bassbassontherange

How are you using it? What do you have it paired with? Do you have a feeling for how it compares to the 20,16,or 13 Mets?

Ordered one and should be receiving an XG later today. Going to primarily use it for plastics, Texas and wacky. Thinking 10 or 12lb Sniper FC. Likely pairing with a MH rod, but I haven't decided if I'm going to get a new one or stick with one that I have. Anyone have experience with the new Met? It's been hard to find a review. Rod recommendations?

Great input, thank you! You're going to be the reason I spent a bunch of money I didn't need to, so thanks for that. I used to import most of my reels via Digitaka or Japan Tackle. Most of that was under the former administration. Has there been more difficulty in getting stuff through customs lately? Any recommendations for where to buy?

Thanks for the input! I was eyeing that when I saw some of the positive reactions. It sounds like a great moving/swimbait reel! I can't really see a use case for the xg version where I live and with the faster ratios I already own. I'm looking for something primarily for small squarebills like a MB Knuckle or for willow leaf 1/4 oz spinnerbaits using something like 8lb Sniper FC. I'm thinking something in the 7:1 range would be ideal. I mean... I don't really need a new reel. I'm really just a bit of an enthusiast who wishes he had a couple more 103's. I'm surprised to hear that you replaced yours with a Bantam. It seems like it's a bit more "tanky", but then I've never held one either. I'll probably end up trying one of the new Mets or Aldebarans, but if there are any other recommendations, especially on the Daiwa front that you might suggest for my use case, I'd like to hear them.

I used to be pretty active on here once upon a time, but I've been out of it for about three years. Speaking of three years ago, I purchased a couple of the non-twing sv103's prior to the sv Tatula being released around 2017. I REALLY like them and I can't even find them on Ebay to purchase anymore. I wish I would have snapped up more of them. What's the most comparable Daiwa reel at this point to these? I feel like they were a superior reel to the Tatulas by a fair margin. Is there anything these days that meets that quality that's not a Steez? To give you an idea of the other reels I typically use they're mostly 16' Metaniums and Aldebarans. The SV 103's were the first Daiwas I really liked. Thanks for your input!

I'd tend to agree if it's an all purpose rig. That's not a bad rod, though. If you want to sink money into a higher end reel and a budget rod, that's fine. I've done it. Someday you'll catch the rod bug too and upgrade. For topwater, that rod is fine. For bottom contact or moving baits, you may want something else down the road. For a reel, there are a myriad of options. My preference would be a JDM Met MGL in the gear ratio you want. That would get you in right around 300. An SV 103 is a nice option as well, as are all of Daiwa and Shimano's options in that price range. Lew's has a nice reel in the tourney pro g's. A Revo MGX is a steal if you can find the previous generation clearanced, and they're still out there for under $200. There are so many options, but like stated, you'll find most longtime anglers will suggest Shimano and Daiwa. Consistent quality and product support for years are strong reasons to consider them. My short list for an all purpose reel in your price range: 1. Met MGL 2. SV 103 3. Curado 70 4. Used 13 Met 5. Used Curado/Chronarch E It's hard to go wrong with almost any reel you're spending $150 or more on. Depends largely on preference.

They're very good rods for the money, but I don't think the specific one you're looking at is their sweet spot. I like their MH rods for an inexpensive all purpose. They're lighter than most other rods based on how they're rated, so a H fishes more like a MH from other manufacturers, ect. At the $100-150 price point, there are lots of good options. I'd include the Bucco series as a nice option, but probably not the model you mentioned for all purpose, especially if you bank fish. Some others to consider: A 6'6 M veritas 2.0 is an excellent rod. They fish heavier than rated. They're clearanced as well. The new scIII MH mojo rods are nice for $30 more. Worth it imo. A MH or H Bucco or Bucco micro is a good rod. I prefer them for moving baits though. Not a huge backbone on them, which is a good thing for moving baits. There are many other options, but those are three I've kept in my lineup even as I've moved onto much more expensive rods in general.

For bank fishing, Wichita is probably one of the best areas in the Midwest. Look at Google maps. Nowhere that I know of has anywhere near the number of small lakes, especially on the west side of town (mostly neighborhood ponds). They're almost all stocked and many hold 5+lb lmb's. I can recommend several. Where will you be?

Heard some pretty crazy stories coming from Nebo this year. A guy claimed he's caught two 9+ lb out of there this year. Anyone been out there lately? In the past the bite always seemed sporadic, but the quality was there.

Nope. I've been fishing Met MGL's for over a year now. They've maintained their smoothness and honestly I've never held a low profile that feels smoother. Several have been around the same to start, but nothing's been better, including the Chronarch I picked up. I'd put it right there with the met in that regard though.

Nice find. Best Abu reel I've used. Only one I kept as mostly a Shimano guy. Excellent reel, excellent find.

Huh? A Curado I? Something is really wrong. I can't even imagine how the brakes could generate enough friction to melt unless the drum was somehow misaligned or something. Also, there aren't magnets, but I'm assuming you just didn't realize it's centrifugal braking only on that reel. How long have you owned this reel? Has this always been a problem for you? Have you performed any maintenance and possibly reassembled incorrectly?

