Anyone have experience with the Shimano "Core" & "Chronarch Mg" Reels??....

[kickurbass]

I'm trying to decide which Shimano reel to purchase and I'm getting a bit confused.
I know the CORE and CHRONARCH Mg are both super light but whats the main differences? IS the CORE really worth the $340 price tag?
The CORE is beautiful to look at and I'm sure to use as well but I'm just trying to determine what seperates some of these highend Shimano reels from one another.

Oh and the use of the reel would be mixed right now of topwater, light cranks, plastics. Pretty much an all around reel for me.

Thanks!

[beast96z]

I actually have both. They are both super nice reels. My Core just seems to be less backlash prone and seems to be a touch smoother, but not by alot. The price difference will likely be in the materials used to make the body, one being magnesium in the Core. If price were not an option, and both were setting in front of me, I'd take the Core, but since price is an option, I'll likley have a few more 50mg's than Cores. Like I said, both are very nice, but if you have a chance to splurge, I'm sure you will love the Core.

[JimiJohnB]

Kickur I have two Curado 100d's and a Chronarch 50mg.  I use the Chronarch 75% of the time, if not more, and absolutely love it.  Although the Curado and Chronarch are virtually identical, the Chronarch is noticeably smoother and without a doubt casts substantially further than my Curado's.  Paired with a very light Crucial rod it's a joy to fish and effortless to handle. 

I can't say too much about the Core, but I'm surprised that Shimano can have two reels with the same bearing count with such a big price difference between them.  The Chronarch is also negligibly lighter than the Core, and is also made of magnesium.  I've had no problems with backlashes with my Chronarch. 

[Bubbalunk]

I Have three curados and the Chronarch B and I actually looked into getting the core but I read several reviews online that said for the money difference and with the curados running the rebate they are not worth it. You could get 2 curados for the price of one core. I think they said the main difference was the weight.  The chronarch is plenty smooth enough for me and as far as fishing heavy plastics and top water the curado could not be more perfect for me.  I hope this helps.   

[Nowsker]

N0t sure if you have Sports authority where you are at but they have their two high end Shimanos on sale right now. I believe both are 25% off. I know one is the Chronarch not sure what the other is. Saves you like $80

[bassin_man]

If money wasn't the issue I would go with the core.  I recently looked at the Chronarch for my heavy jig reel.  It would work great but I'm a little worried about the drag if I were to have to try and pull one out of the thick stuff.

[kickurbass]

Thanks for all your replies my friends.
Still trying to make up my mind.
I will either match it to the Cumara rod or St. Croix Pro. Series.

[Pferox]

If you live in Fl, and even think about salt water fishin' I would stay away from magnesium, it seems not to like salt water that much.
Would hate to see you spend that much on a reel that would fall aparrt from the elements.

[kickurbass]

If you live in Fl, and even think about salt water fishin' I would stay away from magnesium, it seems not to like salt water that much.
Would hate to see you spend that much on a reel that would fall aparrt from the elements.

Thanks bud. I live around the Boca Raton area, so yes salt water is 15 minutes away but I only fish fresh these days.

[Mike Cork]

Kickur, if you are buying a cumara and are looking to have the lightest rig possible then the Core will save you a couple ounces. However I have cumara and paired it with a Curado 200D 7:1 and it is still a very light rig.

Guess what I am wanting to say here is that if you want the lightest go with the core, if you are concerned to weather or not the price difference is worth it I would say no and go with the MG50 

[kickurbass]

Kickur, if you are buying a cumara and are looking to have the lightest rig possible then the Core will save you a couple ounces. However I have cumara and paired it with a Curado 200D 7:1 and it is still a very light rig.

Guess what I am wanting to say here is that if you want the lightest go with the core, if you are concerned to weather or not the price difference is worth it I would say no and go with the MG50 

Love gettin advice from the reel guru.
Thanks!
(ON A SIDE NOTE).. I have also decided to just send you my REVO not the old Royal Express.

