Shimano Curado 150 MGL FULL REVIEW!!! (is it better than the TATULA SV??)

[@DEBOSFishing]

Good review and thoughts man! I agree, micro module gearing from Shimano takes the cake on smoothness. I'm digging the 150 as well!

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@toekneetern]

I have two the xg and hg, i use one for heavy punching and one for flipping and pitching and no complaints yet

[@atamagashock]

I’ve been mostly a Shimano guy, right now I have a curado 200, scorpion dc, 22 metanium shallow. The metanium is by far the best of the 3. I recently got a tatula for another Rod I had, and honestly, the tatula is now my second favorite only behind the metanium

[@twiggsherman3641]

I have Fuego CT which is supposed to be the same body as a Tatula. How do you find the height difference between the curado and tatula? I find my Fuego is higher then my Curado and Scorpion MGL, so I don't use it as much.

[@tannerwilson4433]

I really love my MGL 150, very impressed with it

[@robkiltie6481]

Sold my SV’s and switched to the 150. Fantastic reel at $200. I think I like it more than the Elites at $50 more.

[@jimrichards1798]

I started to say this reel really has no cons, but you’re absolutely correct concerning the brake dial. And that’s a very good description of the gearing. I’ve given up hope of ever reading a Shimano brake dial’s markings without reading glasses.

[@PunchFishing]

It's almost like they are trying to make them harder and harder to read on purpose.

[@ETuss713]

The curado 150mgl is the king of under $300. It makes the 70 and 200 curado obsolete. It does what both those do but in a single reel.

[@agnosticfreedom9926]

I had to shim my line guide, because it tended to settle line on one side. The drag star's clicker pins and springs are very tricky once you decide to tear down the reel, so be aware. The metal drag washer, which presses the carbontex one under, is made of ALUMINIUM instead of STEEL. It gains some weight difference, but makes possible future drag problems. Reel casts like dream, buttery smooth, extremely palmable - all true. But for me is the 200K still better and more refined reel.

[@a_cast_a_day]

Great review! I have 2 of these 150 MGL reels. I have been saying the same…exact… things comparing them to the new Met MGL. The difference is barely noticeable! As for the SV TW vs the 150 MGL, the 150 MGL wins on distance all day however for me, the Tat SV TW does everything else better such as ease of adjustments on the fly, skipping, casting in windy conditions, and I’m not a huge fan of the micro module super smooth retrieve in shimanos. I prefer the feedback that the larger teeth on Daiwas gears provides. Different strokes. My 2 cents, GET BOTH! Awesome review PF!

[@PunchFishing]

Thank you! Great post.

[@jpap967]

Daiwa casts 90% as far, but it achieves it's max distance more consistently and easily. Much easier to dial in, and you just feel more in control of what your reel is doing. Casting distance isn't always everything, in fact most of the time accuracy matters far more and in my opinion Daiwa's SV spools and T-wing systems win out over shimano's MGL spool and braking system

[@FortunaFavetFortibus38K]

I have both the HG and XG in the 150MGL, and love em. But the Curado 70 has started to become my favorite of the newer Curados. I highly recommend it. I have 4 K's, 3 are good, 1 is noisy, all in all, they're ok. The Chronarch , for the money, is my favorite Shimano reel.

[@ETuss713]

I think the Curadp 150 mgl performs as well or better than any chronarch. Additionally, with JDM Metaniums and Diawa Zillions costing less than a chronarch, I don't see the Chronarchs as a good option. They are very good reels but are hard to justify

[@paulrogersfishing469]

With the chronarch having a composite frame there's no way I could justify it over the curado.

[@FishinwithGRAMPS]

heh, as you said, it's almost hard to believe you got one that came dry versus over lubed. You nailed one of the things I like which is a higher thumb bar. I like being able to get my thumb under to engage before I switch hands after the cast. I'm with you in thinking this reel is a great bang for the buck over more expensive reels, especially at this price point.

