Shimano Bantam MGL

[MidwestBassAttack]

Hey gang - I’ve been using two 16’ Metanium MGL’s alongside some Curado K’s recently, and my interest is peaked towards the Bantam.  Anyone here use a Bantam and can provide some pros and cons?

[FishTank]

Great reel.  It's solid like a round reel but small like a finesse reel.  Casting is really good but not the best.  It's buttery smooth and has plenty of power.  The only downside to me, and it's a small one, is the side plate can be a pain to take off and on.  

 

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.  With that said, I would take a hard look at the Antares 70A, the JDM version.  It can be had for about $400. 

[FrankN209]

5 minutes ago, FishTank said:

Great reel.  It's solid like a round reel but small like a finesse reel.  Casting is really good but not the best.  It's buttery smooth and has plenty of power.  The only downside to me, and it's a small one, is the side plate can be a pain to take off and on.  

 

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.  With that said, I would take a hard look at the Antares 70A, the JDM version.  It can be had for about $400. 

I agree. The side plate can be a pain to get off and on, especially if your fingers or reel are wet. The Antares 70A if by far the best reel I've ever owned. The braking system is top notch. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I don't have any trouble with them getting them off, but I use extreme caution especially with the Met.  The best way I have found is to rotate it then slowly shimmy it out.  When you put it back make sure it seats into the frame before you lock it.  Ive heard a few stories about losing side plates that way.  The Bantam is excellent, but the 20 Met. is really something else.  You can get them JDM for a little over $300, but the spool is a 100 size and the handle is shorter. 

[NorcalBassin]

Bantam is a great reel. I have one on my jig rod (894) and it feels about perfect... smooth, casts as far as I'd ever want/need, and feels super solid in hand. Workhorse of a reel that should last a long, long time.

[MidwestBassAttack]

Thanks for the feedback everyone...a rainy evening, comfy chairs in the garage, cold beer, country music.......and an angler with a date with the tackle monkey tonight. This could be dangerous!

 

Tight lines everyone

[Tywithay]

Goes without saying at this point, it's smooth and solid. I think the most surprising thing is the size. It palms better than the Curado and previous Metaniums. It feels closer to a 70 size reel in hand, but has the power of a 300 size.

[onenutinthewater]

Solid & smooth as silk- the side plate sucks but great reel!

[Tywithay]

Forgot to mention, it's definitely worth saving money and ordering them from Japan, in my opinion. I have two and paid $241 each. The handles are a little shorter, but they're fine. Even if you decide to buy an aftermarket handle down the road, you'd still likely save money versus buying one here.

[jbsoonerfan]

15 minutes ago, Tywithay said:

Forgot to mention, it's definitely worth saving money and ordering them from Japan, in my opinion. I have two and paid $241 each. The handles are a little shorter, but they're fine. Even if you decide to buy an aftermarket handle down the road, you'd still likely save money versus buying one here.

I bought most of mine when they were $223, best money you can spend on a reel IMO at that price.

[Junger]

The one thing I do not like to throw with this reel is spinnerbaits in the wind, which is when I mostly use them. I have to really dial up the braking to not get any backlash. Other than that, the form factor is fantastic, and it bombs anything else that is aerodynamic.

[JustJames]

If you come from metanium, I think spend a little more and get the 2020 metanium. I like my bantam but it is one heavy reel. I use mostly for Jig and moving bait. The new Metanium seems to be about the same size as bantam, but a lot lighter with brass gear. If I’m gonna buy a reel right now, metanium is the one.

[Tywithay]

1 hour ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

If you come from metanium, I think spend a little more and get the 2020 metanium. I like my bantam but it is one heavy reel. I use mostly for Jig and moving bait. The new Metanium seems to be about the same size as bantam, but a lot lighter with brass gear. If I’m gonna buy a reel right now, metanium is the one.

I have three of the Metaniums and two Bantams. I agree it's worth the extra $50 or so for the JDM Metanium. Though, I don't think anyone would be disappointed with either. 

[Junger]

I put on a 100mm CF handle on the Bantam which reduces the weight a little. I have it on a GLX 844 and it feels just fine.

[haggard]

I've used the Curado 201K and switched to the Bantam. Curado was great but slightly big for my hands. Bantam fits much better for me, feels so comfortable. I love the all metal one-piece frame. Feels solid, no flex when casting. I like it so much I sold  my Curado K, Curado 71 and Conquest, and replaced them all with Bantams.

 

[new2BC4bass]

14 hours ago, Tywithay said:

Forgot to mention, it's definitely worth saving money and ordering them from Japan, in my opinion. I have two and paid $241 each. The handles are a little shorter, but they're fine. Even if you decide to buy an aftermarket handle down the road, you'd still likely save money versus buying one here.

Where I got mine.  $255 and change with tax.

[The Bassman]

The more I use mine the better it casts. All four brakes on and practically no dial. That's how Shimano meant this braking system to be used.

[jbsoonerfan]

2 hours ago, The Bassman said:

The more I use mine the better it casts. All four brakes on and practically no dial. That's how Shimano meant this braking system to be used.

I was just thinking about that today. Been throwing a few more moving baits lately and I use my Bantams for it and I think they just keep getting better.

[Tywithay]

2 hours ago, The Bassman said:

The more I use mine the better it casts. All four brakes on and practically no dial. That's how Shimano meant this braking system to be used.

I've got both of mine 2 on 2 off, with the dial on 2.5ish. I don't remember touching them after I set it and they've casted everything without skipping a beat. Even buzzbaits and spinnerbaits haven't been an issue in the wind.

[Chris Carey]

Bantam is my favorite reel I own. For reference I have the new metanium, Curado k, Curado dc, slx dc. Imo the bantam is the best. A little heavier than the met, but to me the added weight gives it a solid feel. Casts a mile as well

[diehardbassfishing]

First find out how many break blocks to make active. Likely 2 or 3. Makes a big difference since the dial control does not provide a wide range of practical adjustment. It's more like a "fine control".

 

Of course that's coming from a Diawa Mag Force / SV guy. Here the dial control rules it all, and provides a very wide adjustment range.

 

Side plate takes a bit of finesse to remove. Not best idea to do on the water.

Casting distance is fine - but not quite up to my experience with Mag Force or DC reels for "bomb" casting.

 

It's a great reel - a keeper.

 

 

Karl

 

 

 

 

[mrpao]

I think the bantam is better suited for power fishing techniques:

Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, frogs, buzzbaits.

It's a smooth casting and retrieving reel for sure, but it's a little heavier than most of today's other reels. That's why I only use mine for power fishing techniques.

I prefer lighter reels for the more finesse and bottom contact techniques, where more sensitivity is required.

[diehardbassfishing]

One bit of info every owner should know.

The spool bearing in the "side hatch" has an O-ring in place. Never saw this before in a reel. It makes it a bit of a game to remove the bearing for service. I reassembled without the ring.

 

 

Karl