Now I am in search of another reel and while I have the SLX XT and the Caius B, I need a step up from those reels. And the revolving question around my head is the Curado 150 MGL worth it out of the Curado series? 
 

I have done extensive research on it and the only problem I can see with the reel is the aluminium micromodule gearing durability. Can it handle the wear and tear of crankbaits and big bass over 5 pounds very often? I have many questions about the reel and since I am on the verge of taking a step into the unknown and buying it myself I do not know if there can be an alternative reel or possibly a different model of Curado that can outperform this reel. I would also want to fully in detail learn about its technologies and what it has to offer while also helping other people who are in the same situation as me when it comes to picking up an expensive reel.

On 9/25/2021 at 4:42 PM, Lucas G. said:

Now I am in search of another reel and while I have the SLX XT and the Caius B, I need a step up from those reels. And the revolving question around my head is the Curado 150 MGL worth it out of the Curado series? 
 

I have done extensive research on it and the only problem I can see with the reel is the aluminium micromodule gearing durability. Can it handle the wear and tear of crankbaits and big bass over 5 pounds very often? I have many questions about the reel and since I am on the verge of taking a step into the unknown and buying it myself I do not know if there can be an alternative reel or possibly a different model of Curado that can outperform this reel. I would also want to fully in detail learn about its technologies and what it has to offer while also helping other people who are in the same situation as me when it comes to picking up an expensive reel.

Does the Curado 200K have the same gear setup? I have the MGL150 and I’ve loved it so far. Palms better and lightweight. Haven’t caught any over 5 on it yet but if it’s like my Curado 200K that I use for cranking then it should handle it fine.

On 9/25/2021 at 3:42 PM, Lucas G. said:

the only problem I can see with the reel is the aluminium micromodule gearing durability.

 

   There are more aluminum alloys than you can shake a stick at. Some of them are extremely durable. I have no idea which particular alloy Shimano used here, but various companies have used aluminum alloy gears for years and have had no problems.

 

   With their worldwide presence and reputation, especially in racing bicycle gears, I seriously doubt Shimano would try to pull a fast one. The alloy is probably first-rate.               jj

You will get your moneys worth out of the reel long before you need to change the main if you ever do.  I bet if you used it as a dedicated reel for anything where you lock the drag down and swing for the fences you would get some wear after heavy use.  I would think it would handle CBs fine. 

Where does it state that the gears are aluminum ?

I don't see it on the Shimano site.

People have been crapping on the micromodule gears since the k was released but I have absolutely abused mine over the last couple of years and they are still buttery smooth. I don't "power fish" but have horsed plenty of 2-4lb'ers with no problem. I've never had to replace a gear set in over twenty years on any reel so there's that.

Where are you seeing aluminum gearing for that reel? I have 2 on pre-order at the moment and plan to use one for frogging and one for flipping/punching in heavy cover. Time will tell I suppose. 

You will never strip the gears in a Curado 150 MGL bass fishing.    If you use 200 pound braid and hook your line to the back of your cousin's monster truck, you might...    ?

 

The only observation I have is the spool seems narrow compared to my old round reels.  A prehistoric Ambassador 5500C seems gigantic compared to one of these moderns reels.  I love my MGL.

Brass gears, this is directly from Bantam1 (shimano rep) on tackletour.

Brass gears and definitely my next reel purchase for sure. In my opinion Shimano combined the Curado 200k & Curado 70k MGL and the result is the 150MGL plus 6 pin brake weights instead of 4. 

It should palm like most SLX. Most of my reels are 150 size and never had a problem with line capacity and also I never had any problems with the micro module gears. Good Luck.

the question I have is, is the 150 size capacity enough for, say using 12 pound mono (which i use on my baitcasters) for bass and pike? 

 

I have the 200 size curado now and its fine, is the 150 size spool too small for bass/pike fishing? 

35 minutes ago, Hulkster said:

the question I have is, is the 150 size capacity enough for, say using 12 pound mono (which i use on my baitcasters) for bass and pike? 

 

I have the 200 size curado now and its fine, is the 150 size spool too small for bass/pike fishing? 

 

I'd say yes it should hold enough line. I have a Curado 70k MGL loaded with 14lb sniper and it's plenty fine for bass fishing. 

 

This should give you a good idea on line capacity and probably close enough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If it is brass gears like the Metanium then I see this reel being as perfect as it can get. 
It is a great reel no doubt and I will be buying it as soon as I can. Whatever it has, brass or high grade aluminium alloy, should not let you down then. I regularly catch 5-8 pounders at least once a week so those gears at that level should be able to regularly put up with it.

If you love the SLX feel and frame but in a higher quality reel such as the Curado line then this is the best choice especially with its capability to easily cast over 50/55 yards.

Is your level wind protector or where you rest your pointer finger when holding the reel made out of metal or plastic (not the main body) just wondering if I got a genuine reel or not

17 hours ago, Kyrylo said:

Is your level wind protector or where you rest your pointer finger when holding the reel made out of metal or plastic (not the main body) just wondering if I got a genuine reel or not

Plastic on most reels.

On 7/17/2025 at 7:35 AM, Bigbox99 said:

Plastic on most reels.

Thanks man thought I got scammed lol