[@nateturk7298]

Glad I found this video....I've had a kastking for about 5yrs now so obviously I don't know alot about casting reels lol. Anyways after doing about a week of reading it actually came down to these 2 reels. Was looking at the slx xt as well but these 2 seem to be the talk right now. Under 200 the mgl 150 is the best bet? I will say I only do shore fishing and mainly like fishing cranks and spins and a few Texas worms. All on braid btw.

[@mikedaley2882]

I bought 4 of those last year and haven't noticed that. They've been bullet proof so far. I used them for cranking mostly.

[@jasonallen3189]

First i would just like to say that you are the only person that agrees with me about how bad the brake wheels are labeled on Shimano’s. I dang well almost need a magnifying glass to see the numbers. Which just seems like a easy fix and a big miss for shimano. Secondly and opinion based for sure, but for $80 dollars more i prefer to fish the Chronarch. I think it is the king of under $300 and really performs well. I have around 5 of them and 2 Met’s. I am not a fanboy of either side but i find myself really loving the the new Zillion. For what it does at it’s price point is insanely good. Dare i say better than my Mets? Maybe and a. Few bucks cheaper with a break wheel that not only clicks but can be seen in almost any lighting. Great review as always and i look forward to the next videos.

[@ETuss713]

I got rid of chonarchs because the 150 mgl curado was as good or better. Then I considered the price of the Chronarchs ans realized I can, and did, pick up JDM Zillions and Metaniums. Not saying the chronarch is bad but I found them to be unnecessary compared to the performance of the curado 150 mgl and the price of the JDM Zillion or Metaniums.

[@jasonallen3189]

@@ETuss713 yeah that makes sense. I have yet to buy the Curado’s yet. But if they are this good at this price i can see your reasoning. I like the Met’s and Zillions a lot. They fish outstanding. But for me and my use my Chronarch’s get a lot of use. The great thing about today’s fishing gear is there are lots of good options at different price points. I used to be 80-90% shimano and the rest Daiwa, but after the Zillion i am finding myself loving the Zillions and would sell some of my Shimano’s to get more. But i have so many Expride’s it would be hard to switch all that too.

[@ETuss713]

@@jasonallen3189 I have and have had many Diawas. I have always loved their performance but really disliked their shape. The Zillion, Alphas, and steez are a different shape than any Tatula or coastal I've ever owned. So for the $240 for a zillion from Digitaka that's made in Japan, it is hard to go for any other Diawa. I wade and kayak inshore and the zillion spooled with 1.5 verivas on a old 18 light power rod has no issues slinging 1/8 oz spoons or similar weight lures 100 feet. They are awesome reels.

[@jasonallen3189]

@@ETuss713 wow thats a great price. I can see what you mean. Yeah i agree with you about the shape of their reels, but the new Zillion fits really nice for me as well. Maybe not like a glove like my Shimano’s do, but very close. I also don’t do much to any braid to leader ties so the TWS doesn’t effect my style. I’m just a fishing nerd so i won’t put a Daiwa reel on my Shimano rods. Thats childish and silly i know, but thats how my brain works with brand’s. To me it’s like buying a Chevy Truck and putting a Ford logo or sticker on it. Hope you continue to catch them and stay safe in the Kayak and wading out!

[@twiggsherman3641]

That feeling is why I love my Curado. It's a finger on butter feel. My Curado 200k has it, but my Scorpion MGL doesn't. Even after upgrading bearings and servicing it the same way as I serviced my Curado 200k, and it's odd because there's no difference between the 200k and the Scorpion MGL. I literally bought a Scorpion MGL spool and use it in my Curado. I think some Shimano reels have it, while others don't. It's almost a good reason to buy them locally to try them out before hand.

[@Matt-wr5kx]

I got one of these as my first baitcaster this year. Funny enough, love the reel but had the same thing going on with the drag so I mainly keep it locked down. I thought maybe baitcaster drags just all sucked compared to the stradics I use. Guess I need to get in there and do some lubing. Any chance you’d do a better walkthrough of what you did?

[@PunchFishing]

If you go on my Instagram I did a video taking this thing apart.