When you get above about $200 retail, almost any reel you buy is going to cast extremely well. The rod will impact distance more than the reel above that price point. The MB SSS is a really good option for the applications you detailed. I'm a big fan of that recommendation for what you need. I have less experience with the new Zillions than the older ones, but they're no slouches. What are you looking for, exactly? If it's the best caster, smoothest retrieve, most features ect... I'd have a couple of different answers. Based on your earlier post, I'd still go Metanium or Aldebaran. My opinion only here, but when it comes to a general purpose reel (which seems to be what you're looking for), I think Shimano has the best options. If you're looking for finesse it's another story. Daiwa gives you more choices and usually more customization possibilities.

I think you'd see the most benefit of a higher end reel (and a light setup in general) if you're using it for bottom contact or suspending baits. The idea in this case is that a lighter reel/rod combo will give you improved sensitivity to be able to feel bites. With moving baits (most of what you throw with the combo you're replacing), often the fish more or less hook themselves. That's the logical perspective, if you're asking for it. I don't always fish logically. Most of the time I use what I'm in the mood for unless I'm tourney fishing. For the combo you're replacing, I really like what I'm using, an Aldebaran 50 on a Poison Adrena M F. I throw mostly spinnerbaits (anything but huge ones), bladed jigs, small squarebills and lipless cranks with it. I use it for more than I probably should because I enjoy throwing it so much, but it's just too fun to use. If you're looking at replacing that setup specifically, I'd do something like that. You won't be disappointed in a Met or a Steez for the same purpose either, I just giggle a little bit inside each time I pick up the Alde/Adrena combo. It's probably one of the very lightest combos you can find, and you can find a crazy good deal on the Poison Adrena's if you look around a bit. I'd say if you're looking at throwing anything but smaller swimbaits though, you'd be better served with something a little meatier. I think you're going to be happy with whatever you end up with. I'd say though keep your gear ratio in the 6's. Reels in that ratio are sometimes a little less sought after, so that can be of benefit to you if you're buying used. I've nabbed some really good deals on this forum and others when looking for slower geared reels.

Dangerous territory you're about to tread. "Worth it" is such a relative and objective question, it's going to be different for different people. For me, I spent years slowly upgrading before I reached a point when I could first afford to buy my first high end reel. After that, all bets were off... I just found ways to buy sweet gear. If you're an enthusiast like me, and enjoy the gear as much as the fishing, a top end reel is absolutely worth it. I love fishing my Mets, Aldebarans, supertuned Chronarchs, Steezes, and more exotic reels like Exsence DC's and Conquests. I still use Curados, Citicas, Pro G's, Tatulas, and such... but they're more the reels I take out when I know conditions are going to be nasty or if I'm wading or something. I'm not a super competitive fisherman (other than just with my buddies), so I'm more interested in fun than value or function. To me, I just enjoy fishing higher end reels more. I'm on the water for relaxation and fun. My top end stuff is just... fun. That's why I buy it. That being said... will I catch more fish because of them? I'd say hardly ever, if at all. I can cast a tad bit farther with my MGL than I can my Citica E's, but hey... I could put the boat a little closer in almost every case. To your question of whether or not they're more durable, I'd say no, not really. I take really good care of my stuff, and buy almost all Shimano and Daiwa with some 1,.3 Fishing. and Lew's sprinkled in here and there. I wouldn't say my 3 year old Metaniums have worn any better or worse than my 10 year old Curados, but the Mets are tighter and smoother... and they always were. If you take care of Shimano and Daiwa reels, they just last. Would I buy again? Yep. Good reels from reliable manufacturers hold their value if you take care of them. They're an investment like good Dewalt, Bosch, Milwaukee tools ect... I can turn around and sell my Chronarch D7's for what I paid for them ten years ago. The same can be said of almost all of those older Shimano and Daiwa reels. Okay, so after all that... my recommendation. 1. Don't do it unless you're prepared to buy more down the road. You'll want to. 2. Go Shimano or Daiwa. 3. If you're looking for a great all purpose, I think there's a ton of value in something like a used '13 Met. You can find one for under $275 for sure, and they're pretty much the perfect reel in my opinion. I like the MGL a tiny bit better, but it's also going to cost you $50-$100 more. Other options would be an Aldabaran or Steez, just depending on what you're throwing with it. Congrats on the bonus and have fun!

You're right. I fish mostly high end Shimano but I like to try everything. The Casitas is a heck of a performer.