[Mike Cork]

Love gettin advice from the reel guru.
Thanks!
(ON A SIDE NOTE).. I have also decided to just send you my REVO not the old Royal Express.

Okay, I am anxious to get it and see what happenend

[beast96z]

Kickur, if you are buying a cumara and are looking to have the lightest rig possible then the Core will save you a couple ounces. However I have cumara and paired it with a Curado 200D 7:1 and it is still a very light rig.

Guess what I am wanting to say here is that if you want the lightest go with the core, if you are concerned to weather or not the price difference is worth it I would say no and go with the MG50 

Not trying to correct the reel man here, but actually, the 50mg is lighter than the Core. the MG comes in at 5.9oz. and the core is 6.1oz. The core actually has a larger frame wear as the 50mg is more compact. The MG also holds less line. I packed 100yds. of 15lb. halo on my Core easily, were the 50 mg struggled to hold 90yds of the same line. I actually don't think I will by another brand reel after fishing both of these.

On a side note, KUB, that royal express is really a great little reel. It has always been one of my best, but I recently super tuned it, and now it is awesome. If you have the time/money to get it cleaned up and tuned, I think you will love it. I also reccomend the Cumara for the rod your looking to get.

[kickurbass]

Not trying to correct the reel man here, but actually, the 50mg is lighter than the Core. the MG comes in at 5.9oz. and the core is 6.1oz. The core actually has a larger frame wear as the 50mg is more compact. The MG also holds less line. I packed 100yds. of 15lb. halo on my Core easily, were the 50 mg struggled to hold 90yds of the same line. I actually don't think I will by another brand reel after fishing both of these.

On a side note, KUB, that royal express is really a great little reel. It has always been one of my best, but I recently super tuned it, and now it is awesome. If you have the time/money to get it cleaned up and tuned, I think you will love it. I also reccomend the Cumara for the rod your looking to get.

Hey bud.
Interesting info on the Royal Express. I never thought anyone here would comment on that part of my thread. My question to you is, can that reel really be tightened up that much? My Royal is in great condition but it hasnt been used in YEARS!!! The antireverse has TONS of play in it. I was thinking about sending it off to Mike for a Super Tune, REPLACE with better bearings, nicer handle, and tighten her up like new. I can spend the loot for it but I just wasn't sure if it was worth it or not when I can get a new reel for the same amount. The Royal is kinda sentimental and that was the reason for maybe Supertuning and using for a swimbait reel.
Whatcha think?

[Mike Cork]

Hey no problem on the correction. For some reason I was thinking that the Core came in right at 5 ounces.

[denis]

All I own are Core MGfv and 50mgs.  They are all able to be fished in saltwater, with shimano suggesting you wash with warm water after saltwater use.

I dont think anyone has trouble dragging it from the tough stuff with any shimano reel and if thats a basis for a reel purchase head on over to the salt water counter, there are some dual drag reels that will pair nicely with the 150lb wire line you are using. 

I'd get the 50mg for any 6:3 application.  You can add the 5:1 bearings if you need it for deep cranking, or get a 100d curado and add the 5:1s.   I'd go with the core for 7:1.   As far as line capacity goes I think the smaller reels are great.  You save so much line.  If you are going to swap line frequently for tournaments you are only swapping less than 100 yards instead of 150+. Plus you can make better use of that 200 yard spool of 17.99 line.

Recommendation: I highly recommend a custom rod instead of a high end brand, its going to cost less and be tailored to you.  Did I mention lighter?  My baitcast combos are just under 9 ounces and spinning combos are about 9.2.   No big name will build you a lighter rod than a custom builder.  Best there is right now is the e21 at 3.25( debatable Some brands have said 3.1 but the scale didnt lie.

[beast96z]

Recommendation: I highly recommend a custom rod instead of a high end brand, its going to cost less and be tailored to you.  Did I mention lighter?  My baitcast combos are just under 9 ounces and spinning combos are about 9.2.   No big name will build you a lighter rod than a custom builder.  Best there is right now is the e21 at 3.25( debatable Some brands have said 3.1 but the scale didnt lie.