[@cangel0615]

Great video as always man, Keep up the great content, always keeping it real , that’s what I like your channel. That curado is great for the price.

[@PunchFishing]

I appreciate that

[@victorsimonsen921]

been waiting for this review thanks . grabbed one up a couple of months ago and just love it they do seem to be hard to find but are worth looking for no problem with my drag looking for another one . great review keep them coming

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@johngoss3997]

Been eyeing this to pair with a Sierra 734 I just got. Can’t wait.

[@brianwilson4184]

Did you do a video on the serving of your Curado 150 ? If not you should . Your serving videos have been helpful .

[@guppii-guppii]

I thought i was going crazy with my drag slipping locked down like that. Crazy to hear it happened to exact same way!

[@edrose4583]

Thanks - appreciate the no nonsense, honest reviews. how light of a lure would you cast with this 150 mgl? 1/8 oz ok with the right rod/line?

[@juli82E]

Out of the 3 I have they are were great out of the box. I totally agree with your assessments.The brake dial is a bit hard to read, but its smooth and I love the handles. I picked up another Chronarch mgl and it feels dry, even a little noisy on retrieve, do you have a break down/cleaning vid for Shimanos?

[@PunchFishing]

I don't, but they break down the same as any bait caster really. I should do a Curado K lube video.

[@juli82E]

@@PunchFishing Yes you should, I have one of those too! Lol, I've only broke down a diawa and Shimano micro gears are mentally intimidating.

[@basschaser9356]

Shimano hit a home run with these new curado mgl . I own 5 of them and that surpass my chronarch mgl . I don’t have any negative thing to say these curado

[@europeanian4205]

I have the 150 MGL and 70 MGL. Haven't used the 150 much, but not a big fan of the 70 anymore. After a few fish or so many casts, the drag loosens itself. Lost quite a few fish due to slipping drag when I go to set the hook. Now I'm constantly pulling on the line to make sure I have tension. I don't think I should have to do that with a $240 reel.

[@MaineStreamFishing]

I have a 200k and im looking to get a MGL next.. pretty set on it now

[@Aloudcar]

Ordered a Curado 150 MGL a while back, used it one time and it developed some bad slap in the reel, almost an inch of movement before the spool would go. Returned it and ordered the new Zillion SV which I used for last year or so now.. I hated the breaks on Curado and would sacrifice a few feet at most on cast distance for much easier overall operation. The click drag on Zillion is a nice touch too. I use a tatula sv before the Curado hoping I would enjoy a Shimano reel too and wanted to give it a try.. learned I will stick to their spinning reels and rods but for casting reels, Daiwa is for me :)

[@ryhafner5]

Love the reviews man and the reel keep up the good work 🔥

[@PunchFishing]

Appreciate it!

[@janosczovek8524]

Thanks really appreciate your review keep up the good work 👍

[@Gavin4930]

The finish is so important to me. I like to look nice. And I’ve notice all shimanos without matte finish they scratch real easy like my scorpion has marks all over the face

[@bobobobo1305]

What is your opinion on the spool of 150? Does the holes on the sides of the spools cause problem in term of water getting into the reel? This is the most concerning part for me...apart from that, i lovs this reel

[@kktx4058]

It is a great reel in my opinion. I have a few now & they compare favorably to my Chronarch MGLs at $80 less.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

I started out with Shimano. Now I just can't tear myself away from daiwa's sv spool. You have to go to shimanos DC brakes to get similar performance. like you said shimanos do palm better, but I hate finicky brakes

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Thanks for the review and insight . Hopefully a new version Chronarch Mgl next year really like the brake adjustment on it. How does the frame size compare to the Chronarch MGL?

[@PunchFishing]

I've never owned the current Chronarch actually.

[@FortunaFavetFortibus38K]

Chronach is probably the same size in the palm, only real difference is the lipped edged around the top of the frame. Chronarch is also a bit crisper engaging the reel, and a little better casting distance.

