Chronarch MGL - Initial Thoughts 2025
fishballer06 reply :
I posted the photo below last night whenever I received my new Chronarch MGL's and I got lots of comments and PM's asking about these reels. Being that these were just released and there not being much information out there on them yet, I suppose it's only natural for people to have questions and to be curious about things. I have yet to fish, let alone even cast, these reels, but I figured I would give my first impressions after simply unboxing the reels and playing around with them.
Size:
The Chronarch MGL is listed as a 150 size spool, the same as its predecessor, the Chronarch ci4. The overall size/shape/feel seems pretty similar to the ci4. In fact, both reels are rated to hold 110 yds of 12lb. test, and 90 yds of 14lb. test. Although they have the same line capacity, the spools are totally different. The MGL uses the new MGL spool, which features porting not only on the bottom of the spool, but along the sidewalls as well. Overall, the new spool is lighter and is supposed to help add a little distance to your casts. To me, I don't mind the overall shape/size being similar to the old ci4, because I really enjoyed the size of that reel in my hand.
For comparison, the Curado 70 only holds 85 yds of 12lb. test, and the Curado 200 only holds about 125 yds of 12lb. test. The new Metanium MGL 150 is the same spool and capacity as the Chronarch MGL.
Feel:
This new version of the MGL perfectly fills the void between the Curado and the Metanium. The Curado is certainly one of the best on the market in it's price range, and the Metanium MGL is arguably one of the best reels in the entire industry. So filling the void between those two reels is exactly what the Chronarch is intended to do, and I think it does that perfect. It ceratinly feels much more refined than the Curado, but it's still not quite as smooth as the Metanium. The micro-module gearing is probably what helps smooth this reel out over the Curado. One of the things I was really happy about with the new MGL was the extended factory handles. In the past, Shimano has loved using those small 84mm handles that I always had to swap out with a longer handle. The new Chronarch MGL now comes stock with a 90mm handle, which seems to be the way the industry is going because the fishermen are demanding it. The weight of this reel is 6.5oz. which is pretty light considering the reel is aluminum framed and not composite.
Overall:
The Chronarch MGL features a lot of the common features that we've became common with on the past few different Shimano reels. The side plate pops open with a release catch on the bottom side, which gives you quick and easy access to the brake shoes. On the outside of the side plate is the adjustment knob that adjust from 1-6 to allow fine tuning to changing conditions whenever you're on the water. The cast control knob is on the handle side and is easy to adjust. The reel is gunmetal grey with black accents. If you hold the body up to the light, you'll see some fine red flakes to it, which give it a really nice look overall. As far as ratio's are concerned, these reels are offered in the three big ratios 6:1, 7:1, and 8:1, and all of those ratios are available in both left and right hand.
So far, I'm impressed with the reel. It's lived up to my standards of what I expect from Shimano and the Chronarch name. A few of you noticed I dumped my old ci4's and bought these, and so far, I have no regrets. If you want something a step above the Curado, but can't swing the Metanium price tag, this reel should be perfect for you. The Chronarch is known as a good all around workhorse, and this reel is continuing that tradition.
Edit:
Actual Testing on the Water
Before I begin, let me explain what I dealt with on Saturday here in western PA whenever I tested these reels. It was 55* and raining first thing in the morning, by noon whenever the rain stopped, it was 39* and the wind was blowing 20+ mph constantly. I spooled both reels up in the morning and headed out after lunch once the rain stopped. I fished a local pond about 5 acres in size from the bank. The water was the color of chocolate milk and was probably in the low 40's in temperature.
151HG:
I spooled this reel up with the new P-Line Tactical fluorocarbon in 15lb. test and I mounted it onto a St. Croix LTB 7'1" Med. - fast action rod. I tied on a 1/4oz. finesse jig with a matching craw trailer. I pitched and casted this bait and had no issues at all. I didn't adjust any of the internal brakes and I turned my external brake dial to 3. I didn't catch any fish on this setup.
151:
I spooled this reel up with Sunline Defier mono is 13lb test and I mounted it onto a St. Croix Avid 7' Med - fast action rod. I threw a mix of a Mann's baby 1- (1/4oz), #08 Rapala Husky Jerk (1/4oz), a 1/4oz. Rat-L-Trap, and a 3.8" Keitech SIF with a 1/4oz jig head. So overall, some pretty light stuff. Again, I didn't adjust any of the internal brakes and I turned my external brake dial to around 3-3.5. This setup casted all of these lures perfectly fine other than the #08 Husky Jerk. The Husky Jerk was too light and caught too much of the gusting winds and I had some backlash problems whenever casting into the wind, or across the wind. Had it not been so cold and windy, I probably would have opened the reel up and adjusted the internal brakes to accommodate this lure, but instead I just changed baits. I ended up catching two fish on this setup, both around 12-13". One on the baby 1- and the other on the Keitech swimbait. Granted these fish weren't huge, but the reel remained smooth under load and I had no problems getting both of them in.
