rchiuz Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 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! Quote
Super User fishballer06 Posted January 11, 2016 Super User Posted January 11, 2016 Yes, the Metanium is a premium product and an amazing reel. The ci4 is also a great reel for the money, but it's not quite on par with the Metanium. If you look around online (domestically and international), you will find that you can get a Metanium for the price of a new Chronarch ci4 at retail. 2 Quote
bassbassontherange Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 If you're talking strictly performance, in my hands they're nearly identical. They're both smooth, powerful, and excellent casters. Aesthetically, ergonomically, that's where some would say they prefer a Met. It feels like a metal reel because it is, and some feel it's worth the extra $ because of that. The chronarch, as you know, feels as solid as you'll find in a composite reel. I'm not trying to speak for everyone, but I've seen those thoughts echoed quite a bit. Bottom line, if you're like me, you'll get a Met, either now or later, because they're freaking cool and fun and because you don't have one. Do I think they're worth the extra they cost? To me, no. I bought a chronarch, then a Met, then another chronarch, if that tells you anything. Heck, I'd go so far as to say buy a Curado or Citica if you want excellent performance. They're not far off at all, really. BUT.... if you buy fishing gear for logical reasons exclusively (I'm sure you're not solely basing this on performance), you're doing it wrong my friend. Buy a Met, fish the met, and if you enjoy it more than your current reels, tell us why! It feels great, it casts great, and it puts a huge grin on my face. Hard to put a price on enjoyment if your kids aren't eating ketchup packets from McDonald's because you spent all the grocery money on a reel. Quote
Cgrinder Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 Yes, definitely. I find the Ci4+ to be wild. The '13 Metanium is an exceptional reel. 1 Quote
bassbassontherange Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 14 minutes ago, Cgrinder said: Yes, definitely. I find the Ci4+ to be wild. The '13 Metanium is an exceptional reel. I'd agree the Ci4 is a little "wilder", primarily right out of the box. That could mean a couple things, I suppose, but it has a bit more of a "getting a feel for it" curve. I found that with a good bearing flush that learning curve was completely eliminated though. With the Met I'm pretty sure your grandma could cast it without a backlash. And yes on the 13' Met. Many prefer it to the newer model. Quote
Tmmytomato Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 I have a couple Metaniums I bought from Japan a few years ago before they were available to the US market. Outstanding reels. So I bought three more when they were available in the US market. You can go on line and buy direct from Japan and save a bunch of money and shipping isn't much at all. Quote
rchiuz Posted January 12, 2016 Author Posted January 12, 2016 Thanks all, so you wouldn't say the Met has the edge over the CI4 in a particular area? I heard it is better for light lures in comparison to the CI4 Quote
Jon G Posted January 12, 2016 Posted January 12, 2016 I was in the same boat as you I could never commit to the Metanium because I loved the Ci4 so much. I just got my Metanium on 12/31/15 and I've only used it once but so far I like it A LOT more than the CI4 and I can see myself picking up a few more. I haven't played with lighter baits on the Metanium. But I am able to cast a weight less trick worm quite well with the CI4 so imagine the Metanium will be a little better. Quote
rchiuz Posted January 12, 2016 Author Posted January 12, 2016 1 hour ago, Jon G said: I was in the same boat as you I could never commit to the Metanium because I loved the Ci4 so much. I just got my Metanium on 12/31/15 and I've only used it once but so far I like it A LOT more than the CI4 and I can see myself picking up a few more. I haven't played with lighter baits on the Metanium. But I am able to cast a weight less trick worm quite well with the CI4 so imagine the Metanium will be a little better. What do you like more when you compare it to the CI4? Besides the look Quote
