Tywithay

The Metanium actually fit my hand better. I felt myself kind of grasping for the alde because it was maybe just too small for my hand size. It would give me a bit of a cramp over time. Both are ridiculously small compared to most baitcasters, like say a 200 shimano.

I use a Tatula Elite 74MHRB. It casts a mile, so I can't really imagine using anything longer would benefit me.

I think the Envy uses the same blank. You could probably take those reviews and get some idea how it'd fish. It should be quite a bit lighter due to the minimalist build. That alone should add some perceived sensitivity. The carbon handle design could offer some benefits as well. I don't know if it's worth the cost at retail, when you can get used NRX, Conquest, Zbone, etc., for the same or less, but I have no doubts that it performs well.

I think you're confused.

A $550-$700 rod should be special.

I felt the same way about Dobyns, and St Croix for that matter. Tried Champions, Extremes, Fury, Legend Tournament, Legend Elite, Avid, and Premier. They all felt dead compared to comparably priced rods from other manufacturers. The Kistler nfc rods or an Expride are light years ahead in performance compared to the Champions and LTs, in my hand. Luckily, that's why we have options and people can fish what they like.

I don't know for sure about the XT, but I have the Tatula 701MRB, 74HRB-G, and the Elite 74MHRB and the tapers are excellent. I use them for a little bit of everything that moves. Can't imagine the XT would be much different.

https://jdmfishing.com/daiwa/tatula-tactical/

For the most part, all rods of the same length will offer similar distance, as long as your lure is in the recommended weight range for the rod (though that's not always the weights stamped on the blank). Line diameter and rod length are about the only way to drastically improve distance. A 10ft rod will outcast a 7ft rod, all other things being equal.

I've owned several DC reels and every one worked better with the spool tension set for a slow fall, set for each lure individually. Daiwa reels work best with eliminating, or even just a slight amount, of side to side play. I've never found it to work best with any Shimano system, especially DC. The newer systems are set up for specific lines, so #2 would be for mono/braid. After that, I'd say make sure you're putting a forceful cast into motion, and not trying to lob it. DC systems need spool speed to work properly, so you have to get it moving. Probably why they've been notoriously bad at pitching in the past.

I've got both of mine 2 on 2 off, with the dial on 2.5ish. I don't remember touching them after I set it and they've casted everything without skipping a beat. Even buzzbaits and spinnerbaits haven't been an issue in the wind.

I would say that any reel that has a carbon body is going to give the perception that it's less smooth. The rigid graphite material will transmit vibrations more than an aluminum body. The reel could be Stella smooth, but certain folks will be able to feel the gears meshing, because of the material, and their perception will be that it feels geary. It may be more difficult for some to discern, others may just not care, or come from a cheaper reel that felt worse, but Carbon vs. Aluminum vs. Magnesium will always feel different, even if everything internally is identical.

I have three of the Metaniums and two Bantams. I agree it's worth the extra $50 or so for the JDM Metanium. Though, I don't think anyone would be disappointed with either.

Forgot to mention, it's definitely worth saving money and ordering them from Japan, in my opinion. I have two and paid $241 each. The handles are a little shorter, but they're fine. Even if you decide to buy an aftermarket handle down the road, you'd still likely save money versus buying one here.