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Predator tackle · Baitcasting reels · Our take
Shimano SLX MGL 70 Baitcasting Reel
SLX MGL 70, 6.3:1 gear ratio
A tidy little predator reel with a lively MGL spool, useful braking and enough drag for most lure work. It’s not a brute, but it’s a cracking all-rounder.
- 70-size baitcasting reel weighing 200g.
- 6.3:1 gear ratio with 63cm retrieve per crank.
- 32mm MGL aluminium spool with SVS Infinity centrifugal braking.
- 5.5kg maximum drag and line capacity up to 100m of 12lb mono.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the Shimano SLX MGL 70 Baitcasting Reel in the 70-size, 6.3:1 version. Don’t confuse it with other SLX variants or faster gear-ratio models.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A versatile, compact baitcaster with particularly appealing spool and braking technology for everyday predator lure fishing.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality9/10
- Performance8.9/10
- Impact on Fish Catching8.8/10
- Ease of Use8.6/10
- Value for Money8.8/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Perch and zander lure anglers. The compact body, responsive spool and moderate retrieve suit jigging, soft plastics, small crankbaits and general lure work.
- Pike anglers using medium lure outfits. There’s enough drag and line capacity for a broad range of everyday pike fishing, provided you’re not building an ultra-heavy setup.
Maybe skip if
- Anglers throwing very large, heavy lures all day. The 70-size format and 5.5kg drag are better matched to medium work than proper big-bait punishment.
- Anyone wanting a completely maintenance-free reel. A baitcaster rewards sensible spool tension, brake adjustment and regular cleaning, especially around grit and wet weather.
The lowdown
Introducing the Shimano SLX MGL 70 Baitcasting Reel
A tidy little predator reel with a lively MGL spool, useful braking and enough drag for most lure work. It’s not a brute, but it’s a cracking all-rounder.
- 70-size baitcasting reel weighing 200g.
- 6.3:1 gear ratio with 63cm retrieve per crank.
- 32mm MGL aluminium spool with SVS Infinity centrifugal braking.
- 5.5kg maximum drag and line capacity up to 100m of 12lb mono.
Quick verdict
Verdict
The SLX MGL 70 is a compact, nicely balanced baitcaster that makes a lot of sense for everyday lure fishing. Its lightweight MGL spool and SVS Infinity braking should help you get tidy, controlled casts without the reel feeling bulky in the hand.
It’s best viewed as a versatile predator reel rather than a heavy-duty winch. For pike, perch, zander and general lure work, it’s a proper tempting package. Just match the line, lure weight and drag expectations sensibly.
A versatile, compact baitcaster with particularly appealing spool and braking technology for everyday predator lure fishing.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 9/10
- Performance
- 8.9/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 8.8/10
- Ease of Use
- 8.6/10
- Value for Money
- 8.8/10
The aluminium body, MGL spool, Cross Carbon Drag and anti-corrosion bearings make this feel properly equipped for its class.
The responsive spool, controllable SVS Infinity braking and middle-ground gearing suit a broad range of lure work.
Its compact balance and useful retrieve should help with accurate, repeated casts and varied lure presentations.
Braking gives you a sensible starting point, though baitcaster setup and thumb control still need a bit of practice.
It offers several higher-spec Shimano features without moving into an overly specialised or bulky predator reel.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Shimano
Shimano SLX MGL 70 Baitcasting Reel (this one)
Top scorer
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Shimano SLX MGL 70 Baitcasting Reel
Small baitcasters can be absolute peachy bits of kit, or they can leave you picking overruns out of the spool while the fish are having a laugh. The Shimano SLX MGL 70 sits in that interesting middle ground: compact enough for repeated lure casting, but built with enough proper Shimano tech to feel like more than a basic starter reel.
The size is the first thing to get your head around. This is a 70-size baitcaster, weighing 200g, so it’s aimed at keeping a lure outfit neat and lively rather than turning it into a hefty chucking machine. Pair it with a balanced predator rod and the whole setup should feel comfortable when you’re hopping soft plastics, twitching hardbaits or working a lure through the margins.
Inside, the lightweight aluminium MGL spool is the headline act. MGL stands for Magnumlite, and the idea is straightforward: reduce spool start-up resistance so the reel responds readily when you launch a lure. That’s handy for the sort of fishing where you’re constantly changing direction, picking apart cover and making accurate casts rather than simply booting one to the horizon.
The SVS Infinity centrifugal braking system gives you control over that eager spool. It’s not magic, mind, and no braking system removes the need for a decent thumb. But with the brakes sensibly set, it should help keep the cast civilised as the spool spins up. Start conservatively, especially with lighter lures, then ease the settings back once your thumb and timing are dialled in.
A 6.3:1 gear ratio makes this a proper all-rounder. The reel brings in 63cm of line per crank, which gives you enough speed to pick up slack after a strike or a sharp lure twitch without making a steady retrieve feel rushed. For cranks, spinnerbaits, jig heads and general soft-plastic work, that middle-ground gearing is bob on.
The drag is rated to 5.5kg and uses Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag system. That’s plenty of adjustment for everyday predator fishing when your rod, main line and leader are all playing nicely together. It’s not a licence to clamp down and bully every lump out of a snag, though. Let the rod cushion lunges and keep your pressure sensible, particularly close in.
Line capacity is 12lb for 100m, 14lb for 90m, 16lb for 80m or 20lb for 65m of mono. That gives you a useful spread of options, although the actual braid and leader setup you choose will depend on the species, snags and lure outfit. For pike, remember that a proper bite-proof wire or robust predator leader is non-negotiable.
The HAGANE aluminium body should give the reel a reassuringly solid platform, while S3D spool technology is intended to reduce spool vibration. Add four plus one bearings and anti-corrosion S A-RB bearings, and the package looks sensibly equipped rather than overcooked with flashy extras. As ever, keep grit out, wipe it down after a damp session and don’t leave it full of lake water.
