Shimano reel for deep cranking

[Matt_3479]

I’m an avid shimano reel guy so want to stick with that. I currently have the curado k, 3/4 chronarch mgl’s, a bantam mgl, met mgl and the new 2020 met mgl. I ordered a megabass launcher for deep cranking which should be here on Tuesday which is my birthday coincidentally!! So now I’d like to grab a reel for it before it shows up as I leave next weekend for a week fishing trip. 
 

im torn between the bantam mgl 6 gear ratio or the curado dc as I hear good things about them for cranking (distance mainly). I’ll be throwing 6xd’s mainly, x 300, deep six and the odd 10xd 

[A-Jay]

If you fancy a quality round reel (I do Big Time), 

the Calcutta 200D offers a bit more line capacity, a little slower gear ratio at 5.7:1,

is built like a Tank and right around the same price point as the bantum mgl.

I have several and love every one.

btw - even if you think it is - please do not say "it's too heavy"

A-Jay

 

 

[Bandersnatch]

Jdm Bantam mgl PG 5:5 for $240 on ebay! 

[FishTank]

20 hours ago, Matt_3479 said:

I’m an avid shimano reel guy so want to stick with that. I currently have the curado k, 3/4 chronarch mgl’s, a bantam mgl, met mgl and the new 2020 met mgl. I ordered a megabass launcher for deep cranking which should be here on Tuesday which is my birthday coincidentally!! So now I’d like to grab a reel for it before it shows up as I leave next weekend for a week fishing trip. 
 

im torn between the bantam mgl 6 gear ratio or the curado dc as I hear good things about them for cranking (distance mainly). I’ll be throwing 6xd’s mainly, x 300, deep six and the odd 10xd 

I have both the Bantam and the Curado DC and use both for crankbaits.  They both cast far and both are smooth but the Bantam is the most solid of the the two and is slightly smoother.  On the other hand, I used the Curado DC yesterday to cast into some 10-15MPH wind and rain and it did fine.  The Bantam struggled to give clean casts for any long distance but did perform well otherwise.  With the heavier baits you mentioned both should work.  

 

I have the Bantam paired with a G. Loomis IMX Pro 7'4 M Crankbait rod and the Curado DC with a St. Croix Avid 7'2 M Legend Glass.  One odd thing about these reels, both seem to get a little better after some prolonged use.  The Bantam seems to loosen up some and the DC seems to figure out how to cast better. 

[jbsoonerfan]

I have the Bantam PG and when I swapped the handle out for a 96mm one it made it a great deep crankin reel. I do love the Bantams though so I may be a little biased.

[Matt_3479]

1 hour ago, FishTank said:

I have both the Bantam and the Curado DC and use both for crankbaits.  They both cast far and both are smooth but the Bantam is the most solid of the the two and is slightly smoother.  On the other hand, I used the Curado DC yesterday to cast into some 10-15MPH wind and rain and it did fine.  The Bantam struggled to give clean casts for any long distance but did perform well otherwise.  With the heavier baits you mentioned both should work.  

 

I have the Bantam paired with a G. Loomis IMX Pro 7'4 M Crankbait rod and the Curado DC with a St. Croix Avid 7'2 M Legend Glass.  One odd thing about these reels, both seem to get a little better after some prolonged use.  The Bantam seems to loosen up some and the DC seems to figure out how to cast better. 

So if you had to choose one which one would it be? 
 

im struggling to find a 6 gear ratio bantam but can’t find the dc. I’m definitely leaning towards the bantam though as I love mine. I found mine needed some time as well! I was actually slightly disappointed in casting distance compared to the chronarch mgl. It’s finally breaking in a bit and starting to get more and more pleased with it every time I take it out!! 

[Derek1]

23 hours ago, A-Jay said:

If you fancy a quality round reel (I do Big Time), 

the Calcutta 200D offers a bit more line capacity, a little slower gear ratio at 5.7:1,

is built like a Tank and right around the same price point as the bantum mgl.