Overview:
Overall I was impressed with these reels, as I am with most of Shimano's higher end offerings. Pitching and casting was effortless. Distance was great. Handling was great. The new 90mm handles are much appreciated and comfortable. The overall size is comfortable to palm and the weight on these rods made for a nice, light setup that was well balanced. My only complaint that I have is in regards to the external brake dial. On both of my MGL's the dial is very tight and difficult to turn. The dials on my Curado's, Metaniums, and old ci4's were very easy to turn with just the touch of the finger. These new one's seem to need me to dig in a fingernail to adjust them or to press much firmer with my finger to turn them. I don't know if these will just need some break in time, or if Shimano changed these up because people were complaining of adjusting them accidentally??? This isn't a huge deal breaker for me because I usually find my Shimano's need a range of 2-4 on this dial anyways, so I'm never really changing them too much.
kickerfish1 reply :
Nice preliminary review! So many nice new reels surfacing it is hard to decide.
Chowderhead reply :
Fishballer06 - really look forward to your thoughts after you have taken the reels out on the water. I am looking to pick up a new reel, and this one has caught my eye.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 2:23 AM, kickerfish1 said:Nice preliminary review! So many nice new reels surfacing it is hard to decide.
Actually to me after reading this review it made it easier for me. I'll just save the few bucks and get another Met MGL or the new Scorpion DC. If I need more line capacity I'll just get a Curado 200.
kschultz76 reply :
I've got one coming to me from the Tackle Trap, but they're going to clean, lube, and tune it before shipping it. Figured I'd end up getting it done anyway and this saves shipping it around. Tried an SV103, but after test fitting it for ergonomics it just didn't fit me and I didn't want to invest that much in a real I wasn't instantly comfortable with. Having 3 Chronarch CI4s and a 13 Met I knew what I was comfortable with so we worked out an exchange the Chronarch MGL. Might be a couple weeks before they get it out.
fishballer06 reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 4:08 AM, kschultz76 said:I've got one coming to me from the Tackle Trap, but they're going to clean, lube, and tune it before shipping it. Figured I'd end up getting it done anyway and this saves shipping it around. Tried an SV103, but after test fitting it for ergonomics it just didn't fit me and I didn't want to invest that much in a real I wasn't instantly comfortable with. Having 3 Chronarch CI4s and a 13 Met I knew what I was comfortable with so we worked out an exchange the Chronarch MGL. Might be a couple weeks before they get it out.
I've been debating picking up an SV103, but I'm dragging my feet on spending the money. I ordered my reels from TT as well and they just arrived yesterday. With any luck, you should be receiving yours here shortly too!
On 2/23/2017 at 2:56 AM, Chowderhead said:Fishballer06 - really look forward to your thoughts after you have taken the reels out on the water. I am looking to pick up a new reel, and this one has caught my eye.
I'm hoping to get out this weekend and use them. I'll post up another review once I get some time in with them.
On 2/23/2017 at 3:19 AM, lmbfisherman said:Actually to me after reading this review it made it easier for me. I'll just save the few bucks and get another Met MGL or the new Scorpion DC. If I need more line capacity I'll just get a Curado 200.
The US model Metanium MGL is drastically more expensive than the Chronarch. If you're looking to go the JDM route, the spool is smaller and doesn't have nearly as much line capacity as the US version. I'm not sure what you're using the reel for, but if you want a high end Shimano with low line capacity, I'd go with the Aldebaran.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 4:17 AM, fishballer06 said:
I've been debating picking up an SV103, but I'm dragging my feet on spending the money. I ordered my reels from TT as well and they just arrived yesterday. With any luck, you should be receiving yours here shortly too!
I'm hoping to get out this weekend and use them. I'll post up another review once I get some time in with them.
The US model Metanium MGL is drastically more expensive than the Chronarch. If you're looking to go the JDM route, the spool is smaller and doesn't have nearly as much line capacity as the US version. I'm not sure what you're using the reel for, but if you want a high end Shimano with low line capacity, I'd go with the Aldebaran.
