Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

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Craiger12
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Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Craiger12 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:02 am

I just pulled out my old Core 51Mg7 that I was considering selling, but I have decided to keep. However, I'm used to 90mm handles and the smaller 80mm handle isn't working for me. I was going to just pick up a Core 100Mg7 handle from TTT, but wondering what other handles would work? Will any of the newer 96mm handles from Shimano work? Not looking to spend a lot, just want added length and better knobs. Thanks.

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by wilddog66 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 12:14 pm

I do not think any of Shimano’s swept handles will clear the Core’s drag star, but to be honest I have not tried it. The 100mg7 handle is only 84mm, not much help there. Hawgtech has straight 90 and 94mm handles as well as a swept 102mm that I use on my Core 51 (KEEPER!) If you can get past the looks of their nut retainer, they are excellent handles for the money.

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Jeffbro999 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 1:16 pm

I put the handle off one my Chronarch CI4 on a Curado 51e with Core star, and the tips of the star do hit the handle, but drag is still fully functional. Hasnt scratched the star or handle at all, but I don't normally adjust my drag a whole lot once fishing. I believe the Metanium handle will fit without touching the star, but will have to try it to confirm.

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Craiger12 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 3:00 pm

JBcrankaddict wrote:I put the handle off one my Chronarch CI4 on a Curado 51e with Core star, and the tips of the star do hit the handle, but drag is still fully functional. Hasnt scratched the star or handle at all, but I don't normally adjust my drag a whole lot once fishing. I believe the Metanium handle will fit without touching the star, but will have to try it to confirm.
I was actually looking at the Chronarch MGL handle bc the colors will match better, but looks to be the same as the Metanium handle. I think Tackle Trap sells some sort of spacer to help these slightly swept handles fit but I'm not sure.

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Jeffbro999 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 3:42 pm

Yes, Chronarch handle is 96mm as well, and would definitely look better. Just got home but I'll try one out in a few and report back.

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Craiger12 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 3:46 pm

JBcrankaddict wrote:Yes, Chronarch handle is 96mm as well, and would definitely look better. Just got home but I'll try one out in a few and report back.
Awesome. Thanks.

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Jeffbro999 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:28 pm

The 96mm handle does fit, but barely touches the drag star. Star is still fully adjustable, and doesn't cause any issues. I could see it scratching the paint on the drag star eventually after a lot of use, but mine hasn't scratched at all with the 84mm handle.

Craiger12
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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Craiger12 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:42 pm

JBcrankaddict wrote:The 96mm handle does fit, but barely touches the drag star. Star is still fully adjustable, and doesn't cause any issues. I could see it scratching the paint on the drag star eventually after a lot of use, but mine hasn't scratched at all with the 84mm handle.
That's great to hear. I swear I saw some sort of spacer on TTT to help with fitment but now I can't find it. Anyway, I will likely still go with the 96mm Chronarch handle. Thanks again.

Craiger12
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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Craiger12 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:47 pm

One more question...

Will the stock Core 51Mg handle nut and retaining washer work or will I need to purchase any other parts?

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Jeffbro999 » Thu Jul 26, 2018 10:06 am

Good question! The nut fits, but the screw hole in the retainer is a little off. I just used a small drill bit to make it work, because that retainer looks a lot better than the factory plastic ones.

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Craiger12 » Thu Jul 26, 2018 10:15 am

Yea I'm definitely not a fan of what Shimano has been doing with their handle nut retainers, but I don't own any newer Shimanos so I really can't complain. Thanks for doing all the leg work for me.

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by bigfruits » Thu Jul 26, 2018 3:01 pm

i tried some of those handles (Chronarch/Metanium) but ended up with straight ones on my Core and Alde mgs. for some reason it rubbed the drag but i have heard others having success!

if you decide to drop a little more into it that reel, check out the 7.7:1 brass gears if you havent already.
http://japantackle.com/tuning-parts/bra ... inder.html

Ian can also install a Alde BFS gearset with a cheap mod ($7?). I believe its 8.1:1 or so, not brass.

Craiger12
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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by Craiger12 » Thu Jul 26, 2018 6:27 pm

bigfruits wrote:i tried some of those handles (Chronarch/Metanium) but ended up with straight ones on my Core and Alde mgs. for some reason it rubbed the drag but i have heard others having success!

if you decide to drop a little more into it that reel, check out the 7.7:1 brass gears if you havent already.
http://japantackle.com/tuning-parts/bra ... inder.html

Ian can also install a Alde BFS gearset with a cheap mod ($7?). I believe its 8.1:1 or so, not brass.
I ended up ordering a Metanium handle along with a spacer from TTT. They test fit all the pieces for me to make sure it would all fit. Excellent service from the guys over there!

I'm very interested in those 7.7:1 brass gears from JT. I much prefer brass gears over aluminum and would also appreciate the faster retrieve as this reel will be used for bottom contact presentations. Thanks for the link.

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by bigfruits » Fri Jul 27, 2018 2:08 pm

thats what i need! a spacer...

i have two on bottom contact rods and one on a walking topwater/shallow crank rod. great little reels! compact and light and plenty of line for 95% of what i throw. i do miss an external brake sometimes though...

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Re: Core 51Mg7 Handle Upgrade

Post by fishingandfords » Sat Jul 28, 2018 6:18 pm

Cheaper to buy a longer carbon fiber handle Looks and weight loss

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