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To start off I’m a stats nerd in spinning reels. I tend to fish more saltwater so I know all about what each spinning reel is designed for. However I started bass fishing for bass recently and was wondering if some expert here could help me understand what each of the following reels are meant for? Also how do the different models (I/k) affect the performance. Chronarch Aldebaran Bantam Metanium Antares Exsence Scorpion Also any recommendations y’all prefer? Looking for a long casting, fast retrieve/hg, 150 sized reel as a do everything rod. Hoping to find a used one for under $200. I won’t be throwing large swim baits so most of the stuff will be from 1/8 to 7/8. Would an MGL be too lightweight based? Shimano or Daiwa would be preferred. Thanks

Currently have a 7’3” Tatula MH with a Fuego CT w 30# PP ssv2. Although a great reel for the price, I’m looking to upgrade the fuego and hopefully gain on a couple key things: 1. Casting distance (fishing clear water) 2. Casting light rigs (down to 1/4oz rigs) Budget is flexible, mainly looking to match with the Tatula and not overprice a reel on a reasonably priced rod (can’t see going more expensive than a metanium) So far I’ve narrowed it down to the following but am also open to suggestions: 1. 2020 metanium MGL 2. Bantam MGL 3. 2021 Zillion SV TW what would you pick? I don’t have experience with higher end reel OR shimano.

Hello everyone! New to the forum as a member, but been a lurker for a little while now. I am currently wanting to get some advice on what my next purchase should be. I own the Dobyn's Xtasy DRX 742SF and love it! Not one complaint about it, but I am now wanting a casting setup. I am going to be picking up another high end rod for bottom contact, and it will be paired with a Shimano Metanium DC. I am going to use it for 1/2oz to 3/4oz jigs + trailer, smaller swimbaits, T-rigs, etc. Occasionally I'll even throw the Z-Man Giant TRD with their Mag Shroomz Head that will weigh around 1oz. Jigs are definitely the main purpose, though. I am considering getting another Xtasy, the DRX 755C, or venture out and try the NRX 894C. I know the 894C is rated up to 3/4oz, but I'm discouraged to move up to the 895C, because I hear how tip heavy it is. I have also heard the 894C can handle up to 1oz lures fairly well. A Dobyn's Champion Extreme DX 744C split grip is also on the board, but I am really focusing on the Xtasy or NRX. What are the opinions out there? Has anyone tried either, or both of these specific models? If you were in my boat (pun intended), what would you do? Thanks everyone!

Anyone have feedbacks on these?

i know this topic is talked about a lot but if i order from Japan Lure Shop, you can get the MET for $100 off US price, and the Chronarch $50 off US price. So my question here is, what is truly the best. i want a reel for all around. i mainly throw soft plastics, chatterbaits and a little bit of frog. Never throw HUGE baits such as swimbaits and etc. i am more than likely to throw either reel on a Dobyns, Favorite, or Fitzgerald rod.

Hey everyone, what are your opinions on the best spool bearings (part BNT3627) for the '13 Shimano metanium 100? I purchased two used reels in great condition, but one has NMB bearings (if anyone has info on these I would really appreciate it). They have a black ring outside the inner hole. I do not think these bearings perform better than stock just based on several free spool tests I performed (the stock bearings consistently spun longer, even when started first). *Correction - I've come to the conclusion that this reel actually can have two different sets of bearings, maybe based on when/where it was purchased (?) I am weighing between the hedgehog air HD bearings, stock bearings, and boca bearings just based on some research. I know there was a YouTube test performed that showed stock bearings outperforming abec 7 ceramic bearings, so I'm leaning toward stock. What do you all think? (would especially appreciate thoughts from MET100 owners and, if possible, someone who has been able to make direct comparisons).