I have several and love every one.

btw - even if you think it is - please do not say "it's too heavy"

A-Jay

 

 

Lol

[FishTank]

3 hours ago, Matt_3479 said:

So if you had to choose one which one would it be? 
 

im struggling to find a 6 gear ratio bantam but can’t find the dc. I’m definitely leaning towards the bantam though as I love mine. I found mine needed some time as well! I was actually slightly disappointed in casting distance compared to the chronarch mgl. It’s finally breaking in a bit and starting to get more and more pleased with it every time I take it out!! 

One other thought I had about this is.....  I didn't care for braid on the Curado DC, not sure on the Bantam though.  So if you are intending to use braid, I would go with the Bantam.  If not, then the DC would be my choice.

 

On another note, I have the K as well and it for some reason feels totally different from the DC.  So if you go the DC route, just expect the it to be a little smoother than the K.

 

A different reel to consider.....  I also have the Antares 12 5.x:1, left hand though.  A guy on eBay usually sells them for around $300 and it is outstanding for deep cranks but it is heavy by most standers. 

 

 

[WRB]

7'11" rod rated 3/8-2 oz lures you should be considering a reel with larger spool casting over 50 yards. What line do you intend to use?

Shimano Tranx 300 series 5.8:1 would be a good reel IMO.

Tom

[Stephen B]

2 hours ago, WRB said:

7'11" rod rated 3/8-2 oz lures you should be considering a reel with larger spool casting over 50 yards. What line do you intend to use?

Shimano Tranx 300 series 5.8:1 would be a good reel IMO.

Tom

300 Tranx would be overkill for that task. Ultimately, a lot of factors would decide my pick. Line selection is number one, how often do you plan to throw the 10XD, and round reel or low profile?

 

Not a big round reel fan but the 200D Calcutta would be an excellent choice escpecially if you intend to throw the big cranks like the 8XD, 10 XD, Dredger 20.5 and 25.5, Z-Boss 24 and 25, etc. Plus the Launcher isn't what I would deem light so it would balance it out great. If you planned to primarily stay with the 6XD and other baits similar, the Curado K 6 gear ratio would be a fine choice. It has plenty of line capacity and the 6 gear ratio Curado handles those baits just fine. 

[NHBull]

This...and you can pass it to your kids grandkids

https://www.digitaka.com/item.php?item=4969363034397

[Vilas15]

11 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

300 Tranx would be overkill for that task. 

Maybe not when a 10xd weighs 1.9 oz. But if most baits are under or closer to 1 oz then Tranx 200 wpuld be a great option inless the 6.x gear ratio is too fast.

[Stephen B]

6 minutes ago, Vilas15 said:

Maybe not when a 10xd weighs 1.9 oz. But if most baits are under or closer to 1 oz then Tranx 200 wpuld be a great option inless the 6.x gear ratio is too fast.

100% agree. But the OP seems to be throwing more around the 5 and 6xd. Those baits are mainly going to be thrown by the masses on 10 and 12 lb line where the 200 would be perfect like you suggested. IMO no need for a Tranx 300 unless you plan to throw 8 and 10XDs on a regular basis. If that is the case, I would rather have the Calcutta D 200 

[WRB]

33 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

300 Tranx would be overkill for that task. Ultimately, a lot of factors would decide my pick. Line selection is number one, how often do you plan to throw the 10XD, and round reel or low profile?

 

Not a big round reel fan but the 200D Calcutta would be an excellent choice escpecially if you intend to throw the big cranks like the 8XD, 10 XD, Dredger 20.5 and 25.5, Z-Boss 24 and 25, etc. Plus the Launcher isn't what I would deem light so it would balance it out great. If you planned to primarily stay with the 6XD and other baits similar, the Curado K 6 gear ratio would be a fine choice. It has plenty of line capacity and the 6 gear ratio Curado handles those baits just fine. 

Tranx isn't a round reel!

Tom

[Efishin]

49 minutes ago, WRB said:

Tranx isn't a round reel!

Tom

He never said it was. May should read the message before posting.... He said he's not a fan of round reels but the Calcutta ( which is a round reel) would be an option. 

[Stephen B]

9 minutes ago, Efishin said:

He never said it was. May should read the message before posting.... He said he's not a fan of round reels but the Calcutta ( which is a round reel) would be an option. 

