A Review of the Shimano Curado MGL 70 K and Intenza Rod
Shimano has long been one of the leaders in fishing gear and each year; they have a host of new products that fit just about any budget. After new technologies are introduced at their highest prices, there is a trickle-down as they bring those same features down to less expensive reels.
That is the case with the new Curado MGL 70 K, a small framed reel with plenty of big features, including the famous MGL spool that was part of the Metanium, Aldebaran, Bantam, Chronarch, and now the Curado and SLX.
On the fishing rod side of things, last year Shimano released the Intenza series that has a unique look, feel, and a great price.
Before getting into the water performance, here is an overview of the Curado MGL 70 K baitcast rod and Intenza rod.
Curado MGL 70 K Overview
The Curado name is a long-standing reel model with Shimano and has been a favorite among bass anglers since it was first introduced. The latest version is the K, and it has been well received among Shimano users. New for this year is a downsized version, the Curado MGL 70 K, that includes many features from Shimano’s high-end products in a downsized package.
It includes the MGL II spool that is said to have better casting distance, especially with lighter lures. Also built into this reel is a Cross Carbon Drag, Hagane Body (higher rigidity and less flex), MicroModule Gears (smaller gear teeth), and SVS Infinity brakes for more consistent control, and more.
Shimano Intenza Rod Overview
This value-priced line of rods debuted at ICAST 2019 and includes 11 casting models and four spinning rods. They retail for $129.99 and have aluminum oxide guides, a 30-Ton graphite blank, and unique grips they call the G-Alpha Grips.
Initial Thoughts on the Combo
After the first cast, you can tell that the Curado MGL 70 K is a well-built reel. It feels solid in hand and generates great casting distance from such a small reel. Right out of the box, it was ready to go.
For small adjustments based on lure weight or wind, the SVS Infinity Braking system makes it easy to adjust the brakes.
The smaller sized reel is a big plus for some techniques. It also makes it easy to palm the reel even if you have average-sized hands. Some anglers, including myself, prefer this as a way to get a better feel for your lures. The 70 size is a great choice for small topwaters, jerkbaits, and fishing finesse jigs and Texas-Rigs with lighter line.
The Intenza rod immediately feels different when you pick it up. It has a unique style to it that is unlike other rods from Shimano, or any brand for that matter. One of the first things you will notice is the grips that are said to have come from Shimano’s famous bicycle division. They are comfortable and give you a great grip on the rod in all conditions.
Applications
The rod being reviewed was a 7’4” heavy model that is stout enough to flip and pitch with around wood, docks, and vegetation. The advantages to having a smaller reel when flipping and pitching is the lightweight reel makes it easier to fish with all day long. And, since those techniques do not require a reel with large line capacity, the Curado 70 fits the bill.
This particular rod model would also be an excellent frog rod and they have plenty of other rod models to fit just about every bass fishing technique out there.
The 70 sized reel is excellent for light line and lighter lures.
The Intenza are great rods in general, but even better when you consider the cost. There is no doubt that there are more sensitive and lighter rods in the Shimano and G. Loomis lineup as you go up in cost, but it is hard to find a real flaw at the Intenza's price point. For $129, they are an excellent value and will serve your needs well no matter what your experience level is.
The Shimano Curado MGL 70 K and Intenza Rod are two of the newest products to come from Shimano and they do well on the water and help build on the excellent reputation that Shimano has earned over the years.
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