Jon G Posted January 12, 2016 Posted January 12, 2016 1 hour ago, rchiuz said: What do you like more when you compare it to the CI4? Besides the look Well, look wise I like the color scheme of the CI4 a little more lol. The first thing that struck me about the Metanium was how unbelievably smooth it was. The micro module gearing system really makes a difference. Another thing was how smooth and strong the drag was. The CI4 has a fantastic drag but I found that the Metanium's was even smoother and stronger. I also really liked how light the Metanium is. It is only .5 oz lighter than the CI4 but it is noticeable and I haven't found a rod it doesn't balance well with. The biggest thing I like about the Metanium is the spool size and braking system. I really love the 100 size spool. I'm not a big fan of 50 size spools (probably the only Shimano fan you will hear say this, lol.) and I feel sometimes that the 200 and 150 size reels have just a tad too much line capacity for my liking. Both reels have the SVS braking system but I feel that the Metanium's is a little more solid and you can really bomb lures with very little effort. Again take my opinion with a grain of salt since I haven't had the Metanium for even a month yet while I've had well over a season or so with the CI4. This is just merely my opinions and observations between the two so far. I was in the same boat as you for a long time but after purchasing the Metanium I honestly do really think it is worth the extra money over the CI4. Especially since most of the JDM sites ell it for $265-275, same price you would buy a USDM CI4. Quote
rchiuz Posted January 12, 2016 Author Posted January 12, 2016 8 hours ago, Jon G said: Well, look wise I like the color scheme of the CI4 a little more lol. The first thing that struck me about the Metanium was how unbelievably smooth it was. The micro module gearing system really makes a difference. Another thing was how smooth and strong the drag was. The CI4 has a fantastic drag but I found that the Metanium's was even smoother and stronger. I also really liked how light the Metanium is. It is only .5 oz lighter than the CI4 but it is noticeable and I haven't found a rod it doesn't balance well with. The biggest thing I like about the Metanium is the spool size and braking system. I really love the 100 size spool. I'm not a big fan of 50 size spools (probably the only Shimano fan you will hear say this, lol.) and I feel sometimes that the 200 and 150 size reels have just a tad too much line capacity for my liking. Both reels have the SVS braking system but I feel that the Metanium's is a little more solid and you can really bomb lures with very little effort. Again take my opinion with a grain of salt since I haven't had the Metanium for even a month yet while I've had well over a season or so with the CI4. This is just merely my opinions and observations between the two so far. I was in the same boat as you for a long time but after purchasing the Metanium I honestly do really think it is worth the extra money over the CI4. Especially since most of the JDM sites ell it for $265-275, same price you would buy a USDM CI4. Thank you! Think I will start saving for it 1 Quote
HookdUP Posted February 24, 2016 Posted February 24, 2016 i have two ci4s and I love them .. Both speeds are my work horses .. My money makers (jig rod/crankbait rod) both have them ... But with that said .. My next purchase will be either a '13 metanium xg or core 50mg7 ... Both of those I've fished with and I can just see the difference like when I ride in a car with 700whp vs 1000whp.. Both good but one better ... For precision things it matters ...fish getting you in bad places it Helps ... For just bombing baits I use curado I , Ds, and scorpions . Quote
EllisJuan Posted February 24, 2016 Posted February 24, 2016 In my opinion my Chronarch is closer in performance to my Curado than it is to my Metanium. The Metanium is markedly better than both. Quote
GoCougs14 Posted February 25, 2016 Posted February 25, 2016 Are the '13 Metaniums still available? Every jdm website Im looking at is sold out. Quote
HookdUP Posted February 25, 2016 Posted February 25, 2016 Japan lure shop and other places have small amounts left . Im looking to get one in the next few weeks before the time is lost Quote
kolton Posted February 26, 2016 Posted February 26, 2016 If I wanted a smooth/powerful reel for throwing 1/2 oz spinnerbaits, would the Met or Chronarch be a better fit. Quote
illinifan4152 Posted February 27, 2016 Posted February 27, 2016 14 hours ago, kolton said: If I wanted a smooth/powerful reel for throwing 1/2 oz spinnerbaits, would the Met or Chronarch be a better fit. Out of the two you listed, the Chronarch will do just fine. If I were you I would save a little and step down to a curado I if I was just bombing spinnerbaits. Quote
DelcoSol Posted February 27, 2016 Posted February 27, 2016 I had both. Sold the Chronarch beacuse I hate composite reels. If money isn't stopping you get the Metanium. Quote
kolton Posted February 27, 2016 Posted February 27, 2016 3 hours ago, illinifan4152 said: Out of the two you listed, the Chronarch will do just fine. If I were you I would save a little and step down to a curado I if I was just bombing spinnerbaits. I have the Curado I and it is smooth and powerful, but I dislike the way it palms. It isn't that it's bulky, just the way I hold my reels. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.