Chronarch mgl vs bantam mgl

[FrankN209]

14 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

The Metanium MGL does have aluminum gears. The Bantam MGL is brass. 

 

You can upgrade the Metanium to the Curado K brass gears for around $30. 

That's actually good to know, thanks. I wanted to buy the Met MGL, but hesitated because of the gears. I prefer the brass, even if it adds a little more weight. 

[bunz559]

The Metanium MGL is a pretty sweet reel. I have 2 and absolutely love them. It's a slightly bulkier reel but it's super light. Probably why Shimano put aluminum gears vs brass. But none the less, it's quite the workhorse as well. I have my Metaniums on my jig rods and they perform wonderfully. 

[fishballer06]

It's not uncommon for manufacturers to put aluminum gears in their higher end reels these days in order to save weight. Even Diawa puts aluminum gears and pinions in their Steez models. 

[bwjay]

27 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

It's not uncommon for manufacturers to put aluminum gears in their higher end reels these days in order to save weight. Even Diawa puts aluminum gears and pinions in their Steez models. 

That's what's a bummer about it. It's not uncommon. The level of smoothness (overall, including tightness of handle, geariness, all that) of my Bantam was, in no small way, superior to the Chronarch MGL I had, and definitely the Metanium MGL I tried at the store (which I'm sure has been thoroughly "used"). And obviously my SLX and SLX XT (which I still like). I wish it was more common not to compromise on higher end reels when it comes to feel. I get that weight savings are good, but... brass gears can't add more than what, 0.1-0.25oz of weight, right? I know weight adds up quick and if they made exceptions everywhere, it would add an ounce to the reel, but it would be nice if brass gears were more common in higher end reels. 

[fishballer06]

At this point, with the popularity of the DC reels and Bantam, that there's proof that people care more about a longer lasting, smoother reel, rather than having a featherweight, as long as the reel is still in that sub 8oz category. 

[bwjay]

20 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

At this point, with the popularity of the DC reels and Bantam, that there's proof that people care more about a longer lasting, smoother reel, rather than having a featherweight, as long as the reel is still in that sub 8oz category. 

I think so too. My fingers are crossed in hopes that Shimano releases a new Metanium MGL with brass gears and a dark gunmetal color... or a new product entirely that is still lighter than a Bantam but is almost as smooth as one, with brass gears. Just no DC... I generally don't like hearing "machines" when I'm out in nature (especially on a wilderness canoe trip with almost no technology).

[The Maestro]

27 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

At this point, with the popularity of the DC reels and Bantam, that there's proof that people care more about a longer lasting, smoother reel, rather than having a featherweight, as long as the reel is still in that sub 8oz category. 

I remember having this conversation with an employee at Bass Pro a few years ago. Eventually they would reach a limit on how light they could go. Then they would switch from talking about how light their reels are to talking about *insert latest industry trend here*.

 

In all fairness though. The Bantam is to me at least the nicest reel I've ever handled. I wonder if they'll be coming out with an updated version soon. If they do I just hope they don't make any stupid changes just for the sake of change. I especially hope they don't make it lighter.

[fishballer06]

16 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

Not to Daiwa it up too much here but they too appear to have learned and are going back to aluminum handle side plates as a premium feature with the Tatula Elites and Zillion 10.

The aluminum sideplates on the Tatula Elite feel SOOOO nice. I'm very impressed with mine. 

 

 

16 hours ago, bwjay said:

My fingers are crossed in hopes that Shimano releases a new Metanium MGL with brass gears and a dark gunmetal color... or a new product entirely that is still lighter than a Bantam but is almost as smooth as one, with brass gears. 

16 hours ago, The Maestro said:

In all fairness though. The Bantam is to me at least the nicest reel I've ever handled. I wonder if they'll be coming out with an updated version soon. If they do I just hope they don't make any stupid changes just for the sake of change. I especially hope they don't make it lighter.

 

The Bantam came out in 2018, so I doubt we'll see an updated version at least for another year or two. If they do update it, I think all they need to do is lengthen the reel a little bit to move the line guide a little further away from the spool. 

 

The Metanium MGL however hasn't been updated since 2016, so we might see a new Met next season (fingers crossed). 

[newyorktoiowa57]

I find the Chronarch to be a great caster, but it feels kind of hollow to me. My next reel purchases will be an XG Bantum and and XG Met(when the new one drops). 

[Mikeltee]

Hmm... OP wants a light jig and senko reel an no one had mentioned the Alderbaran. I just picked up a 50 for $175. There isnt much difference between the 50 and the 30. For under $500, the Alderbarans are hard to beat for light weights. Granted I dont get the warranty but I can buy 2 off ebay for the price of 1 with a warranty. 

[Bandersnatch]

On 11/21/2019 at 4:47 PM, bwjay said:

I think so too. My fingers are crossed in hopes that Shimano releases a new Metanium MGL with brass gears and a dark gunmetal color... or a new product entirely that is still lighter than a Bantam but is almost as smooth as one, with brass gears. Just no DC... I generally don't like hearing "machines" when I'm out in nature (especially on a wilderness canoe trip with almost no technology).

