T2DM

I'm pretty sure BNT5643 is just the handle assembly and does not come with the nut, screw and plastic retainer. BNT5642 = nut BNT5641 = plastic retainer (nut plate) BNT5558 = screw BNT5643 = handle assembly (Curado 200k) BNT6057 = handle assembly (Tranx 200)

If you bought them directly from Shimano and the part numbers are: BNT6057 Handle Assembly BNT5641 Handle nut plate Then you should be good to go. Below is my SLX DC XT with 18 Bantam XG 90 MM Handle assembly.

If you have the Curado 70i then the original handle nut plate (plastic nut cover) will not fit the Tranx 200 handle. Curado 200k handle should fit with no problem but you have to buy the handle nut plate. Tranx 200 and Curado 200k, Curado 70 MGL, SLX and many more shares the same nut plate cover. Curado 70i Tranx 200 Curado 200k

I don't think a 300 handle will fit but the 200 should. Most Shimano XG handle Assembly 90MM or 96MM should fit. Just make sure to buy the handle nut plate.

I was about to pull the trigger on this reel at Digitaka but then I discovered that the drag washer PN RD9908 is felt not carbon, now I'm really confused. Plus this Dude confirmed it at 6:15

Curado K is a little bit behind in Technology compared to these 3 Curado reels released after it: 70 MGL 150 MGL 200 M Curado K does not have MGL spool and Silent Tune, but for many, it's still a great reel and a monster caster when using 3/8 and above lure weights.

I used to have one (151 HG), no problem with the dial but I got rid of it quick...and yes, the SLX DC XT is a better reel.

I have one paired with 18 Bantam MGL HG, 14 lb. sniper and love using it with 3/8 oz. chatter bait mini max. I understand it feels a little stiff, but it feels great when you put it to work and hook up a fish.

Based on my experience, I agree with @FishTank a 100%. I've replaced BNT3927 a few times on few of my Shimano reels, I never had any issues with MM gears, I think most of the time, one of the pinion bearings (BNT3927) is what causing that "Geary/grindy noise" especially when water gets in those bearing. I usually don't put any oil in them for a while since they are packed with grease from the factory, but when the reel starts to make that "Geary" noise, I will then either put some bantam oil in that bearing to see if the noise would go away, if not then I just replace it with a new one and everything is back to normal. The other thing that works for me is to swap the pinion bearing with other (BNT3927) located above the AR clutch.

Great reel for sure specially at the price point, it's definitely an updated version of the 17 Scorpion DC which already was an awesome reel. Still waiting for the new Metanium DC though, LOL!. Based on the overall size of the SLX DC XT, I have a feeling that Shimano will have no issue releasing a new Metanium DC based on the current platform. We will have to see, I guess.

The star drag, handle nut and tension knob are left over parts from one of my 17 Scorpion DC that I dropped a while back, it hit the concrete and never the same since. The handle is a stock 18 Bantam MGL that I have a few stocks of with extra bearings. I could be wrong but based on the SLX MGL schematic, the tension knob for both SLX DC XT and 17 Scorpion DC would not be compatible with the SLX MGL since if fall into the latest design by using O ring and finer threads instead of the old-style coil spring, I hope it makes sense. I took the new SLX DC XT out yesterday for a test run and noticed that the line lay was laying more towards the right side of the spool, but I corrected it just by installing this mystery shim or washer that I have laying around to the left-side of the level wind shaft, I also replaced the factory washer (right side below the C-clip) with a thinner washer from the old 17 Scorpion DC. I think the line lay is way better now and hopefully this help others out there that maybe having the same line lay issues with the DC XT. I think the mystery washer or shim was a BNT6588, I'll have to order some to confirm and for future use.

Yes, It would also look better with my Zodias but i'll try that later.

Slightly modified SLX DC XT. I think it looks much better with black/red, swept drag star and 90MM handle.

I used to have the 1st Gen Intenza casting rod, to me it was just a bit lighter SLX with a fancy paint job, the new one is supposed to be a little bit better as far as cosmetics, but I think it just an SLX A with cork handle, I would rather invest on more Expride, but that just me.

I'm looking at the 20 JDM Twin power C3000XG, can someone please confirm if this size comes with cross carbon drag? Thanks in advance.

I agree 100% if the OP don't mind the weight difference.

Stradic would be my choice, Miravel is a fine reel but Stradic is in the sweet spot in terms of features and build quality IMO. FL are on sale right now on TW. I'm sure Daiwa would offer something really close, not sure which one since I don't own any Daiwa but it's always been a competition thing between these two company. I would say the Miravel would be hard to beat.

I do the exact same thing on all of my Shimano reels, plus I want those brake blocks to wear out evenly! ?

Daiwa based on your wish list, but then again!

Since your reel is brand new, I would wipe the brass cone where the brake blocks make contact in the side plate clean, turn on all the brake blocks, eliminate spool side to side play, then start on 3 for the outside dial then go down from there otherwise it would go backlash o' rama at least in my experience specially when using brand new flouro. the brass cone needs some mileage with the brake blocks first I guess?

I don't have the Curado 151 MGL anymore, but I do remember it palms a little bit better than the Bantam IMO.

@Darth-Baiter Cool! I have two 22 Bantam and they're awesome, You'll love it!

Which one did you order dude? 18 or 22? You can't go wrong either one!

Based on my experience on doing a lot of bank fishing and kind of been in the same situation about setup as far as spinning gear, I've decided to try a MH spinning rod and I'm glad I did cause now I can use more heavier lures that I could not use with my medium spinning rod, generally a MH spinning rod is not the same as MH casting rod, is more like a M casting rod. Getting another medium rod IMO would be counterproductive based on the lures you've mentioned. 7' SLX MH spinning rod for $99.99 would be a good choice if you don't mind the EVA handle IMHO.

Mine is more pretty, I think. ?