This question, or a variant of it, is asked at least once a week. You'll get a few common recommendations for new reels. I consider myself an enthusiast in every sense of the word, especially in low pro baitcasters. I would say, if you're buying new and in your price range, based on my experience I'd rank as such. 1. Shimano Citica I -(Or the Curado I... whichever. They're equally as good of performers. The absolute only difference I can find is in the anti rust bearings, which won't make any difference to most) 1a. Daiwa Tatula Ct - I prefer how my hands fit the Shimano frame, but this is a solid reel. 2. Lew's Tournament MB or Tourny Pro -Really good value, and I like the braking system on these reels especially. Not the longest casters or the smoothest (really smooth out of the box, but the ones I've owned have gotten a little geary over time, but no big deal). 2a. Shimano Casitas - Probably the best casting reel of the group in my hands. Some people just don't like a composite frame, myself included. No real particular reason for that. I've never had a problem with it from any logical standpoint... just how it feels. You can't go wrong with any of those, and there are some other nice options from 1...3... fishing, Okuma, Abu, and others, but I haven't fished them enough to honestly provide useful feedback. HOWEVER- I'd skip all of those if you're trying to get a great deal on a workhorse, all purpose reel. Buy USED! You can find fantastic deals on used Shimano's and Daiwa's. They are usually super reliable. In fact, right now there is a listing for Citica E's in our very own flea market on this site. $75 for a good condition Citica E is an awesome value. Buy one, or two from that listing and know that you have a proven reel that has an insanely loyal following. If you're not throwing super light finesse style baits, it's the perfect reel for almost all other applications. You'll notice I bought one just because of the great deal. I'm usually throwing pretty high end stuff, but that's just too great a value on a getting hard to find reel. Uggh. Went to link that sale and someone just snagged the other Citica's. Sorry. I'd still keep an eye out. Don't pass up a deal like that if you see it. If you've got time, hold out for something like that. Some other reels I might suggest are Citica/Curado I's used, Tatulas used, or a T3 1016. All are great reels that you can find waaaay cheaper than what they cost new. Shimano and Daiwa just build reels that last! Because of that, you can usually buy with confidence on a terrific used reel.

In my opinion, the xg is definitely too fast for spinner and rattle baits. It'll feel like you're reeling in slow motion to keep them down in the water column, and that gets old fast. The HG is a great choice, though still pretty fast, like @thebillsmanmentioned. More than capable for any plastics or jigs you're fishing. The real advantage of the XG in my estimation is for power (not torque but speed), usually tournament fishermen who want to get as many casts in as possible when flipping cover. Otherwise, a 7 or even 6 gear ratio will more than suffice. Ultimately, you'll probably want a slower ratio reel, probably in the 6's for your treble hook/spinner baits. Blazing fast gear ratios have their place and are admittedly nice, but aren't all purpose and are as much about marketing as practicality.

They've been great for me. Just fill out the registration, chop up the rod and send them a check with the rod for the amount for the new rod. Usually it's $50-$100. There's a chart on their warranty page that tells you. Their customer service is very good also. Just give them a call if you need, but I think they're M-F.

Always meaningful feedback from you. I'll chime in as someone who has owned all three. All are fantastic, although I'd argue the Mets are a little better performers and in my opinion more consistent and forgiving casters (once you've dialed in the svs brakes). One of the knocks you hear sometimes on the newer Shimano reels is people miss the vbs systems. While I prefer the newer svs brakes, there's no denying there's a slight learning curve. Some love the E's because they're so simple. I'm grouping cores in here... In my opinion, if you like the way a met feels in your hands, get a met. They're better reels, if only by a bit. Between the 13 and the MGL, I'd spend the extra$ for an MGL. They cast most baits a tad bit better and are easier to dial in. They're really an evolution of an almost perfect reel in the 13met. Plus, they look cooler. Splitting hairs here, but I think the MGL and 13 Mets are the best two low pro reels ever made. I own or have owned steez, concept kp's and e's, revo mgx's, Antares, and cores in several flavors. The Mets stand alone.

I don't think the xg is necessary, and it's going to be too fast for most applications. If you want something versatile, go with the hg. I use really fast reels (like the xg) for frogging and some jigging, but that's about it. A "7" speed is plenty fast for pretty much everything, but it's slow enough you can use almost all baits if you're okay with slowing your retrieve for shallow running cranks, spinner baits, and the like.

That's a pretty decent setup. I would even say a M would be fine, as the action is a little light on those rods anyway. I have a poison adrena with an Aldebaran and another alde on a carbonlite. Both are a joy to fish, and there's not $300 difference between the rods. It'll be crazy light and you'll enjoy it. Makes for a nice small spinner bait/ lipless setup as well.

If you're looking for a well priced, all purpose rod, a veritas mf will do you quite well. I own several rods in the 4-500 range, and the veritas rods are very good at their price point. They're rated lighter than they really are, so a M is going to be comparable to a MH in most brands. Reel-wise, in your price range look at Shimano and Daiwa. Curado and Citica i's as well as tatulas are all within your budget and excellent. My money would be on a Citica I for value if purchasing new, but honestly I'd buy something used. Shimano and Daiwa make excellent reels and used are usually going to be perfect mechanically in newer reels, and even most older, well maintained reels. Other brands are usually decent in your price range as well, but Shimano and Daiwa have a reputation for durability. I've owned pretty much all of them and those two stand alone in my opinion.

Not really an Abu guy, but own an MGX. Quality, quality reel. Dick's has them on sale in multiple locations in my area, yeah. One store had their display at 129.99.