While I too would love a newer met mgl in a different color I wonder how they can make it better? If you want brass we can put brass in but it's a different reel with different weight and it might not cast as far? I have all of the mgl reels and the met is just special, especially the jdm met 

[bwjay]

10 hours ago, Chief250 said:

While I too would love a newer met mgl in a different color I wonder how they can make it better? If you want brass we can put brass in but it's a different reel with different weight and it might not cast as far? I have all of the mgl reels and the met is just special, especially the jdm met 

I wish I knew more about reels so I could suggest how they could make it better. I really don't! If they put in brass gears and gave it a new sexy paint job, that'd be enough for me. Especially since I'd like to have such a reel under warranty, and if I buy JDM (way cheaper) and swap in brass gears, I have the reel I want, but I'm now entirely responsible for fixing any problems that come up, or I sell a problematic reel at a big loss to someone who wants to put in the time to fix it. So... just offering a brass gear Met in USDM for the same price the Met is right now would probably get me to buy one, just one. They're too expensive for me to ever justify buying more than that. Of course, I have a third Bantam on the way, but I got it on a discount so get off my back OK?? ?

[newyorktoiowa57]

11 minutes ago, bwjay said:

I wish I knew more about reels so I could suggest how they could make it better. I really don't! If they put in brass gears and gave it a new sexy paint job, that'd be enough for me. Especially since I'd like to have such a reel under warranty, and if I buy JDM (way cheaper) and swap in brass gears, I have the reel I want, but I'm now entirely responsible for fixing any problems that come up, or I sell a problematic reel at a big loss to someone who wants to put in the time to fix it. So... just offering a brass gear Met in USDM for the same price the Met is right now would probably get me to buy one, just one. They're too expensive for me to ever justify buying more than that. Of course, I have a third Bantam on the way, but I got it on a discount so get off my back OK?? ?

The Met is only $70 more then the bantum

[NHBull]

I have a couple of both and can tell you the Bantam gets the call when going in the weeds.  The Chronarcs and Mets everywhere else.

I have wrist issues and paling the Chronarcs and Mets is just more comfortable.

I have one Geary Met, but performed well.  Have since swapped out all gears and they are heavenly.

[bwjay]

2 hours ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

The Met is only $70 more then the bantum

Right. 20% more money. And the Bantam is only $80 more than the Chronarch MGL, only 30% more money. You can keep making that argument... I already have a hard enough time justifying $350 for a reel (Bantam) before taxes. The JDM price for Mets is very attractive, but I don't have the tools or knowledge to replace the gears and I unfortunately have other things to spend my money and time on (but maybe someday I'll learn reel maintenance). If they just released a new Met with brass gears and ideally some other fancy new stuff, I'd probably drop the cash on it.

 

BTW, I keep seeing you type Bantum, but it's Bantam.

[newyorktoiowa57]

7 minutes ago, bwjay said:

Right. 20% more money. And the Bantam is only $80 more than the Chronarch MGL, only 30% more money. You can keep making that argument... I already have a hard enough time justifying $350 for a reel (Bantam) before taxes. The JDM price for Mets is very attractive, but I don't have the tools or knowledge to replace the gears and I unfortunately have other things to spend my money and time on (but maybe someday I'll learn reel maintenance). If they just released a new Met with brass gears and ideally some other fancy new stuff, I'd probably drop the cash on it.

 

BTW, I keep seeing you type Bantum, but it's Bantam.

Oh lol, wasn't aware of the spelling mistake. I see what you mean about the gears making it considerably more then that. 

[NHBull]

27 minutes ago, bwjay said:

Right. 20% more money. And the Bantam is only $80 more than the Chronarch MGL, only 30% more money. You can keep making that argument... I already have a hard enough time justifying $350 for a reel (Bantam) before taxes. The JDM price for Mets is very attractive, but I don't have the tools or knowledge to replace the gears and I unfortunately have other things to spend my money and time on (but maybe someday I'll learn reel maintenance). If they just released a new Met with brass gears and ideally some other fancy new stuff, I'd probably drop the cash on it.

 

BTW, I keep seeing you type Bantum, but it's Bantam.

There is no wrong answer  here.  Having all 3, they all have a place.

If the $$$$ the chronarch wins, especially if you go JDM, ( and don't hesitate to do so). If you don't like it, sell it and make an informed decision.  I would also loom at the classifieds here......there may be a few willing to sell one before the Black Friday  sales hit

[Pipewrench]

bassresource has classifieds ?

[Pipewrench]

Well I ordered the bantam xg , thanks for all the advice! 

[jbsoonerfan]

I decided I like the Bantams as well. I have two more on the way.

[.ghoti.]

On 11/26/2019 at 8:49 PM, Pipewrench said:

bassresource has classifieds ?

We call it the flea market