I'm not looking for something in general and yes I'm referring to the JDM Met MGL. I'm just thinking considering the JDM price point vs the Chronarch MGL (US), I'd rather just get the Met MGL. Since the Met MGL has a smaller capacity I was stating if I needed a bigger spool I'd just get a Curado. I'm not saying the Chronarch MGL is bad or anything, but considering the price difference, I'd just get another Met. That is all, not knocking! I like my sole Chronarch CI4+ but I don't use it as much as my other reels (Mets, Chronarch Es and Curado Es and Chronarch 50 MGs).
The Alde is definitely on my to buy list, along with an Antares, Scorpion DC, Scorpion 70 and another Conquest. 
Just have to balance staying married.
kschultz76 reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 4:17 AM, fishballer06 said:
I've been debating picking up an SV103, but I'm dragging my feet on spending the money. I ordered my reels from TT as well and they just arrived yesterday. With any luck, you should be receiving yours here shortly too!
For me the SV103 ergos were very different and not good for the size of my hand. Sat up higher off the reel seat and a bit wide on the palming side. Forced my grip into an comfortable position. I have medium to small hands so that could be the issue.
Theyre a little backed up on reel servicing so as soon as it's done they'll ship it.
fishballer06 reply :
I snapped a few more pictures and cleaned them up.
fishballer06 reply :
I added this part into the initial post of this thread as well for future search purposes.
Actual Testing on the Water
Before I begin, let me explain what I dealt with on Saturday here in western PA whenever I tested these reels. It was 55* and raining first thing in the morning, by noon whenever the rain stopped, it was 39* and the wind was blowing 20+ mph constantly. I spooled both reels up in the morning and headed out after lunch once the rain stopped. I fished a local pond about 5 acres in size from the bank. The water was the color of chocolate milk and was probably in the low 40's in temperature.
151HG:
I spooled this reel up with the new P-Line Tactical fluorocarbon in 15lb. test and I mounted it onto a St. Croix LTB 7'1" Med. - fast action rod. I tied on a 1/4oz. finesse jig with a matching craw trailer. I pitched and casted this bait and had no issues at all. I didn't adjust any of the internal brakes and I turned my external brake dial to 3. I didn't catch any fish on this setup.
151:
I spooled this reel up with Sunline Defier mono is 13lb test and I mounted it onto a St. Croix Avid 7' Med - fast action rod. I threw a mix of a Mann's baby 1- (1/4oz), #08 Rapala Husky Jerk (1/4oz), a 1/4oz. Rat-L-Trap, and a 3.8" Keitech SIF with a 1/4oz jig head. So overall, some pretty light stuff. Again, I didn't adjust any of the internal brakes and I turned my external brake dial to around 3-3.5. This setup casted all of these lures perfectly fine other than the #08 Husky Jerk. The Husky Jerk was too light and caught too much of the gusting winds and I had some backlash problems whenever casting into the wind, or across the wind. Had it not been so cold and windy, I probably would have opened the reel up and adjusted the internal brakes to accommodate this lure, but instead I just changed baits. I ended up catching two fish on this setup, both around 12-13". One on the baby 1- and the other on the Keitech swimbait. Granted these fish weren't huge, but the reel remained smooth under load and I had no problems getting both of them in.
Overview:
Overall I was impressed with these reels, as I am with most of Shimano's higher end offerings. Pitching and casting was effortless. Distance was great. Handling was great. The new 90mm handles are much appreciated and comfortable. The overall size is comfortable to palm and the weight on these rods made for a nice, light setup that was well balanced. My only complaint that I have is in regards to the external brake dial. On both of my MGL's the dial is very tight and difficult to turn. The dials on my Curado's, Metaniums, and old ci4's were very easy to turn with just the touch of the finger. These new one's seem to need me to dig in a fingernail to adjust them or to press much firmer with my finger to turn them. I don't know if these will just need some break in time, or if Shimano changed these up because people were complaining of adjusting them accidentally??? This isn't a huge deal breaker for me because I usually find my Shimano's need a range of 2-4 on this dial anyways, so I'm never really changing them too much.
NHBull reply :
Thanks for your input......was there a noticeable improvement over the ci4?.....do you prefer one over the other?
Thanks
fishballer06 reply :
On 2/28/2017 at 5:38 AM, NHBull said:Thanks for your input......was there a noticeable improvement over the ci4?.....do you prefer one over the other?
Thanks
I haven't used the MGL enough yet to make a fair assessment, and the conditions I have used the reel in were certainly far from ideal. I will certainly say that the MGL feels much smoother and more refined than the ci4 did. I would call the ci4 a lightweight, glorified Curado with the Chronarch name and frame, and I would say the MGL is more of a slightly watered down Metanium MGL in the Chronarch body. The micro module gearing is just so smooth to crank the handle with. If you have used a Shimano with the micro-module gearing, you know what I'm talking about.
