Shimano Metanium Dc Reel - Initial Review / Impressions

[Goose52]

NOTE: Some of the text and photos below were originally posted in the “Show off your Stuff” thread; it is being re-posted here to support this review.

 

Introduction:

 

I ordered a Metanium DC from Japan Lure Shop on February 16 and received it on February 20;  four days from the time I ordered until it was at my door in rural Tennessee – pretty good shipping time.  Spooled it up, put it on a rod, learned how to set it up, and didn't do much else with it for a couple weeks due to hard water and ice storms.

 

 

Met DC has the same open-ended knobs as the Conquest14 - some folks like 'em, some don't:

 

 

Reel Set-Up:

 

To set up the reel - select the "OPEN" position on the external dial on the bottom of the sideplate and then thumb over the sideplate latch (located to the rear of the dial):

 

 

With the sideplate removed, select your line type from the dial visible on the top edge of the sideplate: N = nylon, F = flouro, PE = braid:

 

 

While the sideplate is off you can see the I-DC5 control module. :

 

 

End of spool shaft with several grooves milled in the length. The control module (when installed) extends quite a way into the recess in the spool:

 

 

Re-install the sideplate and adjust the external dial to match the weight of your bait. There are 5 positions: 1, 2, 3, 4, and A (auto):

 

1 = 18 - 30 grams

2 = 10 - 20 grams

3 = 8 - 12 grams

4 = 5 - 8 grams

A = 7 - 30 grams

 

The AUTO position will provide adequate braking for that wide range of baits (1/4 to 1 oz), but selection of one of the numbered brake positions will give a more optimum braking profile.

 

I selected position two (~ 3/8 to between 5/8 and 3/4 oz):

 

 

And the AUTO position:

 

 

 

 

 

On-The-Water Impressions:

 

We finally got our ice storms behind us and had an ice-out here a couple days ago so I finally got the Met DC on the water.    This reel is the basic model with a 6.2:1 gear ratio; it is out-of-the box stock, no spool bearing flushing or any other tinkering.

 

The reel handles and feels the same as the regular Met.  If you were blindfolded, you wouldn’t know which version you were using on the RETRIEVE. However on the CAST, you immediately know what you’ve got….the musical “DC whine” is there…

 

The I-DC5 braking system on this reel is not a max range system like what you can get with the appropriate settings on the 4x8 DC system on the Calais DC. Instead, the braking system is optimized to give you practical, effective cast lengths, under varying wind conditions.  As mentioned in the set-up section above, there are only 5 adjustment settings with this DC system – none of them are labeled as a “long range” setting.  You either select the numeric value that corresponds to the weight of your bait, or select the AUTO position that covers a wide range of baits. The only remaining adjustment you have is spool tension. So, how does this work on the water?

 

For a test bait, I selected the easy to toss ½ ounce Red Eye Shad.  I set the reel to setting number 2 to match the bait, set minimal spool tension, and wailed on the rod with the first cast.  Good distance, as good as many of my BC reels, but not as far as the Calais DC could do with conservative settings.  No line fluff on the spool, a perfectly braked, practical cast; no thumb used except to stop the spool when the bait hit the water.  I made numerous casts at setting 2 with varying casting strokes, still couldn't make it backlash.  There was only about a 10mph breeze, but I cast directly into that – no worries.

 

After working with setting number 2, I started experimenting with the other settings.  Setting number 4 gave the most braking and could be considered a max wind setting for this weight bait.  Number 3 was somewhat less braking than 4, number 2 was optimum.  Setting 1 gave added distance compared to setting 2, but with quite a bit of line fluff.  So, for practical purposes, setting 1 might be considered a de-facto long-range setting for this bait – with the proviso that you might have to manage the cast (thumbing), and if tossing directly into a good wind, you might not have enough braking.  The AUTO position seems to provide braking that falls between setting 3 and 4.  So, AUTO might cost you some range compared to setting the numeric value for your bait weight, but if you are mostly doing short-range work it will be a handy setting when continually swapping baits of varying weights or perhaps when dealing with varying wind conditions.

 

 

Summary:

 

So, what do we have here? An excellent, general purpose reel; providing practical, controlled casts, with little to no operator input. Not an extreme long-range reel, but good for most other purposes.  I’m thinking my application for this reel may end up being for spinnerbaits – those pesky baits that when they “helicopter” you often end up in backlash city.

 

 

Goose’s Approval Rating:

 

Surface water temp this morning was 39 degrees. I did catch two bass with the standard Metanium tossing a plastic craw, but NO score for the Met DC tossing the lipless crank. So, I cannot at this time give the Met DC my ultimate approval rating of “seems to work, reels in fish”!   I'll update this post after I catch a fish with the reel to give it the final stamp of approval...  