It'll be hard to make a lighter rod than what is currently on the market. The HE2's and the E21's are deffinatlly tops when it comes to weight. However, it's all in the blank. All the companies can use the lightest parts, but when it comes down to the blank, that's were you'll shave weight. Also, longer rods will obviously be heavier. I imagine most manufacturers weigh their shortest rod in that line to advertise weight.

[denis]

untrue.   I know of 2 custom builders that consistently build baitcasters under 3 ozs per rod. All of their spinning rods are under 3.  My heaviest spinning rod is 2.8oz.  Thats my 6'6 to 7'0 ones.  I dont own any 6 footers, so Im sure the builder could knock off some weight there.  When you are talking 125-150 for the rods, it makes it worth it.   Yeah your warranty is fish break only, but for one Gloomis ( you can buy them with loomis blanks) you can get 3 of those.  The fish break thing is from the manufacturor, so some builders will recommend you break it on a fish if you can help it.
Most custom builders will work with you on the break too, they will save you the money for guides, reelset etc.  So you may end up paying a little more than the 50$ that Loomis, kistler, or the other guys charge you to process the new rod, but not much.

Was talking to kistler and their lightest is a true 3.4oz in 6 inches.  I know they had an ad saying they had a light rod, but I called them about it and really havent seen the ad with the number in it since.
If you do go custom I recommend you lay off the cool colors and marbling.  Get black thread, split handle, tennesse for spinning, you can add a little color to base but that will keep it super light. 

Either way have a blast.  I love my customs and sold my crucials etc, not that a cumara or crucial was anything to thumb your nose at.

[conniek]

The Cores are SWEEEEETTTT! We sold 4 last week and wanted to take  a peek on the inside, but  didn't.
Talk  about a nice feel good reel. Pretty pricey I know. the chron 50 mg's are nice too. Well, heck, why not just go for the gusto and take a look at the Calais DC's? However, with those reels, they should sell straps to fit over your wrist and rod floater just in case, it should topple into the water. I would be afraid to take my eyes off it. LOL. We had to have the shimano rep come and give lessons before we could  even sell one of the Calais DC's.
Again, we would've like to see the innerds but we'll just have to wait until warranties expire. Just go to bass pro or shop where they have them on display and try them out. You will be able to decide much better with choice.
Personally, i like the low profile  reels simply because palming them is easier because my hands are small. The weight too is a factor, casting all day with a heavy reel  will  make  you tired at end of the day. I bought a chron
100 B and sold it because it was so heavy for me. Good luck choosing. I enjoy reading the posts on this board, the anglers really give  good  advice andMike is right on with his comments.

[beast96z]

untrue.   I know of 2 custom builders that consistently build baitcasters under 3 ozs per rod. All of their spinning rods are under 3.  My heaviest spinning rod is 2.8oz.  Thats my 6'6 to 7'0 ones.  I dont own any 6 footers, so Im sure the builder could knock off some weight there.  When you are talking 125-150 for the rods, it makes it worth it.   Yeah your warranty is fish break only, but for one Gloomis ( you can buy them with loomis blanks) you can get 3 of those.  The fish break thing is from the manufacturor, so some builders will recommend you break it on a fish if you can help it.
Most custom builders will work with you on the break too, they will save you the money for guides, reelset etc.  So you may end up paying a little more than the 50$ that Loomis, kistler, or the other guys charge you to process the new rod, but not much.

Was talking to kistler and their lightest is a true 3.4oz in 6 inches.  I know they had an ad saying they had a light rod, but I called them about it and really havent seen the ad with the number in it since.
If you do go custom I recommend you lay off the cool colors and marbling.  Get black thread, split handle, tennesse for spinning, you can add a little color to base but that will keep it super light. 

Either way have a blast.  I love my customs and sold my crucials etc, not that a cumara or crucial was anything to thumb your nose at.

