Metanium or Metanium DC

[IndyBass]

I decided I'm getting a baitcaster and it will be a Metanium or Metanium DC. The Metanium is no brainer but I'm intrigued by the DC model. Regardless of my experience, rod choice, lure/bait choice or even what or where I'll be fishing, I'm having a hard time deciding which one to get. Based on the overseas sites there is $100 price difference so even that is irrelevant. 

 

Im reaching out to my fellow anglers to persuade me one way or the other, so please tell me why you would or wouldn't choose one or the other. Thanks

[IndyBass]

Thanks

[bmlum415]

I own both reels and personally the DC isn't that special to me. Aside from being able to cast into the wind pretty well i see no other benefit. If you have a well trained thumb then the regular Metanium will be fine. 

[Goose52]

It depends on the type of presentations that you prefer and the conditions that you typically fish in. The DC has the edge when fishing a lot in windy conditions, especially when using baits like spinnerbaits. Also, if you fish late into the winter the DC has an edge when the "well-trained thumb" goes numb from freezing temps...  Otherwise, the standard Met is an outstanding reel and suitable for nearly all presentations.

I have both the standard Met and the Met DC and would also advise that for your first BC reel you start with the standard reel.  After you've been fishing BC equipment for a while and decide that you like it and decide to expand the arsenal then take a look at the DC model.

As part of your decision - you might want to read this review of the Met DC:  Shimano Metanium Dc Reel - Initial Review / Impressions

[MIbassangler30]

Practicality aside, the DC reels are just flat out cool in my opinion. I'm in the process of saving for a Met as well and it will absolutely be the DC model. Performance is certainly important and they are both top notch in that regard. Which one gets the vote, and is the DC worth the extra bucks is certainly debatable either way. Everyone is going to have their opinion. Call me superficial (I've accepted that I am about certain things), but I want something that's fun to use and cool to fish with. We could all go to our local sporting goods retailer and get a $30 combo and go out and catch fish on it. It's more about the knowledge of where the fish are and finding what we can present to them that will force them into feeding. Why do we spend our hard earned cash on something we don't really need to be successful? We're enthusiasts, kids at heart, that want the baddest toy on the playground. Obviously I'm not going to take this to the extreme where I'm willing to compromise performance just to have something I think is cool. We're not comparing apples to oranges in this thread. The Met DC is the baddest toy on the playground. Hope my opinion helps. 

 

JC 

[Dypsis]

I have 2 13 Metaniums and LOVE them.  They are super smooth and just plain awesome to fish with.  I am planning on getting the DC with my new combo for 1/8-1/4oz bullet weight plus plastic T-rig with the occasional 3/8oz. As well as 1/4-3/8oz arky, football, finesse, casting jigs.

I think the DC will help besides the obvious wind and numb thumb as pointed out earlier, but for me skipping under overhangs and docks as well as pitching to wood (sometimes my thumb can be lazy).

I'm also interested in the Met MGL, but not much information is available on that reel yet.

[Cgrinder]

I would maybe wait and see what the Met MGL looks like. Or if you're looking for a DC, the new Antares DC looks pretty sweet. If you're going to spend DC money, why not get an Antares?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Personally I don't see the need of the extra weight, expense and maintenance being worthwhile from a purely practical standpoint. If you're a tackle enthusiast then go for it. 

[IndyBass]

4 hours ago, Goose52 said:

It depends on the type of presentations that you prefer and the conditions that you typically fish in. The DC has the edge when fishing a lot in windy conditions, especially when using baits like spinnerbaits. Also, if you fish late into the winter the DC has an edge when the "well-trained thumb" goes numb from freezing temps...  Otherwise, the standard Met is an outstanding reel and suitable for nearly all presentations.

I have both the standard Met and the Met DC and would also advise that for your first BC reel you start with the standard reel.  After you've been fishing BC equipment for a while and decide that you like it and decide to expand the arsenal then take a look at the DC model.

As part of your decision - you might want to read this review of the Met DC:  Shimano Metanium Dc Reel - Initial Review / Impressions

Thanks, I've read your article twice in the past, very informative. I guess I'm personally looking at it from a different perspective. The more self help features I can get seems more beneficial to me as a beginner. 

[IndyBass]

2 hours ago, MIbassangler30 said:

Practicality aside, the DC reels are just flat out cool in my opinion. I'm in the process of saving for a Met as well and it will absolutely be the DC model. Performance is certainly important and they are both top notch in that regard. Which one gets the vote, and is the DC worth the extra bucks is certainly debatable either way. Everyone is going to have their opinion. Call me superficial (I've accepted that I am about certain things), but I want something that's fun to use and cool to fish with. We could all go to our local sporting goods retailer and get a $30 combo and go out and catch fish on it. It's more about the knowledge of where the fish are and finding what we can present to them that will force them into feeding. Why do we spend our hard earned cash on something we don't really need to be successful? We're enthusiasts, kids at heart, that want the baddest toy on the playground. Obviously I'm not going to take this to the extreme where I'm willing to compromise performance just to have something I think is cool. We're not comparing apples to oranges in this thread. The Met DC is the baddest toy on the playground. Hope my opinion helps. 

 

JC 

Thanks and yes it helps. I love technology and product advancement but it has to do what it's designed to do. Im with you all the way

[IndyBass]

So far it's been great to hear what everyone is saying. The question isn't about me and my abilities it's about you the anglers opinion. Thanks again and especially for adding another reel to the mix I wasn't aware of, great. 

[offsidewing]

I have both a Met and Met DC.  I got the Met DC specifically for fishing on open water in windy conditions (I fish some big lakes in the summer).  I've never fished with the legendary 4x8 DC system, but the Met DC system does a nice job minimizing backlashes with lures that can tumble or fishing in windy conditions.  It is not a magic backlash eliminator.  If you load the rod incorrectly, you will get a backlash.  The fundamentals of bait casting are still required with the Met DC.  Keep in mind, the DC unit doesn't kick in if you're pitching/flipping short distances as the spool RPMs aren't high enough to engage the DC system.

The DC really helps in windy conditions, at the expense of a little bit of distance over the Met.  I like my Met DC and it got a lot of use last season. However, the regular Metanium offers a lot of versatility (different Spools), is a pleasure to cast in it's own right, and is lighter than the DC.

I only reach for the DC over my regular Met if the wind is stronger than a breeze.  In golf terms, having a Met DC is like making the most expensive golf club you own a 4-Wood.  You don't use it a whole lot, but you've very happy when you're using it.

 

 

 

[IndyBass]

Ok, thanks. Maybe I'll run into someone that has a DC so I can put my hands on it. I understand it's not a cure all but every little bit helps. It's also very hard to understand all the specs on the sites that sell them.