So it's been about 3 months with my first baitcaster, a Shimano SLX DC, on a 6' 9" MH/F rod (Kistler Argon). I got it to make the learning curve of using a baitcaster a bit easier, and for that, it worked fine. But it's not like it's hassle-free; you definitely have to thumb it to some degree if you want to get any distance on setting 2, which I prefer over the heavier brake settings. And for light entry of lure, thumbing also needed, as expected.

 

Now that I have a (somewhat) educated thumb, I want something with a lighter/faster spool to pitch smaller finesse lures with; using it on a 6' 8" Medium/Fast Falcon HD (crazy nice rod for $70). I am torn between SLX MGL ($150) and Curado 70 MGL ($230). Biggest difference between the two is Curado has micromodule gearing, SLX doesn’t. Weight, line capacity about the same. 

 

Gonna use it for light Texas rigging, small swim jigs, Super Flukes, and small topwaters.

 

Is the Curado worth an extra $80 for the micromodule gearing? Is that feature just Shimano marketing or a real differentiator?

 

Thoughts?

6 minutes ago, MontclairDave said:

Biggest difference between the two is Curado has micromodule gearing, SLX doesn’t.

 

IMO the biggest difference is not micro mod but a dual supported pinion (X Ship). That said, I fish what you described above with a standard 200 size Citica I. Unless you're talking super light swim jigs < 1/4oz, a standard reel will get you by. 

Do you want a corvette or a civic?  ? 

@MiceNReetsit is more like Civic LX and Cvic Si. They both work, only one a little bit fancier and priceier than other ???.

You might have to ask yourself if smoothness and stronger feel is worth 80 dollars for you. 
The differences between both is not just MM gear, you got 4 xtra bearing where two is significant make Curado feel much stronger when fighting fish, The X-ship bearing (already mention) and Main shaft support bearing, I don’t remember is any old Curado got the main shaft support bearing except the K. Also spool weight is different SLX is 13.2 grams where Curado is only 12.7 grams. 

The Curado 70 mgl is a very nice reel. Get one!

Perfect for what you would want out of it, and more.

I have both, the Curado just has a better feel to it for some reason. The SLX is a great lil reel as well. You can find the SLX MGL for around $125, the cheapest I found the Curado MGL was $185.

6 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I have both, the Curado just has a better feel to it for some reason. The SLX is a great lil reel as well. You can find the SLX MGL for around $125, the cheapest I found the Curado MGL was $185.

Curado for $185? Where?

Well, when TW had their 20% off sale and on the auction site.