Exactly

 

58 minutes ago, WRB said:

Tranx isn't a round reel!

Tom

we are aware. Never did i say it was. You misread my post.... I stated the 200D is a round reel. Good recommendation though A Jay. Calcutta is a good choice ?

[Matt_3479]

I’ve never had a round reel but would prefer to stay with low profile. The 10xd wouldn’t be thrown a whole bunch, it will mainly be 6xd, 300x and deep six. 
 

the tranx reels crossed my mind but they just don’t feel as refined as the curado’s or bantam reels do. I plan on throwing sunline assassin or sniper 12-16lbs line. 

[Heartland]

Maybe it has already been said and I missed it, why not just grab a 200e5 and fish.

[RoLo]

 

For myself the choice is easy: Shimano Bantam.

It's the only casting reel I'd place above a Core.

 

Roger 

[Matt_3479]

Well I went and took a look at the tranx 201, 301. Calcutta 201d and 301d. I think I’m going keeP looking for a the bantam around me as I own one, love it but it’s sold out everywhere in Canada. 
 

the tranx 301 and Calcutta 301 is too big. The tranx 201 is only offered in hg (7 gear ratio). The Calcutta 201d I was thoroughly impressed with. Mind blowingly smooth, but I’ve never fished round reel and would like to try one before dropping 500 dollars on one. I don’t like the way you have to rip it apart to set it up. The bantam I have and love, I’ll Look into ordering a longer handle for it as suggested. 

[Bandersnatch]

On 6/28/2020 at 11:35 AM, jbsoonerfan said:

I have the Bantam PG and when I swapped the handle out for a 96mm one it made it a great deep crankin reel. I do love the Bantams though so I may be a little biased.

Where did you get your 96? 

[jbsoonerfan]

1 hour ago, Chief250 said:

Where did you get your 96? 

I used one that I had, I think off of a Curado or Scorpion. I may have ordered another one from Tackle Trap or from Shimano. I can't remember off the top of my head what I used. I have swapped so many handles and knobs I lose track.

[scbassin]

I have a couple of Curado Bantam's. Cu 201 B38 (the Greenies). They are excellent for deep cranking. I had them super tuned, upgraded spool bearings, & upgraded the drag. They are a pleasure to use.

[WRB]

On June 28, 2020 at 3:48 PM, Stephen B said:

300 Tranx would be overkill for that task. Ultimately, a lot of factors would decide my pick. Line selection is number one, how often do you plan to throw the 10XD, and round reel or low profile?

 

Not a big round reel fan but the 200D Calcutta would be an excellent choice escpecially if you intend to throw the big cranks like the 8XD, 10 XD, Dredger 20.5 and 25.5, Z-Boss 24 and 25, etc. Plus the Launcher isn't what I would deem light so it would balance it out great. If you planned to primarily stay with the 6XD and other baits similar, the Curado K 6 gear ratio would be a fine choice. It has plenty of line capacity and the 6 gear ratio Curado handles those baits just fine. 

7'11" heavy rod you think a 300 size reel is overkill. 10XD is 6" long and nearly 2 oz. 

The 200D reel is too small for the rod, it isn't too weak.

Tom

[Stephen B]

Yes as due many other that suggested so. 

22 hours ago, Matt_3479 said:

Well I went and took a look at the tranx 20

the tranx 301 and Calcutta 301 is too big. 

 

1 hour ago, WRB said:

7'11" heavy rod you think a 300 size reel is overkill. 10XD is 6" long and nearly 2 oz. 

The 200D reel is too small for the rod, it isn't too weak.

Tom

The Launcher is a MH not a Heavy! Its a 6 power rod rated to 1.9 oz. No need for a 11.6 ounce reel in the Tranx 300 when a Shimano Calcutta 200D (and other 200 size reels) have plenty of line capacity and power to handle this application. Plus they balance perfect! This rod was designed to throw 6XD, 8XD, DD 22, with 10 XDs being at the top of its range. Most of everyone I know cranks with 10, 12, or 14 lb line being the most so no need for a 300.