So, who should have this on the shortlist? Anyone after a compact, versatile baitcaster for regular predator work, especially if casting comfort and lure control matter more than maximum brute strength. It’s a cracking option for perch and zander, and it’ll handle plenty of medium pike fishing too. Go heavier and bigger with your lures, or fish snaggy water where the drag needs to be welded shut, and you’ll want something more specialised.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Model size
- 70
- Gear ratio
- 6.3:1
- Retrieve per crank
- 63cm
- Maximum drag
- 5.5kg
- Weight
- 200g
- Spool and braking
- 32/23mm aluminium MGL spool with SVS Infinity centrifugal braking
Specs checked with Shimano, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
Why this little reel stands out
The real draw is the compact 70-size platform paired with Shimano’s lightweight MGL spool. That combination is aimed at getting the spool moving readily, which suits the stop-start nature of lure fishing and lighter casting work.
The 6.3:1 retrieve gives you 63cm of line per crank, so it’s nicely middle-of-the-road. Quick enough to pick up slack after a twitch or strike, but not so frantic that a steady retrieve becomes a faff. Add the aluminium body, Cross Carbon Drag and SVS Infinity braking, and you’ve got a serious bit of kit for the money bracket.
The important bits
A compact reel with a lively spool
The SLX MGL 70 keeps things compact and tidy. At 200g, it won’t dominate a lighter predator rod, which is a big plus when you’re casting all day and covering water. The HAGANE aluminium body adds rigidity, while the 32/23mm aluminium MGL spool is designed to get moving readily.
Braking comes from Shimano’s SVS Infinity centrifugal system. That gives you a useful way to calm the spool during the cast, while the 6.3:1 gearing and 63cm retrieve keep lure control nicely versatile. It’s a good combination for changing between twitching, winding and working a lure through cover.
Worth knowing. A free-spinning spool still needs proper setup. Use enough braking for the lure and conditions, set spool tension without crushing the bearings, and use your thumb through the flight and splashdown. That’s how you avoid turning a cracking reel into a bird’s-nest machine.
On the predator bank
Best with medium lure outfits
Perch and zander anglers are likely to get the most from the SLX MGL 70. Its compact format works nicely with repeated casts, accurate drops beside weed or cover, and lure changes that don’t require a complete rethink of the outfit.
It also suits pike anglers using medium lures, as long as the rest of the setup is matched properly. The 5.5kg drag gives you useful control, but this isn’t a reel for locking down hard and hauling a big fish through branches. Use a proper bite-proof leader and let the rod do some work.
The 12lb-to-20lb mono capacity figures give you a decent guide to the reel’s intended territory. It’s comfortable as an all-round lure reel, but if you’re regularly throwing huge rubber, deep-diving monsters or heavy jerkbaits, a larger and more powerful platform will be the less faffy choice.
Quick answers
What you need to know before buying
Does it suit beginners? Yes, with a little patience. Baitcasters have a learning curve, but the SVS Infinity braking system gives you useful control while you build casting confidence. Start with a reasonably aerodynamic lure and don’t chase maximum distance straight away.
Can it handle wet UK conditions? The S A-RB anti-corrosion bearings are a useful detail, but they don’t make the reel invincible. Wipe it down after a wet or gritty session, keep the spool area clean and avoid packing it away dripping wet.
Worth knowing. For pike, the reel is only one part of the safety setup. Use suitable main line, a genuinely bite-proof leader, reliable terminal tackle and an unhooking plan before you start casting. The SLX can be a cracking tool, but fish welfare comes first.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Compact 200g body feels well suited to repeated lure casting.
- MGL spool and SVS Infinity braking offer useful casting control.
- Cross Carbon Drag gives sensible fish-fighting adjustment.
- Versatile 6.3:1 retrieve suits a broad spread of lure styles.
- HAGANE aluminium body adds a reassuringly solid feel.
Worth knowing
- The 5.5kg maximum drag isn’t aimed at brutal, locked-down heavy work.
- Four plus one bearings is functional rather than especially lavish.
- A 70-size spool and modest line capacity won’t suit every big-lure setup.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01What sort of fishing is the Shimano SLX MGL 70 suited to?
What sort of fishing is the Shimano SLX MGL 70 suited to?
It’s aimed at predator lure fishing, particularly perch, zander and medium lure work for pike. The 70-size body and 200g weight make it a neat choice when you’re casting repeatedly and don’t want a chunky reel weighing the outfit down.
02How do you set up the SVS Infinity braking?
How do you set up the SVS Infinity braking?
Start with more braking rather than less, then back it off gradually as you get comfortable. Set the spool tension so there’s minimal side-to-side play, match the setting to your lure weight and keep your thumb ready for the final part of the cast.
03Is 5.5kg of drag enough for pike fishing?
Is 5.5kg of drag enough for pike fishing?
For normal lure fishing, yes, provided the rest of the outfit is matched properly and you’re using a suitable leader. It’s not intended as a locked-down heavy-duty drag for hauling big fish through snags, so play them sensibly and let the rod do its job.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: verdict. The strongest reasons to choose it are compact 200g body feels well suited to repeated lure casting. and mgl spool and svs infinity braking offer useful casting control.; the main trade-off is the 5.5kg maximum drag isn’t aimed at brutal, locked-down heavy work..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Compact 200g body feels well suited to repeated lure casting.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Perch and zander lure anglers: The compact body, responsive spool and moderate retrieve suit jigging, soft plastics, small crankbaits and general lure work.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “The 5.5kg maximum drag isn’t aimed at brutal, locked-down heavy work.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
What our readers rate Shimano SLX MGL 70 Baitcasting Reel
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