T2DM

Got one on its way! I heard a lot of good things about it from this guy!

22 Bantam 6.2 Gear ratio, good reel for what you're going to use it for. Go JDM if you can, should be cheaper but no warranty. SHIMANO - REEL - CASTING REEL - BANTAM (digitaka.com) DC reels would be up to you, but get the one with iDC-5, better system IMO.

TOP: 23 JDM Metanium 100 BOTTOM: 20 USDM Metanium 150B Not by much though.

I'm exactly same way, most of my jerk bait reels and winter setup are all 6.X gear ratio and never had any issues.

USDM: 20 Metanium 150 (all 3 Gear ratio) 24 Metanium 70 DC (HG & XG only) JDM: 20 Metanium 70 (all 3 Gear ratio) 22 Metanium Shallow Edition (all 3 Gear ratio) 23 Metanium 100 (HG & XG only) 24 Metanium 70 DC (all 3 Gear ratio) USDM & JDM 24 Metanium DC 70A, 22 Bantam 150A, 18 Bantam MGL, Aldebaran BFS and a few more are pretty much identical. Sorry, it's so confusing with all these dang reels sometimes that I have to write them down to get a good night sleep!😵‍💫 Man, I need a new hobby!😂

Directly from Shimano US, if they don't have it and I need the part pretty bad then I buy them from ereplacementparts.com, they are Shimano authorized parts dealer. 20 USDM Metanium Spool assembly should fit and it's in stock the last time I looked (8/6/24). 100BS – Shimano US Fish Shop Depending on the reasons as to why you want to replace a JDM 100 spool, going from JDM 100 to USDM 150 spool size might not be worth it, JDM 70 to USDM 150 might be, but it's all up to you.

Wow! That's some awesome stuff once again! Thanks for all of your knowledge and contributions in here, I sure do appreciate it, and I've learned a lot. I'm sure a lot of guys in here feels the same way. You're like the MacGyver of Fishing reels.

Any cheap mono 8-10lb about a few yards or straight braid but use the spools port holes to tie the braid first so it won't slip, there are few ways to do it and a lot of guys in here have all kind of advice. Black Max should come with carbon drag washer and should last quite a long time. I'm pretty sure the drag washers are fine.

My Stradic FL 1000 looks better than yours...just because!🤣 but @bulldog1935's FL 1000 for some reason looks way better than both ours combined!😂 They just look so dang sexy!

150 size spools for jerk bait fishing are a little overkill IMO. I have SLX DC XT, 24 Metanium DC both are 70 sizes for very windy winter day and Curado 71K MGL, JDM 23 Metanium 101 MGL on a slightly windy winter day. I also think the new 24 SLX 70A should be good for this application too.

Gears usually are not supposed to cause any line slippage issues but a worn out drag washer could, assuming the line is spooled or with correct backing (mono or some kind of tape). Re-spool with correct backing and you should be good to go.

Line is slipping off the spool maybe? is it braided line?

I would exchange it for another and ask for new one in a sealed box (with uncut clear tape), it shouldn't be doing any of that.

One more thing, I just remembered a few years back when I just got my Curado DC that it started making that similar noise after the handle all of the sudden engaged while making a cast, it was an awful sound, and the reel wasn't the same since so I send it to Shimano for warranty claim because it was under warranty when it happened and it took a long time to get it back, after a few phone calls about the status, they keep telling me they are still working on it then a few weeks after that they end up sending me a new one. not sure what's that all about.

Sounds like X-ship bearings to me (BNT5858 & BNT4945), that might even include the shaft bearings (also BNT5858 and BNT4194) or the AR-B itself. If it's making the same noise while the spool is removed then you can rule out the spool bearings, after that then it should be one of those bearings mentioned above making all of those noise, I would start by replacing both pinion bearings and go from there. The handle looks like it's spinning freely so the AR-B might be OK. If it's the AR-B, then I think you'll have to send it to Shimano because they have a special tool/press to replace those AR-B or consult/send to @Delaware Valley Tackle.

If the click happens exactly at the same spot at every 1 handle turn, then it's possible that the gear set was somehow damaged during cleaning? I installed a brand-new gear set a while back in my Chronarch MGL and after re assembly it's started making a clicking noise every handle turn at the same spot, send it in for inspection and Shimano called me to let me know it was a bad gear set, they've replaced the parts at no charge.

I think it's use is for braided or regular line.

I used to own one and got rid of it quickly, MGL reels are better specially JDM MGL reels for the price, but if you want or must have an DC reel then go with something else JDM with an i-DC5 should be cheaper too.

Best value for me. Rod: Expride series Reels: JDM Bantam and Metanium

Not Again!

Right on, there's too much moss and junk where I fish during this time of year for jerk baits, but 1/4oz finesse jigs sounds good! I went out to try the new rod the other day using weightless fluke and I can tell I'm going to enjoy this setup. It's a little bit stiffer than my old jerk bait rod which is the original SLX 6'10 medium, definitely more versatile than it though.

I also have the 6'11 M+ and just like @NorthernBasser mentioned above very versatile and also very light, I mostly throw 3/8 chatter bait mini max on mine. I like it so much that now I have 2...dang bait monkey!

My new jerk bait/lipless setup! I can't wait for fall/winter to use this combo!

I'm somewhat like A-Jay when it comes down to Reel handle and knobs!

The Curado's? Never heard of them😉 They look good though!