[@makcatchem9614]

I absolutely agree with the "hollow" feel of this real. It is actually very enjoyable. After I've spent thousands of dollars on Shimano fishing reels. In my opinion the only two reals worth the money on buying is the SLX XT and the Curado 150. In my opinion with those two models of reels you are going to get the same performance from shimano's low end up to shimano's higher end line of reels. And those two reels side by side aren't that much different as well.

[@bobobobo1305]

What is your opinion on the spool of 150? Does the holes on the sides of the spools cause problem in term of water getting into the reel? This is the most concerning part for me...apart from that, i lovs this reel

[@makcatchem9614]

@@bobobobo1305 I have not completely experienced that myself. I fish only fresh water so it's not that big of a concern to me. But I have noticed an overabundance of water getting inside the reel to my knowledge

[@bobobobo1305]

@@makcatchem9614 ya, this part concerns me really...i do mostly saltwater & i am afraid it may corrode the inside 😅

[@makcatchem9614]

@@bobobobo1305 then you should look into the Shimano Tranx 150. It is the saltwater equivalent to the Shimano curado 150

[@makcatchem9614]

@@bobobobo1305 it is bulletproof for saltwater. And has the same performance

[@yueher2524]

JDM met are 230ish right now.

[@PunchFishing]

Pretty good deal! Better spool too.

[@2gioz]

Would you say the curado 150 MGL is a good option for casting light lures far? I was also looking into the Scorpion MGL but the curado is newer…

[@TheClutchman32]

Very strange for me because I have 3 of these MGL Curados and 2 are the smooth hollow feeling which is awesome, but my other third one is rough and feels as if you can feel each gear to the point where something seems wrong with it or dirty.

[@vibe_luther]

Do you think I should get a second in another 7:4:1 or spring else if I’m going to Cary 2 one with braid an one fluorocarbon?? Thank you

[@lifesyours247]

Did you change the bearings in that reel? Sounds different than the originals I have.

[@Gobert27]

Would this be a good reel for mid size swimbaits? 6 inch magdraft?

[@jgreene70]

So I have couple Daiwa and one 150 MGL.. Looking at picking up another reel. How would the Daiwa Elite compare to the 150 MGL? I am an omnia member and have a few points to spend. With code etc the price difference of the Daiwa Elite is it a better choice ?

[@PunchFishing]

I think you'd be happy with either, however the Elite doesn't have the SV spool (I think).

[@retflo2583]

Thanks, good review! Don't hate on me, have you tried Walmart, they have left/right in most speeds, $199

[@PunchFishing]

Walmart's cool with me! I shop there often! Omnia has them in stock also.

[@ETuss713]

I own 2 of these. I fish inshore saltwater. I started with 1. The reels I have to compare this to in my current line up is the Lews Custom Lite, Lews Tournament pro, Diawa TW SV103, JDM Zillion, JDM 20 Metanium, JDM 22 shallow metanium, Curado 200k, and SLX DC. The Curad0 150Mgl is on the comparison level of the Metaniums and Zillion. The similarly priced or more expensive Lews, Diawas, and Shimanos fall short against it. The comfort in hand, palmability, smoothness of drag, reeling, and casting is great. The casting of light (between 1/16 and 1/4 oz) lures exceeds that of my 2020 met. It take the shallow edition met to match or better it. The zillion does as good on light lures. With heavy lures the metanium outcasts it by a few yards. The zillion falls short but not by much. The 2 lews come close also. The curado 150mgl is an amazing reel

[@rmorris75252]

How’s your curado holding up in the salt? Looking to get one for wade fishing I have the tranx but like the idea of the MGL spool for the lighter 1/16 and 1/8 oz jig heads

[@ETuss713]

​@@rmorris75252 I predominantly wade from Galveston to Corpus. It held up extremely well. I fished it regularly for about a year. I ended up selling it and it functioned and looked new. The tranx is just a sealed up Slx. Not a bad reel, just a high price for what it is. I build custom rods for our Texas inshore fishing. I occasionally get people trading in reels to offset their rods cost. With that I've been using the Zillion and lews custom lite and custom pro mostly now. I have also been throwing a couple old Curado 50e reels. I still standby the 150mgl being as good as those others I stated. The only drawback is it's over 6 oz weight.

