their version of the curado k but with an MGL spool. I would love to hear from anyone that has experience with the scorpion mgl. Looks like a great reel and can be had for much cheaper than the new curado mgl, here in Canada anyways.

I am a big fan of the BPS Carbonlite 2.0 6'8" M-Xf spinning rod. The action and power are just perfect for my style of fishing. Also had the Fenwick hmg 6'9" ML-F and St croix Mojo 6'8 M-XF. The Carbonlite is the perfect middle ground of the two rods. Use it for Ned rigs, weightless trick worms and wacky rigged senkos mostly. Lure rating is accurate, rated 1/8-1/2oz.

I bought the FL at the beginning of this year before the vanford was released. I did compare it to the ci4+ and I prefer the feel of the aluminum FL. Feels like a tank, but so smooth. I don't find the weight to be an issue at all, in fact all the rods I have used don't balance a light reel well. The vanford looks like a great reel, I think it's a matter of preference. I am very happy with the FL and tested it on a few 5lb bass this year, which is pretty big around my area. Has stood up with 0 issues. I expect it will last a very long time. This reel actually impressed me so much, I sold off my other reels and own only Shimano now. Call me a fan boy, but the quality and craftsmanship is very impressive.

With st croix, I would stick to ML-F to ML-XF. Had an avid x and Mojo spinning rod, they are both nice, but the avid x is nicer if you can live with micro guides. I would say overall, the Mojo 6'10 ML-XF is a solid choice. The avid x being a bit more higher end.