Maico1

FB check these out.....https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/product/reel/4654&prev=search. http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/product/rod/4672 Scroll down and you will see the links to the JDM Expride and Bantam.

Being a fan of both round and low profile reels that really is a non issue.....In regards to finesse reels being a huge fan of Conquest Reels it was a must have however my other reels are low profile.

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Ffishing.shimano.co.jp%2Fproduct%2Freel%2F5572

It is a 165L-BFS.......scroll down on this link to Bantam Rods......https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/product/reel/4654&prev=search

For me in the round Conquest 50 and 50 DC in low profile Aldebaran 50 HG and BFS Limited XG......

https://www.aquateko.com/collections/buy-knot2kinky-leaders

A little info on the Exsence DC 17.......https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/product/reel/4658&prev=search The Curado DC is considered an I DC-4 hence 4 modes Maximum (least amount of braking),Braid, Fluoro and Maximum Braking (like casting into the wind)....

https://fishshop.shimano.com/.....

If they were mine they would be completely torn down , cleaned and re-lubed....

Have 5-6 reels spooled up with it...crankbait and topwater.

Very well said..... I did call Shimano and they know nothing about it....If 250 reels were bad they would know and certainly a Factory Rep would not be fixing them in the field.

Certainly not how I would test a DC reel for brake failure however it makes total sense to me. A DC reel requires a startup inertia in order to get the DC Module to perform . For someone not familiar with a DC reel and to apply light casting tactics out of the box you will get the same result and think the Module is not performing. DC reels have not been known for there light casting techniques because it needs that startup inertia however that can be accomplished if you play with them long enough. So in all do respect you have not convinced me and should not convince anyone else based on how you tested the reel there is a problem with them...Being someone who has fished with DC reels since they have come out I also question how much the Authorized Dealer you state actually knows about them.......

Just curious what was it you/we did messing with the unsold reel to diagnose the digital brakes were not working.......

Been fishing with DC reels since they first hit the market and all of them are in excellent working condition ( Conquest DC, Calcutta Conquest DC, Calais DC and Antares DC). Shimano has done nothing but fine tune them over the years. The first generation DC Calcutta Conquest did have a glass eye that you would need to swipe clean with alcohol and a q-tip and was wrapped with sealed copper wire. But as Dwight said they are now self contained and you maintain them like any other reel you own. Certainly have seen the negative about DC reels but in my opinion that comes from those not really in the know and just pass on what they have read.....My latest DC is a 16 Antares which was completely torn down out of the box and put back together, it is always nice to know what you are working with......

"Extra Virgin" correct

Been using DC reels since they came out in 2004 in a the Round and then the LP in 2006. As far as durability not one issue with the DC unit or the reels themselves. Shimano has done nothing but continue to fine tune their DC reels and yes I would tell you they are reliable....

http://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-CURADO_DC.html

And the Bantam MGL is the next generation tank.....

Got a HG and XG that were completely torn down out of the box. Very solid "little" reel you will see "O" rings on the spool bearings , a combination of a smooth and a carbontex drag washer along with a brass pinion and drive gear which polish up "reel" sweet. Two knob bearings (one each knob ) and a worm shaft bearing were added to replace the bushings that are stock just like the Met MGL you have has the bushing on the worm shaft. This reel is built like a tank and would compare it to a Conquest 50 one sweet little palming reel. As for a size comparison specifically to the Met MGL PM me your email and will send you some pics.......

The Bantam is going to be a Classic just like the Conquest 50 two little tanks....Have a HG and XG that have been completely torn down and put back together, one rigid reel for sure....Did add handle knob bearings to replace the bushing's along with replacing the bushing on the worm gear shaft. Get the Bantam you will not be disappointed and then after you do that get the Met.........

OD which DC reel did you finally get.......

I like how your wife thinks.....

And just what is the most expensive and to whom is what these threads are really all about. What is garbage to one may be a treasure to another and there certainly is nothing wrong with that. We all have our comfort zones and reasons why we like it, after all that is why it is called a comfort zone. My opinion to this thread is continue to buy what works for you and be proud of it , but most importantly enjoy your days out on the water.

In other words " In order to do the right job you need the right tools ".......