[@HCBCHEMISTRY]

My g would you get this shimano 150 or the tatula 70 /103 / elite , what reel you recommend???

[@mikelon1010]

Wow, I have the same opinions. I actually returned mine. My biggest "con" was the very noticeable casting differences between fluorocarbon and braid. I really wanted to use this reel with fluorocarbon but it felt so restricted compared to the braid. Maybe it just needed some grease but idk.

[@PunchFishing]

What baits were you tossing on it with flouro that you didn't like? Just curious.

[@markrigg6623]

The differences are down to the line and nothing else.

[@IcatchTuna]

Hmmm carbon drag washers can be run dry or lubed thwy should not jerk. If you want to lube use Cals there is a reason all the saltwater guys who fight fish that make big runs use it.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

Alright, Punch...if I can get a Chronarch MGL for $217 vs $184 for Curado MGL150(wish your code worked with Shimano products lol), is the more expensive reel worth it?

[@PunchFishing]

I can't give an opinion on this since i've never had one of the current Chronarch's.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

@@PunchFishing I see, for some reason I thought I saw one in an arsenal video of yours. My mistake. I'll probably just get Curados since they're newer and likely have a smaller frame as most newer reels do. I think the new Curado 150 even has a lighter spool.

[@emilianobanzi9432]

Since it's a little bit confused in the official site, how much fluoro it can hold in reality? 100yds of 14lbs, 100yds of 12, 10lbs???

[@lincolnhorsman5967]

I bought 2 of these a couple of weeks ago, and I cannot for the life of me get either one of them to dial in! Both spooled with 15# assasin and in order to not have a bomb go off in my hand, I have all 6 inner tabs up, and the small dial up all the way. Even the tuner button has to be set stiff. I have Scorpion 150s that have been just fine, so IDK what the problem is! Im about to grease the spool bearing to slow it down! Any help @PunchFishing??

[@PunchFishing]

You should only need 3 or 4 brakes engaged to really use this reel effectively. What kind of baits are you tossing? Spool tension knob should be set so there's little to no side to side play in the spool (or a little tighter than that if you're less experienced with bait casting).

[@lincolnhorsman5967]

@@PunchFishing Im telling ya, I have no idea why they arent wanting to tune. Ive been tourney fishing since 2016, throwing a baitcaster since I was 8, and these are being crazy difficult. Is there anything internal I should be looking at? As far as baits, these have been mainly on swimjig and swimbait rods, 1/4 oz keitech and 3/8 1/2 oz swimjigs. The second I loosen anything it looks like a bomb went off.

[@philipfalco7304]

@@lincolnhorsman5967 Check your Rod also. If it's too stiff while trying to BOMB a cast this could happen.

[@leepao6302]

It’s funny Shimano haven’t done any makeover on the chronarch come to think of it

[@PunchFishing]

I would predict that's coming.

[@Joetrout]

How much smaller next to the curado 200

[@arturoocampo1065]

Great review!... Seeking some help, I just bought myself an expride b 7'6 heavy. Kinda struggling on deciding what reel to pair with this rod. Should I go with the curado k or curado 150 mgl? Any suggestions.

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Sorry Brian, i stick to my JDM metaniums but i do NOT pay more than 325€ incl shipping and VAT for them. This review is Solid but the Curado is Not MY reel. Would you care for a Spool of BRAID ?? (15 lbs- 150 yds)

[@ETuss713]

The Curado 150 mgl throws light lures much better than the JDM metanium. I own a few or each, including the shallow edition metanium. The curado 150mgl throws a 2 gram jig head with a small plastic very well.

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

@@ETuss713 ok i believe you, but i cast those light weight baits on spinning gear.

[@pdfahie]

Any experience with the curado 200 m vs curado 150 mgl?

