Which reel should I buy? 13 Met HG vs Core 100 Mg7?

[TJay280]

I love dragging worms, lizards, jigs etc... Both reels are NIB & both are listed $299. I need some quick input. Are these reels equal in performance or is it just a personal preference? Which would you choose???

[kickerfish1]

I do not have either of those exact reels but I do have a Core 50mg7 and a 16 Met MGL. Both are great reels and I am not sure I could pick a favorite between the two. The real difference to me is mostly in the breaking profile and adjusting it. I really like the old hinged side plate of the Core series and other VBS reels over the Metanium's sideplate which just comes off. The breaking system on the Core is really easy to adjust and you have no worries about the side plate accidentally falling into the water. With the Metaniums it is a bit more less convenient (at least for me) to adjust it. The Metanium also features an adjustable outside break dial in addition the inner centrifugal brakes. The retrieve on the Metanium should also be a bit smoother with the X-ship and Micro Module gearing.

You can find the Met MGL for about $325 shipped from Japan. From folks that have owned both the 16 Met MGL is a slightly better reel than the 13 version. So for about $25 more it may be something worth considering...

The other piece to consider is that the Core has been discontinued for a few years now while that 13 Met was just recently discontinued. Over time, the older the reel the tougher it may be to find parts for.

There seems to be a strong following for both the older Shimano VBS reels like the Core and on the opposite side the newer reels with SVS Infinity system like the Metanium. So all in all there is a good argument to be made for either.

Do you have any experience with these breaking systems? If so maybe select the reel that utilizes the breaking system that you prefer the most.

[TJay280]

Yeah I have a couple of E series & I like the VBS. The guy at the counter told me there has been issues with the 13 Met & that's why they came out with the new Met so quickly. I don't know if that's true or not. On the other hand, the Core is a proven reel. $300 is a lot for me & I just want to get the better option. I just need to decide I guess. Thanks for the feed back Kickerfish1!

[kickerfish1]

Sure. The only issue with the 13 Met was that some reported it can be finicky to get the breaking system setup properly. The MGL is capable of casting lighter baits than the 13. For baits between 1/4 and 3/4 oz the MGL also outcasted the 13 Met in a side by side comparision which can be found on YouTube. The SVS breaking system is also slightly different than the 13 Met and doesn't seem to require as much maintenance.

If you are on the fence you may just want to grab the Core 100MG7 as they are getting harder to find especially NIB. The 16 MGL will be around for at least a few years before they overhaul it.

[Jon G]

I'd get the 13 Met. It's is a phenomenal reel. I think it is much better built than the core. I have both the 13 and 16 Met and I personally still like the 13 Met a little more if I'm going to be completely honest. I just feel that the 16 Met is a little more finicky than the 13 Met. 16 Met casts a bit farther and is a little bit smoother but nothing crazy IMO

[Fishinthefish]

I've never used a reel that compares to the core at all, including the met, ald, antares, steez etc.

[bassbassontherange]

8 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

I do not have either of those exact reels but I do have a Core 50mg7 and a 16 Met MGL. Both are great reels and I am not sure I could pick a favorite between the two. The real difference to me is mostly in the breaking profile and adjusting it. I really like the old hinged side plate of the Core series and other VBS reels over the Metanium's sideplate which just comes off. The breaking system on the Core is really easy to adjust and you have no worries about the side plate accidentally falling into the water. With the Metaniums it is a bit more less convenient (at least for me) to adjust it. The Metanium also features an adjustable outside break dial in addition the inner centrifugal brakes. The retrieve on the Metanium should also be a bit smoother with the X-ship and Micro Module gearing.

You can find the Met MGL for about $325 shipped from Japan. From folks that have owned both the 16 Met MGL is a slightly better reel than the 13 version. So for about $25 more it may be something worth considering...

The other piece to consider is that the Core has been discontinued for a few years now while that 13 Met was just recently discontinued. Over time, the older the reel the tougher it may be to find parts for.

There seems to be a strong following for both the older Shimano VBS reels like the Core and on the opposite side the newer reels with SVS Infinity system like the Metanium. So all in all there is a good argument to be made for either.

Do you have any experience with these breaking systems? If so maybe select the reel that utilizes the breaking system that you prefer the most.

Always meaningful feedback from you. I'll chime in as someone who has owned all three. 

All are fantastic, although I'd argue the Mets are a little better performers and in my opinion more consistent and forgiving casters (once you've dialed in the svs brakes). One of the knocks you hear sometimes on the newer Shimano reels is people miss the vbs systems. While I prefer the newer svs brakes, there's no denying there's a slight learning curve. Some love the E's because they're so simple. I'm grouping cores in here...

In my opinion, if you like the way a met feels in your hands, get a met. They're better reels, if only by a bit. 

Between the 13 and the MGL, I'd spend the extra$ for an MGL. They cast most baits a tad bit better and are easier to dial in. They're really an evolution of an almost perfect reel in the 13met. Plus, they look cooler. 

Splitting hairs here, but I think the MGL and 13 Mets are the best two low pro reels ever made. I own or have owned steez, concept kp's and e's, revo mgx's, Antares, and cores in several flavors. The Mets stand alone.

 

[TJay280]

Thank you guys for the feedback! I really appreciate it. I went with the Metanium. I put them both on a Loomis glx & the Met just felt better in my hands. Since it had most of the newer technology, I bought that one. 

[Jon G]

11 hours ago, TJay280 said:

Thank you guys for the feedback! I really appreciate it. I went with the Metanium. I put them both on a Loomis glx & the Met just felt better in my hands. Since it had most of the newer technology, I bought that one. 

Metaniums are like potato chips, you can't just have one 

[kickerfish1]

Good choice and if for some reason if it isn't what you thought it would be or doesn't perform up to your expectations you can always sell the Met and possibly go back and buy the Core, assuming it hasn't sold.

[offsidewing]

The Core 100 is essentially a 2009 Metanium.  I own a 2013 Met and have zero problems with the braking system.  For me, shimano reels backlash is you over fill the spool with line.  Fill them just short of what looks like "full" and they hardly ever backlash.  Now, the 2016 Met MGL is a heck of a reel too...