Shimano 2016 Metanium MGL vs 2017 Chronarch MGL

[Wagster]

Hey everyone, 1st time poster. I'm having a hard time deciding between a 2016 Metanium MGL and a 2017 Chronarch MGL. What's the general consensus?

 

Thanks,

Billy  

[lmbfisherman]

I own a Metanium MGL and a Chronarch MGL 150 XG.  Overall they are both neck and neck but I'd give the slight edge to the Met MGL with casting distance.  However both are smooth as heck and great casters.  What I would base my decision on though is cost.  If you buy the JDM version of the Met MGL vs the USDM Chronarch MGL then no contest, get the JDM version of the Met MGL.  If you are talking USDM Met MGL vs USDM Chronarch MGL, the difference in price isn't enoughworth getting the Met in my opinion.  I'd buy the the Chronarch MGL.  However, if you are living in Canada...I've been getting dinged lately on import taxes when previously I hardly ever had to pay.  On a Tacklewarehouse order recently I had pay 7 bucks on around 30 dollars worth of tackle.  If it wasn't for a gift card I had, I wouldn't have ordered it. So if you are in Canada I would buy the USDM Chronarch MGL.

 

I hope that was clear!  Welcome to the forum.

[Wagster]

Thanks for the reply Big 'un. I'm in the USA and I'm leaning towards a JDM Chronarch MGL.

[fishballer06]

I own 4 Chronarch MGL's and 1 Metanium MGL. Honestly, my Chronarch's cast better and further. 

 

If I could only afford one and had to choose, I'd probably pick the Chronarch and put that extra money I saved towards a bulk spool of quality fluorocarbon. 

 

What are you planning on using the reel for?

[Wagster]

Worming, tubing, jigging and spinnerbaits for the most part. I'm looking to pair it with a Kistler KLX 7'0"MH.

[lmbfisherman]

41 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

I own 4 Chronarch MGL's and 1 Metanium MGL. Honestly, my Chronarch's cast better and further. 

 

If I could only afford one and had to choose, I'd probably pick the Chronarch and put that extra money I saved towards a bulk spool of quality fluorocarbon. 

 

What are you planning on using the reel for?

Interesting we have the opposite opinion.  Of course I haven't tried an apples to apples comparison, I haven't put them on the same rod/line/lure.  I'd get more JDM Met MGL if it weren't for the hit on import taxes.  The Chronarch is a better deal when I get dinged!

[onetime]

I have '13 mets, MGL's, CI4+, and recently obtained a Chronarch mgl. I have been using my Mets for moving baits, figured with the new Ch mgl it should be a good replacement. It is definitely an improvement over the Ch CI4+, smooth and feels good. For me, it will not be taking the place of the Mets, I was hoping I could save a few bucks over the Met mgl, but the Met is just that fine of a reel, IMO the Ch mgl can't touch the '13 met let alone the Met mgl. YMMV

 

[fishballer06]

3 minutes ago, onetime said:

IMO the Ch mgl can't touch the '13 met let alone the Met mgl. 

 

 

I've got to disagree here. All four of my Chronarch MGL's outcast my 13 Metanium's. Both are very smooth performing reels, but I'm getting a lot better distance with the new ChMGL's over my 13's. 

[onetime]

50 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

 

I've got to disagree here. All four of my Chronarch MGL's outcast my 13 Metanium's. Both are very smooth performing reels, but I'm getting a lot better distance with the new ChMGL's over my 13's. 

Lol, I'm glad they are working out great for you, just goes to show ya, what works great for me, may not for you 

[OnthePotomac]

I do not own a Met, but do have the Chronarch MGL XG and fish only plastics on it, so no comparison only to say I cannot think of anything better for what I am doing with it  in all bait weights (well, OK, maybe my Curado 70XGs are right up there).

[Wagster]

16 minutes ago, OnthePotomac said:

I do not own a Met, but do have the Chronarch MGL XG and fish only plastics on it, so no comparison only to say I cannot think of anything better for what I am doing with it  in all bait weights (well, OK, maybe my Curado 70XGs are right up there).

I ended up grabbing a Chronarch MGL HG from Japan Lure and a Kistler KLX 7'0" MH. Now the wait begins 

[Janderson45]

The Chronarch MGL is my favorite reel in my arsenal... I don't own a Metanium, but I do own an Alderberan and prefer the Chronarch MGL ... Simply put it's an awesome reel.. you wont be disappointed.  The braking/cast control is terrific, casting distance, drag and smoothness of retrieve are all spot on.  I have the XG (8:1), which has an even larger oversized handle (96mm I believe) that is just awesome to fish with.  It's a new reel so I haven't used it a ton yet but I've been very impressed in the few weeks I've had it.  I've fished mostly paddletail swimbaits and 14lb fluorocarbon on it.. had me borderline speechless after the first few casts :). 

[Looking for the big one]

The Chronarch and Metanium should have equal casting distance when compared head to head. They have the same spool, braking system, and gearing. The main difference is the frame material, which also effects the weight. The Chronarch frame is composed of a slightly denser material, making it less sensitive than the Metanium. I am really just quoting here, never held either. Check out tackletour, they have done a great review on the Chronarch. I don't think you would be disappointed with either reel, but in my opinion after looking at the features the Chronarch is a better bang for your buck.

[Fishinthefish]

Im curious to see if theres any further insight on this thread. Im a coin flip between a chronarch and met mgl right now.

[tim_kovar]

On ‎6‎/‎26‎/‎2017 at 1:40 PM, lmbfisherman said:

I own a Metanium MGL and a Chronarch MGL 150 XG.  Overall they are both neck and neck but I'd give the slight edge to the Met MGL with casting distance.  However both are smooth as heck and great casters.  What I would base my decision on though is cost.  If you buy the JDM version of the Met MGL vs the USDM Chronarch MGL then no contest, get the JDM version of the Met MGL.  If you are talking USDM Met MGL vs USDM Chronarch MGL, the difference in price isn't enoughworth getting the Met in my opinion.  I'd buy the the Chronarch MGL.  However, if you are living in Canada...I've been getting dinged lately on import taxes when previously I hardly ever had to pay.  On a Tacklewarehouse order recently I had pay 7 bucks on around 30 dollars worth of tackle.  If it wasn't for a gift card I had, I wouldn't have ordered it. So if you are in Canada I would buy the USDM Chronarch MGL.

 

I hope that was clear!  Welcome to the forum.

I am curious as to why you say the JDM version of the Met MGL is better than USDM?  I thought they were the exact same reel. 

[wet_dream]

3 hours ago, tim_kovar said:

I am curious as to why you say the JDM version of the Met MGL is better than USDM?  I thought they were the exact same reel. 

He was referring to price. The JDM model can be found a lot cheaper than what the USDM is going for at retail. Also, I’ve read the spool on the JDM is slightly shallower. Aside from that, they are the same reel.

[lmbfisherman]

3 hours ago, wet_dream said:

He was referring to price. The JDM model can be found a lot cheaper than what the USDM is going for at retail. Also, I’ve read the spool on the JDM is slightly shallower. Aside from that, they are the same reel.

Yep it was the price.