Shimano Core 100MG vs 50MG7 Hands On Reel Review

Specs            100MG            50MG7

Weight(oz)            6.1            5.5

Gear                   6.2            7.0

Bearings            4-BB,1-RB            7-BB,1-RB

LineCap(#/yd)      10/110,12/90      10/105,12/85,14/70

LineRPC(in.)      26            28

MaxDrag(lbs)      11            10

Price$            $349            $369

(* Core100MGFV is 7.0 gear for $369)

Rod: G. Loomis GLX CR722 6' Medium

Line: Yo-Zuri Hybrid, 12#

Test: 10 casts with each reel on identical rods using each one of three lures/baits

Lures: 1/8 spinnerbait, 5" weightless grub, 5" zoom finess weightless worm

Casts: 25-30 yds effortless, distance close to the core100

Brakes: 2 brakes on, 4 off

Spool Tension: loose enough so 1/8 spinnerbait would fall fast

Smoothness: like silk, no handle play or movement like the Core 100

Palm Fit: like a glove, perfect feel

Backlash: NEVER (w/minimal thumb control)

Opinion:

A lot smaller than the Core 100 and very easy to palm, very low profile like the Steez.  Ergonomics are great, palms much better than the core100.  Very close in size to my Steez and in some ways a better/smoother feel and casts longer than my Steez.

I could cast a 1000 times with this reel in a single day.

Shimano has really hit the mark with this reel.

It is now my preferred spinnerbait reel.

FYI, take out a loan if necessary to get one of these reels, you won't regret it.

Mine should be here tomorrow.  Going to tear it down and do a lot of analyzing on the analytical balance tomorrow night.  

Looks good!! I will be ordering one today.

Thanks!!

thanks for the review.

could have a matched set if they make a 5:8:1 gearset to fit.  8-)

Wow as good or better then the Steez!!!!!!!! That is some money savings right there.

I was extremely impressed with the quality feel and smoothness.  Shimano really focused on ergonomics, it fits the hand just like the steez and much better than the core100.

Steezy,

Can you pop out the spools and see if they interchange?  It's been reported that they are the same but I can't get confirmation.  

Thanks!

Man that can catch fly with a pair of chop sticks can accomplish anything.  

Reel that can cast a weightless finesse worm efortlessly and with good distance can do anything.  

thanks for the review.

could have a matched set if they make a 5:8:1 gearset to fit. 8-)

You can order one from Shimano Japan - they offer the Aldebaran, the JDM counterpart, in both right and left handed 5.8:1 ratio... I agree with steezy - I like the Aldebaran/Core 50 better than the Steez without a doubt.

Steezy,

Can you pop out the spools and see if they interchange? It's been reported that they are the same but I can't get confirmation.

Thanks!

I will attempt to swap/compare the spools this evening and let you know.  I will be surprised if they are swappable due to the fact that the new core50 is a much lower profile than the previous core100.

It's here...  

It's here...

                        ;D ;D ;D ;D

It's here...

Now you have a tough decision, if you take it out of the box, spool it with line, mount it on a rod and cast it........your not going to want to use your other reels.

Have you held it in your hand yet?  If so, how does it feel?

Feels like holding a Steez.

It is tempting to fill the spool, but I won't be fishing until Friday night, so I'm going to strip the bearings tonight and re-oil them.

I am kind of disappointed that a reel cover wasn't included (the Aldebaran comes with a cover).  I've got plenty of Shimano reel covers, but I was hoping for something a little different with this one.

I am kind of disappointed that a reel cover wasn't included (the Aldebaran comes with a cover).

I'm guessing it's because this reel was designed to be fished, not stored.   ;D

I am kind of disappointed that a reel cover wasn't included (the Aldebaran comes with a cover).

I'm guessing it's because this reel was designed to be fished, not stored. ;D

Pricing issues.

The spools will not interchange from the 50 to the 100 either. They are very different in dimensions.

How does the size compare to the older 50Mg? Is the 50Mg more like the 100 core or the new 50Mg?

Feels like holding a Steez.

It is tempting to fill the spool, but I won't be fishing until Friday night, so I'm going to strip the bearings tonight and re-oil them.

I am kind of disappointed that a reel cover wasn't included (the Aldebaran comes with a cover). I've got plenty of Shimano reel covers, but I was hoping for something a little different with this one.

Yea, it comes with a tote bag instead of a cover.  Pretty pityful for a $369 reel.  Guess Shimano figured they would save us the $100  difference between the Core and the Steez by not including a cover.

The spools will not interchange from the 50 to the 100 either. They are very different in dimensions.

Thanks Bantam1 for saving me the time to confirm this.