Shimano baitcaster, which do you perfer?

[kroberts9]

I am looking at getting a Shimano baitcaster and I want to know which do you prefer. It will be used mainly for square bills and vibrating jigs.

 

I'm really looking to compare these 4

Aldebaran

Antares

Chronarch

Metanium

 

Thanks for all your input

[Preytorien]

That’s going to be a tough call. Ask any guy on here which one and they’ll likely pick the Antares first, after all it’s their flagship. The differences between their top end reels, while documented, aren’t massive differences, life-changing improvements. 

 

If I were in the market, like it sounds like you are, and you know what kinds of lures you’ll likely be throwing the most, pick your preferred gear ratio, then buy the best reel you can within your budget. 

 

Hopefully you don’t have a budget and you can just pull the trigger on an Antares!

[Yumeya]

I like my Metaniums, but if you wanna bad ass reel get a conquest calcutta 100/101

[Fishinthefish]

I'd pick the Metanium MGL over the Antares just because I like the paint job on the Met a little bit better and I don't believe the differences in the performance are that drastic between the two vs my cosmetic addiction to rod/reel appearance.

[Rodney Smith]

Chronarch MGL. I had a Metanium, but it seemed “geary”. I eventually sold it and now I have all Chronarchs. I could have just had a bad one, but it was sent back to Shimano once for repairs (after a month of use). I also wish the Metanium was a little smaller. If they tweak in the future, I would try another one.

[clh121787]

I have antares taste. On a curado budget. 

[The Next KVD]

Metanium MGL. Perfect ergonomics, light weight, feels solid in my hand with plenty of power. If your scared the aluminum gear won’t hold up you can stick a brass gear set from a Curado k into them.

 

The aldebaran would be my choice though for finesse bait bait caster though.

[kroberts9]

I was leaning towards the aldebaran but from what I was reading chucking 1/2oz square bills may kill it pretty quick.

[Jelvas]

Metanium! All the reel you could possibly need.

[tim_kovar]

Go with the metanium!  Its very close to the antares, but lighter.

[kschultz76]

I have Chronarch CI4+, Chronarch MGL, Curado I, Chronarch 51E, and a 13 Metanium. I also have a couple Daiwas including a Tatula sv TW which is fantastic given its price it’s amazing. But by far my favorite is the 13 Met, the level of refined quality, smoothness, ease of casting and pitching anything, and ergonomics, it’s the whole package and an incredible reel if you’re willing to pay for it. 

[Fried Lemons]

For moving baits, consider a calcutta conquest for the ultimate smooth retrieve.

[bigfruits]

JDM Metanium MGL or Aldebaran for around $300 shipped. I believe an Aldebaran MGL is coming out soon. 

 

https://www.digitaka.com/list.php?category=14&series=CASTING REEL&item=METANIUM+MGL

https://www.digitaka.com/list.php?category=14&series=CASTING REEL&item=ALDEBARAN

[fvogel67]

I love my Citica,Handles the river Smallies no problem

[offsidewing]

I prefer the JDM Metanium MGL.  I sold my Shimano DC reels in favor of them.  The new Chronarch  MGL is no slouch.  The Aldebaran will not feel as "robust" as the other reels you mentioned.

 

I'd also like to add that the Curado 70 reels are a really understated reel.  Not as "smooth" as the Metanium, but a solid reel and great performer for a 6.5 oz bass reel.