Hey everyone, so I've got an interesting theory/conclusion about spool bearings for the Shimano '13 Metanium 100. I've come to the conclusion, based on several videos and confirmation from previous owners of two MET100s that I have, that the reel may come with a different set of bearings, maybe based on when/where it was purchased. Mind blowing, I know...end sarcasm. What got me started on this was that I purchased two used reels in great condition from reputable sellers. Upon inspecting the reels and lubricating them, I noticed that each reel had a different set of bearings from the other. One had a pair of bearings with a black outer ring, and the other had a bearing with a metal colored outer ring (pictures coming). I've further confirmed this through watching several videos where people are opening up their '13 MET100s. I've paused the videos when they show the bearings and can clearly see that some have the bearing with a black ring and some have the bearing with the metal colored ring. The black ring on mine has the letters "NMB" on it. The main thing is of course, does this all really matter in terms of performance and what other factors are involved? Upon comparing the two reels with free several free spool tests, I am confident that the metal colored ones outperform the black ones. I did this several times to control for differences in how strong I spun the reels and I started both reels before the other. The black ones consistently stopped before the metal ones, indicating that they may have more friction which is slowing them down. The difference isn't huge, but it's consistently several seconds (maybe over 10 seconds, which I can confirm later) behind. Of course, there are the factors of how much oil is in each (too much or not enough), what other components may be a factor, how hard I spun it (somewhat controlled for by running several tests), whether or not the previous owners were telling me accurate info (I don't have any reason to believe they aren't as they been very open with telling me about the reels, and I never approached them with any issues but more of curiosity), and other factors. So, my question for you all is, what are you thoughts, and have you come across something like this before? I've already sent an inquiry to Shimano and will be reporting back with those findings. Look forward to my thoughts on the hedgehog Zr bearings after I try them out! I bought them after I originally thought that the black bearings were not stock and seemingly performed not as well as the metal stock ones. Yes, little things like that annoy me, and I want the best performance from what I've got

I've been a big Daiwa fan since the release of the Tatula SV and have been primarily fishing Daiwa since. Still however there is this affinity with shiny things lol! So who has the best high end baitcasters? Daiwa or Shimano? Talking specifically USDM not JDM. I currently own: 3xTatula SVs: 6:3:1, 7:3:1, 8:1:1 Zillion SV 6:3:1 Curado 70 7:2:1 I'd like to hear from everyone who reads this.

Everytime I make a post on here I get more nervous about picking the right baitcasting reel, so let's hope this is the last time for a bit. I am going to start using baitcasters after years of using spinning setups. I am going to buy a st. Croix legend xtreme casting rod. medium heavy fast action for all around fishing. for the reel I wanted to use something that can keep up with the rod, and also one that can be used in saltwater. I was thinking about the shimano metanium mgl, but I wasn't if that reel would be the best for the rod. please leave your thoughts and suggest any other rods and reels.

Hello! Long time reader, first time poster. I did a search for this title and haven't exactly reached a straight answer. I want to simply know which one of these great reels is overall the better reel paired with a G. Loomis NRX 894c spooled with 20 lb. braid fishing with jigs/spinners/swimbaits/senkos/t-rigs/c-rigs/buzzbaits in the Northeast of the US. I have my bro selling me his lightly used 2011/12 Calais 201 DC for $300, and I know a new Metanium DC goes for 350-400 on the bay. So help me decide which one is the better reel out of the two. Thanks! -Will Bro

Alright so I missed the reel arriving this morning and had to wait until 3:00 to pick it up ... In that time I went home spooled it with 12 yozuri and went straight out back . I took a drop shot rod and put the metanium on my 6' 6 mh micro magic pro. I've fished this rod with my ci4+'s and it was so light it floated with reel when over board once. Honestly the metanium felt heavier . But in a more solidly mechanical way. Initially I was fishing from land and casting a 3/8 spinnerbait. I pushed the limits of the reel and just launched and had no thumb.... and I hadn't made one adjustment to the reel. What surprised me wasn't the backlash , but how far the lure had gotten despite it. So I added one break and tried it again .. Further and another black lash . Clicked the 2nd click on the outer brake adjustment ..... And then reel showed me why I instantly knew I'd want another . Probably 60 yards and only the same thumb I use to stop a jig when pitching when it hits the water . Now I never intended to throw spinnerbaits with this reel because of xg version. But I what I noticed was how much control I had over the speed of the spinnerbait with the high speed that I can't recall having . I may start using it for spinnerbaits on the next one. It definitely could handle it effortlessly . Then I decided to get in the paddle boat and try my first top water session of the year . I've simplified most of my topwater fishing now to mostly white and black baits ... White sexy dog . And went about 10 for 15 until now .... Caught one on dropshot after a missed blowup . Caught one 5lber was good too see the reel handle fish with ease . What's impressive is how the reel doesn't backlash ... You really have to make a mistake after its dialed in. Tomorrow I will throw some finesse swim jigs and other baits to see how it handles . But this reel was purchased to pitch . All in all I wouldn't just jump out and say it's better than the 13 metanium. It's got some small refinements . I like this color more. I'll be purchasing another in the fall most likely . And it will most likely be an mgl . Some pics .. Feel free to ask what you'd like

I'm looking to build a aggressive jig set up , weight is an issue and I want to be able to fish it all day .... The two last choice are metanium xg and the bfs xg ... But I was concerned as I'm almost exclusively going to pitch and punch jigs and plastics from 1/8jigs or Texas rigs to 1 1/2oz punching . Would the bfs be capable ? I really love the real but honestly never intend to use it for its truest purpose .. Any opinions ?

