Best High Performance, Top Tier Reel?

[*Hootie]

There's hardly a best they're all so good. It comes down to features and personal preference.

This is the "reel" answer...lol.

Arv loves his Metaniums. I prefer my Cores. It's all good. Find what "YOU" are happy with and enjoy.

Hootie

[KyleW2015]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. I think I am going to save up for the Shimano Met and get one of the rod recommendations mentioned here. 

[KyleW2015]

Just to revisit this, I really want to be able to hold the reel and get a feel for it before I buy.

 

Best ones my nearest bass pro has in stock are the Core and Chronarch ci4, thoughts? Or should I just save for Metanium and buy online?

[new2BC4bass]

Just to revisit this, I really want to be able to hold the reel and get a feel for it before I buy.

 

Best ones my nearest bass pro has in stock are the Core and Chronarch ci4, thoughts? Or should I just save for Metanium and buy online?

 

Only place I can try out reels is Cabela's.  Never looked at the pricey reels you are considering, so don't know if they even carry some of the reels mentioned.  Forget my local DSG store.  TW has some kind of program where you can try out reels before buying.  No idea what it costs to go this route, but probably a small price to pay considering how much you are willing to spend.  That way you will know if it is a reel that fits you well.  I've always had to buy my reels sight unseen.  Luckily I am easy to please. 

[KyleW2015]

Only place I can try out reels is Cabela's.  Never looked at the pricey reels you are considering, so don't know if they even carry some of the reels mentioned.  Forget my local DSG store.  TW has some kind of program where you can try out reels before buying.  No idea what it costs to go this route, but probably a small price to pay considering how much you are willing to spend.  That way you will know if it is a reel that fits you well.  I've always had to buy my reels sight unseen.  Luckily I am easy to please. 

 

 

thanks for the tip, unfortunately the Metanium isn't one of the reels available for demo...

[KyleW2015]

Anyone have any ideas of when the new Metanium will be available in the US? Would order it from Japan site, but just in case I would like to return I'd like to have that option

[Further North]

Knowing nothing about you I'd say anything with the Shimano 4x8 DC would be a solid bet for "best high performance top tier" reel.    

I have that reel, love it.  Everyone who has used it loves it...I'd have a couple more if they weren't so expensive.

 

I'd want to pair it with something a little further up the curve than the St. Croix Avid X (and about half my rods are St. Croix, so I'm not slamming them at all).  I have one Legend Extreme rod and it's a heck of a nice piece of equipment...not sure it's worth the extra money though.

 

I had the Shimano DC on a Legend Tournament and it was a great combo, but I swapped it off there up to a heavier rod that's dedicated to pike and muskies.  I replaced the reel on the Legend Tournament with an Abu Garcie Revo Rocket and I really like the way that set up works.