NHBull reply :
Thanks, that was what I was hoping to hear
BaitFinesse reply :
Wait, its aluminum? I thought it was made from fancy Shimano plastic like the last one. Aluminum frame with brass micro mod gears ans a 13 gram spool sounds interesting.
kschultz76 reply :
On 2/28/2017 at 6:28 AM, LowRange said:Wait, its aluminum? I thought it was made from fancy Shimano plastic like the last one. Aluminum frame with brass micro mod gears ans a 13 gram spool sounds interesting.
Not aluminum, but not plastic either. A so far undisclosed carbon composite. Supposedly more rigid then the CI4+ material.
BaitFinesse reply :
Ah I see. Extra fancy Shimano plastic.
fishballer06 reply :
Update on this. I have purchased a third one of these. I now have the 151XG model coming. Completing the entire lineup for me.
After spending 3 full days on the water with these, I've been really impressed thus far. Pitching and casting is effortless with baits of all sizes. The reel is very smooth, even under load of fish and big billed crankbaits.
kschultz76 reply :
I've finally got time to post my feedback on the Chronarch MGL. I've only been able to make a few casts on the water with a jig and trailer, most of my testing has been in the yard with rubber practice plugs. I've done all my testing with Sufix 832 50lb braid. Also my reel was cleaned and tuned by Bryan at The Tackle Trap before shipping.
Im very pleased with the reels performance. Casting and pitching is effortless down to 3/8 oz and very accurate. Even able to cas 1/4 oz but distance suffered - mostly due to the rod I was using I think, was way to heavy for throwing a 1/4 oz total on. Side by side with my CI4+ version the MGL has an edge in distance. Side by side with my 13 Met they're performing evenly, with maybe a slight edge in distance to the MGL.
Braking and spool tension took me a dozen casts or so to dial in. I found at first I overfilled the spool a smidge too, stripping a few yards of lined helped tame it. As I learned with my others SVS reels for the brakes to work their best I found spool tension has to be adjusted for the lure, I can't just tighten it enough to remove side play. With spool tension adjusted I'm casting and pitching well controlled with two tabs on and the dial from 1.5-3. I could see in wind turning it up to 3 tabs or turning it up if you're really laying into a cast. But my thumb is still helping, not trying to cast thumb free.
The reel is smooth and solid. I think the new frame material is an improvement over the already excellent CI4+ version. But this version seems denser and solid. The previous material seems to kind of echo vibrations, this material seems not to.
Retrieve is buttery smooth and you can feel the reduced feel of the gears from the micro module. I expect under load it will be even more noticeable.
Looking forward to to more time on the water with it once it warms up.
Bass fishing is best reply :
I've had a Curado for a few weeks, upgraded from an old Lewis Childre reel. I absolutely love it but the only thing that bothers me is the tension knob. Does the Chronarch have a tension knob that clicks? I've found the brakes to need very little adjustment started with 2 internal brakes but switched to 1 once I became a little more confident with it. The external brake has been set 2-3. The tension knob however I do find myself changing more often (haven't fished in heavy winds yet). I was thinking of picking up another Curado in 6.3 gear ration but your review has me thinking of upgrading. Sadly I would pay a bit extra just for a different knob, the rest of the improvements are just gravy.
kschultz76 reply :
None of the Shimano low profiles have a clicking spool tension knob, not even the Chronarch or the Metanium.
Oh and forgot to mention I love the new 90 mm handle it is just right on this reel. Won't need to upgrade it like I have on my CI4 reels. But I will change out the knobs for PG2 knobs.
robster80 reply :
With the JDM Met MGL cant u replace the spool with a US model one?
Hulkster reply :
I just can't believe they made the sideplate completely detach. granted you aren't changing the internals very often but still...it can be dropped into the water. Even the curado has a swiveling side plate. Come on Shimano!
fishballer06 reply :
On 3/13/2017 at 10:58 PM, robster80 said:With the JDM Met MGL cant u replace the spool with a US model one?
Yes.
On 3/13/2017 at 11:25 PM, Hulkster said:I just can't believe they made the sideplate completely detach. granted you aren't changing the internals very often but still...it can be dropped into the water. Even the curado has a swiveling side plate. Come on Shimano!
I don't own anything lower than the Curado, but the Curado is the only currently produced reel from Shimano that I know of that has the attached/hinged side plate.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 3/14/2017 at 1:48 AM, fishballer06 said:Yes.
I don't own anything lower than the Curado, but the Curado is the only currently produced reel from Shimano that I know of that has the attached/hinged side plate.
Not on my curado 70.