I know it can be done, but at what point do you start loosing durability? We have a custom builder here in town and I have been wanting to get one done, but weight will be of top concern. Which blanks/parts seem to be the lightest? If I had to guess, I'd say a loomis blank, with fuji titanium framed SiC giudes, split reel seat, with a split eva foam handle. I like the all black look. Gives it that stealth approach.

[kickurbass]

Went to BPS this weekend to look at the CORE and REVO Premier MG.
The CORE was quite interesting to hold and feel.
If I didn't know any better, you could easily mistake the feeling of lightness with plastic. It had a plastic feel about it, which I'm not implying in a bad way. IT was just that light.
The Revo Magnesium reel was also very nice and offered more line capacity.
I will make a decision on a new reel within a couple weeks.

Until then, I purchased the NEW St. Croix Legend Tournament "Teaser" rod.
Specs are 7" Medium / Fast Action Tip.
I hooked up my Revo Sx with some 10lb mono and had a blast chunking lipless cranks and topwater on Sunday. The rod is an absolute joy to work with.
I will post pics soon....

[denis]

Dont know anything about your particular builder but I would look around to be sure.  Make sure you get a guy that has expereince building light rods.  There are a ton of builders that will make you a rod but they will be WAY heavier than you expect.  Loomis blanks are not the lightest( you are paying for the extra blanks they will need in case you break one, so in reality its a $50 replacement, but you are paying for it in the purchase price).  St Croix or Rainshadow are your best bets for light rods( they all have fish break warranties).   EVA foam is  actually heavier.  But you can use less of it so its kind of a wash.  Some people are saying they have developed a foam thats lighter but to be honest, they are using a tiny bit vs a full cork or split cork.   

I'd toss a 50mg or a Core on it for flipping/worm, I think you'll feel a good custom is way better than an off the shelver.   I tried the Revos and hated them, too much work in constantly messing with the brakes, the STX isnt bad but the premier is like the SX and I just cant waste the time.

[islandbass]

I've done some research on the two reels in question and there are some differences. I don't own either and don't know if I'd buy either unless the price were right.

Core                                                     Chronarch Mg
Weight: 6.7 oz MGFV., 6.1 oz MG               Weight: 5.9 oz
Drag: 11 lbs.                                          Drag: 10 lbs.
Gear Ratio: 7.0:1 MGFV, 6.2:1 MG              Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Line Retrieve: 30". MGFV. 26" MG               Line Retrieve: 25" 
Line Capacity: 10/110                              Line Capacity: 10/105
Size: Cores are 100 sized                          Size: Chronarchs are 50 sized
Spool: Magnumlite                                   Spool: LoMass
Brake Access: Escape Hatch                     Brake Access: Turn Key Side Plate
Brakes: VBS                                           Brakes: VBS
Bearings: S A-R (Shielded Anti Rust)           Bearings: A-R (Anti Rust)

So the differences are (Core Vs Chronarch):

* Slightly stronger drag (by a measely pound)
* Slightly greater line capacity (but not by much)
* Different Access to reel's innards
* Shielded bearings
* Different spool
* Different Line Recovery, despite the same 6.2:1 ratio

So if you all are wondering if the extra cost is worth it, you now have some more meat to chew to arrive at your conclusion. Other tidbits listed below:



Other Core Features
Ultra-Lightweight Magnesium Frame and Sideplate
Magnumlite Spool Design
Cold Forged Aluminum Drag Star
Tapered Ti Levelwind Insert
Instagage II (100FV Only)
Lightweight Aluminum Drive Gear (100MG Only)
Heavy Duty Brass Drive Gear (100MGFV Only)

Other Chronarch Mg Features
Clicking Drag
Recessed Reel Foot

[kickurbass]

 

Ummm, that sums it up. 

Thanks for the detailed comparison bro!

[one2fish]

  I use the Core with 20 lb Power Pro for casting the Senkos. It's light and will let you toss the 5" Senko with no problem.
The Core does have, however, a kind of hollow metalic sound on the retrieve...but then, every magnesium reel I have does the same thing. That is not a problem at all...just a minor persnickety for me anyway.