[@PunchFishing]

Yes, M is bigger lol

[@pdfahie]

@@PunchFishing any noticeable differences in overall casting distance or lighter lure ease of casting?

[@Twangtown7]

I'm so OCD I could never use Daiwa grease on a Shimano reel. Lol. The 70 MGL and 150 MGL are great reels, for sure.

[@PunchFishing]

I hope your joking about the grease

[@Twangtown7]

@@PunchFishing I am. But I could never put a Daiwa reel on a Shimano rod, and vice versa.

[@markusc.7544]

I don't understand why people trip about reels being dry out of the box. I think that's pretty standard with all of them. Every Diawa I've had has been like that. You get your reel you need to check your reel out. Not that hard

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

I haven't had a dry shimano, that's why Shimano is king!!

[@wolverinex4243]

I just want to know why Shimano handles lock up.

[@mgd2040]

What is your favorite multi purpose reel?

[@PunchFishing]

Steez A or the new Zillion.

[@vishnukv4973]

Which one u pick daiwa sv 103 or mgl 150? For 4g to 18gm frogging

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

I don't know grams to oz but for frogs I'd say neither. Get a 200 size reel

[@leepao6302]

Uhmmm … I have to re-lube mine as well, for some reason the curado mgl 150 is kinda dry out off the box

[@PunchFishing]

It makes a BIG difference.

[@leepao6302]

@@PunchFishing it does make a big difference

[@alexw575]

Would you get a Daiwa Zillion SV TW or a Curado mgl?

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Big price difference in these 2. Depends on your wallet 😅

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

This sucks, just bought some gomexus parts to throw on 1 of my mgl 151s and the drag star is different from all my other Shimanos. 😢

[@Cjmm007]

I had 21 zillion and 20 metanium and I sold my metanium after a month of use. I really didn’t think it was anything special to be honest. Good Reel but my Zillion palms better in my hand.

[@Stacking.plates]

How does the reel do with jerkbaits?

[@PunchFishing]

MGL spools in general can handle Jerkbaits pretty well.

[@solaydbak]

I like it better than the Chronarch mgl

[@21jsfleming]

Good Review!....

[@PunchFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Fishingmissions827]

Brake washer or do you mean the drag washer

[@PunchFishing]

Drag washer

[@tnbassmaster]

Would it be as good for skipping as the tatula sv

[@PunchFishing]

No

[@tnbassmaster]

Thanks great review by the way!

[@thesonorandesertangler]

Put all the internal brakes on and external brakes to 4+. It actually skips pretty good. O have the 6 gear ratio reel on my chatterbait rod and this is what works for me when I need to skip under some trees.

[@pdfahie]

This is my first shimano, I like it a lot. The higher drag was the biggest selling point for me. Also I would not be able to appreciate a higher end reel than this one. My fishing skills are nowhere near worthy of a reel of this quality. 😬

[@Jon-nz3dm]

I got a Zillion and it's the best palming reel I've tried so far. It feels so amazing and the gear box area of the reel doesn't sit near as low as Shimano reels. Buuuut I can't afford to get more than 1 Zillion and the Tatulas quality(and lack of casting distance vs curados) is not appealing to me. So I'm thinking of filling my arsenal with pretty much all MGL150's and 70's. With maybe a few SLX variants in there for some techniques(they're just so good for the money). Wish the XT models would be in stock at more locations.

[@Joelflowers513]

If price wasn't a factor, would you go 150 or DC?

[@PunchFishing]

150! I'm not a big fan of DC's but that's a personal preference.

[@egalfano104]

is it close to the metanium or not really?

[@PunchFishing]

In what regards?

[@egalfano104]

@@PunchFishing well which do you prefer

[@wolverinex4243]

The finish on Daiwas will kill you

[@Leakywaders54]

So you got 200 dollars which one would you get? When I went to my local Cabelas they had both I have to tell you the Daiwa seemed like it was a better Quality reel and I have been a shimano Spinning reel guy for 40 years

[@PunchFishing]

Between which reels?

[@Leakywaders54]

SV TW vs the 150 MGL@@PunchFishing