 

[War Eagle 44]

Nice review, thanks.

[DelcoSol]

Nice write up Goose. I have the same one on the way. For now it's goine on my NRX803 for my dock skipping, light jigs and T-rigs. How well do you think the DC will help with the backlashes while skipping? I have a Conquest for my crankbait rod but if I do not like it the Metanium DC will go on that. I have a Metanium XG for my main jig rod but never cast with it, just pitch and flip. I can't wait to see how well this thing can cast. 

[Hogsticker]

Nice write up. Enjoy the whine. I think I'd be a little more stoked if it the a DC system of braking similar to the Excense. That would be one expensive side plate to drop in the drink.

[A-Jay]

Superior review my Man.

 

I like the looks of both of them.

 

Killer photos too.

 

Tackle Tour who ?

 

A-Jay

[roadwarrior]

Thank you, that was great!

 

 

 

 

[Dwight Hottle]

Nice write up. Enjoy the whine. I think I'd be a little more stoked if it the a DC system of braking similar to the Excense. That would be one expensive side plate to drop in the drink.

 

I agree. But the only time you have to take the side plate off is to choses line type. Ordinarily you would to that prior to or just after spooling up.

[kickerfish1]

Nice write up and on the water testing! Always a good read!

[MarkH024]

Excellent review Goose. I would love to add one to the line up. I think ill be getting the new Aldebaran first.

[fisherrw]

Good job one the right up. I'm considering getting one soon.

[*Hootie]

Goose, you are really good at this. Am I sensing another five year "grind it out test"?

Hootie

[Goose52]

Thanks everyone !

 

Nice write up Goose. I have the same one on the way. For now it's goine on my NRX803 for my dock skipping, light jigs and T-rigs. How well do you think the DC will help with the backlashes while skipping? I have a Conquest for my crankbait rod but if I do not like it the Metanium DC will go on that. I have a Metanium XG for my main jig rod but never cast with it, just pitch and flip. I can't wait to see how well this thing can cast. 

 

I'm not good enough to skip with baitcasting gear so I won't have any personal experience with skipping capability!  Play with the brake settings - perhaps the setting that gives max braking might work...

 

Superior review my Man.

 

I like the looks of both of them.

 

Killer photos too.

 

Tackle Tour who ?

 

A-Jay

 

Thanks Andy!  But trust me - we still need TT...

 

Goose, you are really good at this. Am I sensing another five year "grind it out test"?

Hootie

 

No way!  I'm now too old to start any more FIVE-year tests. Let someone young, like in their 50s, take on the next five-year test...

[bootytrain]

Nice review Goose! What other DC's do you have?

[War Eagle 44]

I own 2 DC reels, the Calais & Calcutta, I haven't picked up any of the newer reels because I've been disappointed in the direction Shimano has gone with the DC unit. I think the 4x8 unit in the Calais is by far the best they've offered. I really like being able to pick the setting that's "right" for me instead of them practically choosing for me. I just feel they limit the newer reels to much in this regard. Otherwise the newer reels are great.  

 

Good luck with your new Metanium and I hope you get many great years of fishing with it. I know I've certainly enjoyed my two, especially the original DC, the Calcutta TE DC.

[Goose52]

Nice review Goose! What other DC's do you have?

CTE-100DC

Calais DC

[bootytrain]

I own 2 DC reels, the Calais & Calcutta, I haven't picked up any of the newer reels because I've been disappointed in the direction Shimano has gone with the DC unit. I think the 4x8 unit in the Calais is by far the best they've offered. I really like being able to pick the setting that's "right" for me instead of them practically choosing for me. I just feel they limit the newer reels to much in this regard. Otherwise the newer reels are great.  

 

Good luck with your new Metanium and I hope you get many great years of fishing with it. I know I've certainly enjoyed my two, especially the original DC, the Calcutta TE DC.

Yeah, I think Shimano purposely didn't surpass the 4x8 DC system in the lower models because they need the best unit in the flagship model. I think you would like the Exsence DC. They didn't neuter it as much as the other DC offerings.

