Best Shimano pitching reel

[Bassmar]

What would you say is the best currently available (USDM and JDM) Shimano reel for pitching. Say weights from 1/4 to 3/4 oz. Interested in a stock reel without any spool or bearing change outs.

[Afrayedknot]

Can't go wrong with a 51e.

[goldrod]

Hands down IMO the scorpion SVS with the centrifugal brakes and cast control selection.
I used it with braid or mono with no issues. Adjustment on the fly is great.

[tywithay]

Metanium XG or HG. Very light spool with smooth, powerful gears. It's good stock, but if you ever do get a wild hair there's plenty of shallow spool options to refine it even more.

[finebassfisher]

Alderbran MG7

[fishingandfords]

Cheapest is t find a curado 50e

[USA-RET]

Kind of like asking which of your children is your favorite.

Core 50Mg
Conquest 50
Scorpion 1000XT
Chronarch 50MG
Cardiff 50 DC


Each of the following puts a huge smile on my face every time I pitch baits. I have not sampled a few of the other recommendations, but I can bet they are most probably excellent pitching reels also. Upgrade the spool bearings and you'll find pitching nirvana.

[lape0019]

I use a core 100mgfv and love it. The instaguage II works great. I have pitched with the metanium but have gotten so used to the instaguage, I can't use anything else.

Unfortunately, you will have to find one used in order to get one now.

[mhood]

Conquest 50.

[Bootytrain]

Kind of like asking which of your children is your favorite.

Core 50Mg
Conquest 50
Scorpion 1000XT
Chronarch 50MG
Cardiff 50 DC


Each of the following puts a huge smile on my face every time I pitch baits. I have not sampled a few of the other recommendations, but I can bet they are most probably excellent pitching reels also. Upgrade the spool bearings and you'll find pitching nirvana.

Sadly the Cardiff DC was discontinued this year

[bassinmaumee]

This may not be a popular opinion but my concept a with its shallow spool is a pitching machine when I've used it with jigs.

[jpd0144]

For 1/4 - 3/4 oz. I've found the Core 100mg7 to be super for my needs.

*Start up speed is close to that of a 50 IMO for those weights. (I see where the 50's have a advantage below 1/4 oz. ...)

*Stock comes with a 84mm handle (little more leverage) vs. 80mm on the 50's (except on Bob mg7 has a 84mm)

*Comes with a tapered level wind.

*Has Power Grip II's

*Fast retrieve ... 30 IPT vs. 26,27, or 28 IPT of most other models ( Shimano ratings )

*All bearings are S-ARB's throughout which I find to be a little more smooth than regular uncoated SS bearings.

Should the urge arise to do mods:

*There is quiet a few spool options available.

*Also even thought the handle does not contain bearings it will accept 2 per knob. (Some stock handles will not accept any or only 1 per) Stock bushings still feel great.

Also its a little more rounded than a 50 IMO due to the fact its quiet capable of the lower range weights (especially with a spool upgrade) ... but yet can extend past on the top side of what I've found a 50 is comfortable with in weight if need be.
Thats where I find the little bit larger profile to grip, larger (brass) main gearing, and longer handle come together.
Even if you dont need it and stay within 1/4 to 3/4 oz. range its nice to crank one from the slop or out of hard cover and feel the added power.

Your results may vary ...

[bassinmaumee]

This may not be a popular opinion but my concept a with its shallow spool is a pitching machine when I've used it with jigs.

Sorry reading owned me, wasnt paying attention to the word shimano lol. Out of the shimanos I have used I would say the curado e.

[Bantam1]

Metanium XG. 95mm handle. 8.5:1 gear ratio. Same line capacity as the Core 100MG.

[badbuffalo]

Core 100mgfv. Love the instagage 2 clutch for pitching