Hulkster reply :
ok so only the curado 200i had the sideplate that cannot be dropped and lost. this is a good thing. Shimano should take note we want more reels like this
J Francho reply :
On 3/14/2017 at 2:00 AM, Hulkster said:ok so only the curado 200i had the sideplate that cannot be dropped and lost. this is a good thing. Shimano should take note we want more reels like this
Pretty much all the Shimano baitcasters, at every price point, going back more than 20 years, had attached side plates. From a reel tech perspective, i found them to be a pain. I've never dropped a side plate in the water either.
kschultz76 reply :
For those that read them or care Tackletour has posted a review of the Chronarch MGL.
OnthePotomac reply :
From Shimano:
"The side plates are CI4 material. This new composite is a little stronger than the CI4+ material. The model being sold in Japan uses the same material. The CI4 logo refers to the side plates.
MGL is for Magnumlite which refers to the spool. This has the new spool design and the latest generation of SVS as well."
Spyman42 reply :
Which one do you prefer the HG or XG?
OnthePotomac reply :
I just purchased the 8.1:1 because I fish plastics a great deal on the Potomac.
Big-Bass reply :
I have an HG on the way...I figure 7.1:1 for a versatile reel in the most versatile ratio. Hopefully it's a really nice reel. It's going on a Jackall Poison Adrena 7' medium rod.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 4:26 AM, lmbfisherman said:I'm not looking for something in general and yes I'm referring to the JDM Met MGL. I'm just thinking considering the JDM price point vs the Chronarch MGL (US), I'd rather just get the Met MGL. Since the Met MGL has a smaller capacity I was stating if I needed a bigger spool I'd just get a Curado. I'm not saying the Chronarch MGL is bad or anything, but considering the price difference, I'd just get another Met. That is all, not knocking! I like my sole Chronarch CI4+ but I don't use it as much as my other reels (Mets, Chronarch Es and Curado Es and Chronarch 50 MGs).
The Alde is definitely on my to buy list, along with an Antares, Scorpion DC, Scorpion 70 and another Conquest.
Just have to balance staying married.
So I'm going to have to walk back my statement, for a couple reasons.
1. The USD is killing the Canadian Dollar.
2. For some reason the government has dinged me a few times recently ordering stuff from overseas on import taxes. They weren't like this before! Due to this it is a better deal to buy the Chronarch MGL.
3. After spending time with one in store, I pulled the trigger on the Chronarch MGL XG. Out of the box it felt smooth as I remember with my Met MGL. At least, I couldn't tell the difference. I spooled it up with 50lb Max Cuatro and will be my pitching reel. This will replace my Citica G7.
I am going to give it a whirl this weekend to do some on the water tests. If this goes great I'll buy two more to replace my 2 remaining Citicas.
Bass fishing is best reply :
I don't know if you messed around with this reel yet but it pitches better than any reel I've ever held. I know it's not meant exactly for it but I love bombing lipless cranks and Ploppers. TBH I think Shimano has cut into their metanium market with this Chronarch MGL, specs nearly the same and the brass gearing. It's so smooth I thought the drag was too low the first few fish I caught. My plan was to get a few of the exact reels you mentioned later this year but I think I'll just grab another Chronarch or two, it's that good. After messing around with a Met MGL I just don't think it's worth the extra $. You won't want to put it down.
I've owned a Curado i for a few months and absolutely loved it until I grabbed the MGL now it just feels average at best.
Dumb question but do you pay taxes on items from Europe too? Got mine for $200 and it's the best money I've spent on fishing gear....ever.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 5/25/2017 at 12:13 PM, fatmaple said:I don't know if you messed around with this reel yet but it pitches better than any reel I've ever held. I know it's not meant exactly for it but I love bombing lipless cranks and Ploppers. TBH I think Shimano has cut into their metanium market with this Chronarch MGL, specs nearly the same and the brass gearing. It's so smooth I thought the drag was too low the first few fish I caught. My plan was to get a few of the exact reels you mentioned later this year but I think I'll just grab another Chronarch or two, it's that good. After messing around with a Met MGL I just don't think it's worth the extra $. You won't want to put it down.
I've owned a Curado i for a few months and absolutely loved it until I grabbed the MGL now it just feels average at best.
Dumb question but do you pay taxes on items from Europe too? Got mine for $200 and it's the best money I've spent on fishing gear....ever.
Technically I believe I would still have to pay import taxes for anything above 60$ Canadian dollars. If it's made in the USA no import taxes.
Great to hear about pitching, sounds like I'm going to be buying a couple in the near future. However if the rumor is true the Curado is getting a make over and speculation is that it might have a MGL spool too. Maybe we will have a boat load of those too. 
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