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Hello everyone, this is my first official post on here after years of coming back to the site for advice/tips. I recently couldn't pass up on an amazing deal my local tackle-shop hooked me up with, and in turn I now own a beautiful new Shimano Bantam. I know this reel deserves a baller pairing but, with so many great options out there (on top of the fact that I primarily use a spinning set up) I'm a bit lost. My first choice would be a rod in the new Megabass Destroyer P5 lineup/something JDM... With that in mind, here are the exact specifications of the reel: Bantam MGL 151 XG; 8.1:1. Which rod in the P5 lineup do you think suit it best? What applications are best recommended for the reel? What other JDM/Non-JDM options around that $300-$500 price range should I consider? Appreciate all the tips/recommendations more than you all know! Feel free to ask me for more information.

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