[Maico1]

G,

   Thanks for your review on the new Met DC. I for one was waiting to see what this reel would produce in the distance category and came up somewhat disheartened. Since I am a DC fan owning the Calais DC 4X8,Calcutta DC,Conquest DC+ and Conquest IDC4, I was hoping the new Met DC would perform it that category. When you take into consideration the spool rpm's alone that are created by a DC equipped reel it sort of contradicts the purpose of it. Why rev it up just to shut it down and not use it to the fullest potential that it creates . Now I realize there is a market out there for users other than just distance but to some degree you would think by now they could have improved upon their best performer which was born in 2006 the 4X8. This is not to say I do not enjoy using the other models I own however I for one was once again hoping to see a different result.

[Hogsticker]

I agree. But the only time you have to take the side plate off is to choses line type. Ordinarily you would to that prior to or just after spooling up.

Very true!

[Goose52]

Yeah, I think Shimano purposely didn't surpass the 4x8 DC system in the lower models because they need the best unit in the flagship model. I think you would like the Exsence DC. They didn't neuter it as much as the other DC offerings.

 

Sure. For all we know there is a 2015 or 2016 Antares DC on the way with something even better than the 4x8 DC system.  Bantam1 even hinted at that possibility over on TT.

 

G,

   Thanks for your review on the new Met DC. I for one was waiting to see what this reel would produce in the distance category and came up somewhat disheartened. Since I am a DC fan owning the Calais DC 4X8,Calcutta DC,Conquest DC+ and Conquest IDC4, I was hoping the new Met DC would perform it that category. When you take into consideration the spool rpm's alone that are created by a DC equipped reel it sort of contradicts the purpose of it. Why rev it up just to shut it down and not use it to the fullest potential that it creates . Now I realize there is a market out there for users other than just distance but to some degree you would think by now they could have improved upon their best performer which was born in 2006 the 4X8. This is not to say I do not enjoy using the other models I own however I for one was once again hoping to see a different result.

 

For sure, this reel won't match a Calais DC (or even the new Antares) on distance...but as I said in my report, it DOES match many of my other BC reels in distance. It might even keep up with my CTE-100DC.  But very long-range casting capability represents a relatively small slice of the overall performance needs for all the varying presentations. Sure, the Calais has 32 possible settings, but I think Shimano engineered the Met DC for those that want something simpler to use and that gives effective casts that address the majority of presentations, 

 

I have lots of tools in the box so I can use the right tool for the right job, so for me the Met DC is a nifty tool.  For others, if very long-range casting performance (and in some cases the capability to outcast your hooksetting range) is important, then this might not be the tool for the job.

[Darren.]

Excellent review, Goose. Those are sweet reels.

[Goose52]

Thanks Darren !

[DelcoSol]

I got mine and have only casted it in the yard and have mixed feelings about it. This is the first DC reel I have used and I guess I was expecting a little more. I have mine on an 803NRX with 12# Abrazx casting a 3/8 jig. I have adjusted the brakes on every setting and still seem to get bad backlashes if doing a harder cast. If I do an easier cast is seems fine but I get no distance. Pitching it seems to do great but just regular roll casting seems to be hit or miss. 

[John G]

I got mine and have only casted it in the yard and have mixed feelings about it. This is the first DC reel I have used and I guess I was expecting a little more. I have mine on an 803NRX with 12# Abrazx casting a 3/8 jig. I have adjusted the brakes on every setting and still seem to get bad backlashes if doing a harder cast. If I do an easier cast is seems fine but I get no distance. Pitching it seems to do great but just regular roll casting seems to be hit or miss. 

How tight/loose is your cast control knob? Have you tried a different line?

[BassmanDan]

Great job on the review. I feel better about buying the three XG reels at the price I paid...the difference alone paid for a NRX and line. As far as casting goes I have already flew a jig into the neighbors yard without any effort other than some thumbwork. Maybe one day I will spring for the DC system but like I've said before I like to keep the skill of the hands involved..besides a good thumb education is a terrible thing to waste lol.

 

Enjoy your new reel...hope it puts many hawgs in the boat for you.

[Goose52]

I've had my Met DC on the water numerous times now, in winds up to 20mph.  Had it in the boat today.  I can't make mine backlash.  I'm still tossing a 1/2oz RES which does cast well into wind.  I use the #2 setting most of the time, but if the wind is still or I have the wind at my back I can use setting #1 and get more distance.  The reel has "loosened" up some since the first report and I'm getting about all the distance I can use and still get a good hookset with the 12lb mono that's on the reel right now.

 

The casts are effortless, I don't have to worry about backlash, and I can use any casting stroke from a light toss to just wailing on the rod on the cast.

 

Great reel.  BUT, I still have to catch a bass with it before I can give it my highest approval rating.  I did catch an 8" bluegill with it the other day but since this isn't the "Bluegill Resource" board...I didn't bother to post a photo...