Hi all, I was thinking about saving up the Shimano Metanium since I have heard so many good things about it. I am asking if the performance is that much better then a Chronarch CI4. The chronarch is what I have now so I am wondering if the Metanium is that much better. Thanks in advance!

Hi all, Just recieved my 2013 metanium and I am super happy. I have a question what's in the box since the instructions are in japanese. In the bag with the 2 different brake sets, what's the little sticker thing for? Thanks in advance!

I started a second job working at my local Field & Stream exclusively to obtain a rod that I have been eyeing up forever. I recently purchased a G.Loomis NRX893c JWR and man WHAT A ROD! Among one of the lightest and most sensitive rods I have handled; truly amazing what can be done with modern materials. I, like most, use a jig to understnd the bottom structure and I plan on using it for draging jigs around points and normal football head jig stuff. I'll probably throw some Carolina rigs as well as some T-Rigs but I usually prefer a shorter rod. Now the main topic, what to pair it up with. Considering it is such a light and sensitive rod I originally planned on pairing it with a Core 51mg7 and I still may but after a vacation to Florida and a day on Lake Okeechobee with a Aldebaran in my hand I think it will be the only 50 sized reel I would use for this combo. The lightweight would obviously help maintain sensitivity and reduce wear and tear throughout the day. The only problem: line capacity. I use 16#(0.33mm) Sunline Super FC Sniper for draging most stuff. According to TW the Aldebaran can hold 105yds of 10# and 85yds of 12#, according to Japan Tackle its 0.285mm(US10lb)-80m(90yds). I'm not so much concerned about the #test as much as the diameter, .285mm is the equivalent to 12# Super FC Sniper. 90yds isn't much and I won't be using 12# And 16# is around 16% thicker which would only give me 75 yards of line and some change. I'm not saying I'm a world record caster but it's pretty easy to sling a 3/4oz football head. Also I encounter the occasional small to medium sized pike/musky and If he's pulling drag and hasn't broken off I'm sure I've had some go farther that 75yds. Conversely the Metanium is more of a beefed up version on the Aldebaran. More brake pins, more max drag, more line capacity, more weight... However it also include a 8.5:1 ratio (I will be referring to this model) which is extremely enticing and the flagship status without the flagship price. The line capacity isn't much better, Japan Tackle says 0.285mm(US10lb)-120m(130yds) and as I stated before the diameter is the kicker. However it just seems more suited for something like jig fishing where more is demanded of your equipment. I know it's all in my head but I can't get over the weight. By no means is it a heavy reel in fact it's super light, but just to think the Aldebaran is a whole 1.5oz lighter. For the most part I can't tell the difference in most of my reels that are .5 oz different unless I have them in both hands to compare, 1.5oz is significant to me and I will feel the difference. My experience with both have been brief so I'm trying to do some research before I make such a purchase. I used the Aldebaran with some weightless plastics and some T-rigged worms around some grass at Okeechobee, a bit overkill for flukes and senkos. My only experience with the Metanium is when a man brought one into the store because he somehow stripped the gears and they gave it to me to change them, it was unreal smooth. What I'm trying to get out of this is your opinions of both these reels and to see if any of my concerns with either is paranoia or is in fact a concern. Like I said I'm just trying to do some research because of the caliber of this combo but I've worked hard all summer and now I have the funds to explore this realm of fishing equipment or enthusiast equipment. I apologize for my rambling on of this subject, I tend to overthink so I never shut up. Thank you if you have read this far and haven't blocked me and still wish to leave your opinions, they are much appreciated! Regards, Tyler

So I pretty recently got a Lew's Team Lite reel in the 7.5:1. At first I loved the reel, but now I'm not so sure. The sideplates are graphite, which basically is overrated plastic IMO, I don't like the EVA grips' feel, and it isn't quite as smooth as I thought a $240 reel would be. The pros to this reel, though, are the 5.7 oz. weight, the carbon fiber handle, and the aesthetics are pretty nice. Now, for the controversy...I only have two Lew's reels (my only two baitcasting reels ATM), and I've been looking at the higher end Shimano reels. To me, they look much nicer. I felt a Curado I at a Cabela's I live by, and it seems great. Should I make the switch to Shimano before I invest too much into Lew's? I know Speed Spools are probably better than Caenans, but are Scorpions, Curado I's, and Chronarchs better than the Team Lites? Please give me some insight, thanks!