T2DM

I feel exactly the same way about all this dude, it is so confusing it's giving me a headache, I love geeking out on things but this one is becoming pretty deep. The only way that I can confirm that this feature is there/working is this, I own both the 18 and 22, I feel the difference between the two when I use them side by side. Maybe a better explanation will come out soon from others.

I appreciate the illustrations but based on the new shape of the area of the shaft where the spool pin is located (I'm not sure what it is called, and I wish I knew) and from what I've read on their websites, Infinity drive in the new Bantam is a new way the pinion gear hugs the larger diameter of the spool shaft where the pin in located, the pinion when engaged with the spool have a better or solid connection and doesn't rely on the spool side X-ship bearing for full support, that bearing is now only there to keep the pinion in place when the thumb bar is engaged. This is from Shimano Japan: "It is newly equipped with an Infinity drive, a new structure that supports the spool shaft from the inside of the pinion gear instead of the bearing on the spool side with a large rotational resistance. The rotational resistance of the gear part is greatly reduced, and high strength is achieved while realizing a lighter and more direct winding than before. It follows the 21 Calcutta Conquest as a bait casting reel and is the first low-profile Bantam to be installed. The Infiniti Drive brings even more comfort and strength to the highly rigid core solid-bodied Bantam. This exquisite combination takes Strong Versa Tiles to a new level".

I'm the one who started that thread over at TT and from what I've learned the picture of the Ocea jigger infinity drive is a little misleading compared to the new Bantam since they're not the same. Hopefully a reliable answer comes out soon. Here's what I've noticed so far: 18 Bantam 22 Bantam Here's what I think about the X-ship IMHO. The purpose of the two bearings supporting the pinion gear is to completely isolate it so it can't make contact or create friction with the (long and skinnier) portion of the spool shaft when the thumb bar is engaged or during the cast. The pinion gear slides away only little bit just enough for it to detached itself from spool shaft pin, all at the same time relies on those two bearings to hold its position. The only area of the pinion gear that makes contact with the spool is when it needs to grab the pin or during retrieve, even at this position the pinion gear is completely free from the spool shaft. So yes X-ship will always require two bearings, you'll also notice that the spool shaft has no bumps and I think the only purpose of the spool shaft design on the Bantam or similar Shimano reels is to reach the tension cap.

You're very welcome, glad to help. Good deal for sure!

20 Metanium comes in both JDM and USDM, both are made in Japan, USDM are 150 size spools, JDM are maybe 70 or 100 size spool and comes smaller handles and knobs...and most of the time cheaper. Speed ratio are the same, I think. They even have a shallow spool edition now with aluminum gears.

USDM models should be the same I think, 6.2:1 and 7.1:1 typically comes with 84MM handle with a bit smaller knob and the XG comes with 90MM with bigger knobs the comes with Curado K, MGL 150. I typically install 18 Bantam XG handle assembly on all my casting reels and add an extra bearing?.

I got one three weeks ago and I liked it so much I bought another one 2 weeks later, mine are both HG but they crank like 6 speed ratios and cast a lot better than 18 Bantam, 22 Bantam is worth the upgrade IMO. So far so good, still built like a tank and my new favorite for sure.

Bad X-ship bearings can sometimes trick you into thinking the gear set are getting bad, My 71HG developed more of a "raspy" noise than "Geary" a while back when it was only a few weeks old, narrowed it down to one of the two bearings (BNT3927) located at the spool side. (One is located on top of the AR bearing). I then switched those two around and it fixed the noise issues it was having which was pretty weird. I learned from a trusted source to never oil X-ship bearings since it will flush out any factory grease inside causing them to become noisy and wear out prematurely. I also learned that X-ship bearings take a lot of loads since the pinion gear does not rely on the spool shaft for support and it's normal for them to go bad overtime so it's best to just replace them with new ones.

I have both in 3000 size and for me in the long run Vanford would be a good choice cause of the weight, might have to spend a little bit more on lighter rod though, I have my Vanford paired up with GCX 842SJR-the Stradic on 853JWR and the balance is pretty good on both setups.

SWEET!!!

There's quite a bit of difference between the two, I like my Chronarch a lot but for the money you cannot go wrong with the Curado 150 MGL with aluminum frame, new 6 pin SVS and palms better than the Chronarch.

Thanks man! there are still few good ponds left but most are over fished and too pressured. Do you remember any secret fishing holes around here????

Yes Sir, that is the main reason why I have both.

I just got my 22 Bantam, for comparison I have the 18 Bantam and 20 Metanium all USDM. First thing I've noticed with the 22 Bantam is how smoother and cast further it is compared to my 18 Bantam, kinda like I was using my Metanium but in a Bantam Body...Weird!!!

Finally got mine in today, took it out for a few and I can already tell it's better than my 18 Bantam for sure.

Exactly!!! Look at their entire fishing tackle catalogue, it's pretty impressive!

It is again another re-badge doyo reel!

Sadly, it does not have the MM gears, it has the HEG gearing like the SLX series. it's smooth but not as smooth compared to reels equipped with MM gears, but the new SLX 70 DC XT comes with MM gears, i really like the 17 scorpion DC/Curado 200i platform so might get the SLX DC XT when it comes out. I did however converted one of my 17 scorpion DC down to 6.3 gears from 7.2. it now feels smoother and better as a cranking reel.

I think both serve a different purpose IMHO, i used to have the DC but trade it in for a rod cause i really didn't enjoy it as much as my other reels, often times it's really restrictive as far as casting distance when using FC or in setting 3 but does really well using braided line even at 1 setting. it falls a little short when it comes down to versatility, ergonomics was another issue for me but it's a nice reel don't get me wrong, i just prefer my 17 Scorpion DC over it. now the bantam is just something else, i just love everything about it and i use them with just about any lures, any lines. but if you really want a DC reel then the new Scorpion DC would be a good buy.

They're just Shimano power knobs, I just got used to them and they're so comfortable to me that I even replaced the T knobs that came with my spinners.

This may not mean much to most of you guys but man, I love those handle knobs!!!

I would say pretty much any online retailer, I got one pre order at TW, can't wait to get it.

This is from Shimano Japan Website: more stretched and stronger. strong barsatiles that penetrate through. The bantam that creates a new world of StrongBersatile has evolved further. The NEW Bantam is equipped with the 150th size Magnum Light Spool III. φ3/19mm and the spool is larger than the previous model, and the compatibility with the centrifugal brake is enhanced by narrowing, and by moving the line guide a little forward, a stretch cast feel reminiscent of 19 Antales has been acquired. The high-rigidity core solid body incorporates low-protein's first infinity drive. The significant reduction in rotational resistance enables powerful and direct winding, greatly improving the ability to detect changes such as water flow resistance received from the bottom and lure. It is one that leads strong versa tiles up a notch. It doesn't matter I'm gonna end up buying the darn thing regardless.

I wouldn't say they're entirely identical, the 71 still feel smaller and sits lower, but if you are in the market for one and have to choose between the two then the 151 is definitely the one to get, with more line capacity and a new 6 pin version of SVS it's a better value for sure. There's something special about the 71 and 151 will not replace the 71 but just another new reel IMHO.

I doubt it at that price point, looks like graphite to me, star drag looks like CI4+. MGL 70 I think has a CI4+ handle side plate.