JDM reel help

[Fishin' Fool]

Would it be worth looking at a JDM reel mainly for chucking and winding? I don't flip/pitch and I don't need a finesse reel. Is there something in the JDM market that I could put my toe in the JDM water? Basically looking to bomb long casts and less backlashes would be a bonus.

I'm okay with not spending the extra cash if you don't think there are any benefits.

[EllisJuan]

Conquest.  Although not strictly JDM, they are more affordable if bought from the JDM.

[HookdUP]

Metanium dc 

[EllisJuan]

25 minutes ago, HookdUP said:

Metanium dc 

Also another awesome option.  I have this as next on my list.

[Fishin' Fool]

32 minutes ago, HookdUP said:

Metanium dc 

This isn't dabbling in the JDM. This is full fledge lol

[Raul]

Metanium.

If I liked round baitcasters then I would add Conquest to that suggestion.

Metaniums ( like Chronarchs ) are the best you can get without breaking the bank. I should know, I own several of both and to tell you the truth, I never felt that 100 bucks more made the Calais 100A a "better" reel, but back then ( and probably still now ) the same 100 bucks made them a much better reel than the Curado/Scorpion.

[bigturtle]

1 hour ago, Fishin' Fool said:

Would it be worth looking at a JDM reel mainly for chucking and winding? I don't flip/pitch and I don't need a finesse reel. Is there something in the JDM market that I could put my toe in the JDM water? Basically looking to bomb long casts and less backlashes would be a bonus.

I'm okay with not spending the extra cash if you don't think there are any benefits.

any of the high end $300+ daiwa or shimano would do

[bassbassontherange]

There are a lot of offerings in JDM that can be had domestically as well. The Metanium is one of them, and I certainly endorse it. It's a phenomenal reel, but I'd go with the non DC to be honest. I think it's a slightly more versatile reel, definitely a longer caster, and the price difference makes it a no-brainer.

However... to "dip your toe" I'd start with the Exsence DC from Digitaka. I am and most who own it are of the opinion that it's one of if not the best JDM value. It's basically a Chronarch D on DC steroids and some other modern tech upgrades like x-ship. For $250-260 you won't find a better reel, period. The Chronarch D, if you find one new, is 300-400 and used are going for just under that. This is the same platform, with faster gears and one of the best DC systems out there. I really hope others chime in on this who have owned this reel. It's something you can't buy domestically and embodies everything about JDM Shimano. It's cool, it's different than anything else out there, and it's an outstanding performer. If you don't like it, you can sell it for what you paid for it. Buy it soon though, they're about sold out from my understanding.

Only downsides are it's only available in an 8.1.1 ratio and it's heaver than most new low profile reels. You'll get past that. I haven't met a soul who regretted buying one.

[Dwight Hottle]

31 minutes ago, bassbassontherange said:

There are a lot of offerings in JDM that can be had domestically as well. The Metanium is one of them, and I certainly endorse it. It's a phenomenal reel, but I'd go with the non DC to be honest. I think it's a slightly more versatile reel, definitely a longer caster, and the price difference makes it a no-brainer.

However... to "dip your toe" I'd start with the Exsence DC from Digitaka. I am and most who own it are of the opinion that it's one of if not the best JDM value. It's basically a Chronarch D on DC steroids and some other modern tech upgrades like x-ship. For $250-260 you won't find a better reel, period. The Chronarch D, if you find one new, is 300-400 and used are going for just under that. This is the same platform, with faster gears and one of the best DC systems out there. I really hope others chime in on this who have owned this reel. It's something you can't buy domestically and embodies everything about JDM Shimano. It's cool, it's different than anything else out there, and it's an outstanding performer. If you don't like it, you can sell it for what you paid for it. Buy it soon though, they're about sold out from my understanding.

Only downsides are it's only available in an 8.1.1 ratio and it's heaver than most new low profile reels. You'll get past that. I haven't met a soul who regretted buying one.

 

X2 if you want a low profile reel. If you want a round reel get the conquest. 

[BillyBassMaster]

Metanium HG I love and it casts like a dream, also super smooth.

[kickerfish1]

A lot of folks swear by the Conquest DC for reaction baits. I haven't owned one yet but I have seen a fair amount of used ones pop up for just over $200.

I have 2 Exscence DC reels and love them though they aren't my first choice for apps requiring a lower IPT.

Another question to ask yourself is if you want a standard JDM reel or a DC reel? Standard reels are excellent but if you really want something unique that will up the fun factor of fishing give a DC reel a shot.