Next Shimano

[RTipton]

I asked about suggestions for a Shimano a few months ago on here and received some great info. I ended up with a Curado K, Curado 70 MGL and a Curado DC. I have spent some time with them (not a ton, but some), and really like them all.

 

I would like to add another one and thought I would ask for suggestions here again. Here is what I am considering - 

 

1. Chronarch MGL - I like that its pretty light. I will likely use it for spinnerbaits. The bad thing about the Chronarch is that its very hard to find right now. 

2. Metanium (JDM) - only considering the JDM because I am not sure I want to spend $400 plus. I found the JDM for a little less than $300. 

 

Any thoughts on these 2? For those that have both of these, what have you found to be your favorite use for each one?

[lunkerboss923]

How about a Shimano Scorpion MGL? 

[RTipton]

1 minute ago, lunkerboss923 said:

How about a Shimano Scorpion MGL? 

I appreciate the suggestion. I have considered it, but I want to try a lighter weight Shimano. If I understand correctly, its a tad lighter than the Curado K, but not much.  

 

Sounds like you like it, though. I may have to try one eventually. 

[lunkerboss923]

1 minute ago, RTipton said:

I appreciate the suggestion. I have considered it, but I want to try a lighter weight Shimano. If I understand correctly, its a tad lighter than the Curado K, but not much.  

 

Sounds like you like it, though. I may have to try one eventually. 

 

I really don't like this reel. 

[Deleted account]

I would add one adult sized reel to the ones you already have.

[RTipton]

1 minute ago, BassWhole! said:

I would add one adult sized reel to the ones you already have.

If you are trying to be funny, I guess I dont get it. Do you have anything to add to the conversation?

[Deleted account]

2 minutes ago, RTipton said:

Do you have anything to add to the conversation?

Yes, based on the reels you already own, and assuming you may want to throw larger heavier lures on heavy lines at some point,  you may want to consider adding a larger reel with more line capacity. Of course that depends on where how and what you are fishing.

 

[ss30378]

I’ve had multiple of both and both are very good reels but between the two I’d go with the new metanium.  The met is a step up in almost all areas over the Chronarch and that’s saying something because I actually preferred the Chronarch over the previous Metanium MGL.  

The new met is a better caster (not by much but still a little difference), smoother, smaller in hand and more solid.  It’s like a smaller lighter bantam that has much better casting.  The fact that you can get them for 50 bucks more than the Chronarch makes it an easy choice.

I really like the core solid design and hope they do a core solid Chronarch and aldebaran next to round out the lineup.

 

All of my reels have been JDM models FYI.

[RTipton]

1 hour ago, ss30378 said:

I’ve had multiple of both and both are very good reels but between the two I’d go with the new metanium.  The met is a step up in almost all areas over the Chronarch and that’s saying something because I actually preferred the Chronarch over the previous Metanium MGL.  

The new met is a better caster (not by much but still a little difference), smoother, smaller in hand and more solid.  It’s like a smaller lighter bantam that has much better casting.  The fact that you can get them for 50 bucks more than the Chronarch makes it an easy choice.

I really like the core solid design and hope they do a core solid Chronarch and aldebaran next to round out the lineup.

 

All of my reels have been JDM models FYI.

Awesome, thank you. Do you find the JDM Met line capacity plenty for most situations? 

[GReb]

4 minutes ago, RTipton said:

Awesome, thank you. Do you find the JDM Met line capacity plenty for most situations? 

It holds plenty. Pretty sure I’ve never made a 70 yard cast

[FishTank]

I have the Curado K and DC, the Bantam, and Chronarch MGL and between all of them, I like the Bantam the best.  On the other hand the Chronarch is fun to fish.  If I were choosing, I would get the Bantam JDM but the Metanium JDM would be very tempting. 

[JohnnyF]

Don’t mean to hijack the thread but what’s the size comparison between the chronarch mgl and the jdm metanium? I like the chronarch mgl but find it a little bulky for my liking. I was thinking about picking up a jdm metanium to replace the chronarch mgl 

[waymont]

Get a Bantam MGL! Fantastic reel.

[softwateronly]

The JDM Met 20 is a fantastic reel.  Now that Ive put time into mine, I'm starting to dislike my curado and curado dc in comparison.  The JDM bantam mgl 18 is also a fantastic reel but they don't seem to be in stock anywhere for the mid $200's.  At $290 shipped, the Met is a steal imho.  As far as line capacity, I just keep my mono backing as limited as possible.

 

scott

[RTipton]

2 hours ago, FishTank said:

I have the Curado K and DC, the Bantam, and Chronarch MGL and between all of them, I like the Bantam the best.  On the other hand the Chronarch is fun to fish.  If I were choosing, I would get the Bantam JDM but the Metanium JDM would be very tempting. 

The Bantam is definitely on my radar, but probably the next round. 

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

1 hour ago, waymont said:

Get a Bantam MGL! Fantastic reel.

So tempting!

5 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

The JDM Met 20 is a fantastic reel.  Now that Ive put time into mine, I'm starting to dislike my curado and curado dc in comparison.  The JDM bantam mgl 18 is also a fantastic reel but they don't seem to be in stock anywhere for the mid $200's.  At $290 shipped, the Met is a steal imho.  As far as line capacity, I just keep my mono backing as limited as possible.

 

scott

Thank you! I think the Met is going to be hard to pass up. 

[ss30378]

3 hours ago, JohnnyF said:

Don’t mean to hijack the thread but what’s the size comparison between the chronarch mgl and the jdm metanium? I like the chronarch mgl but find it a little bulky for my liking. I was thinking about picking up a jdm metanium to replace the chronarch mgl 

The met is close to the curado 70 size but doesn’t sit as low on the reel seat so it palms a bit bigger.  Still super comfortable, I actually prefer it sitting higher so I can get my index finger under the nose of the reel.

[Chris Carey]

I’ll add another vote for the metanium. I have 2 of them and they are awesome. I’ve heard great things about the chronarch but to me for the price I’d rather have a DC or step up to a bantam or metanium. 

[JohnnyF]

sweeet thanks! might be picking one up here soon to try out 

[thunderblack]

where is the best place to look for a met JDM? thanks!

[Blacktail 8541]

Asian portal fishing or Digikata

[Boomstick]

20 hours ago, RTipton said:

I have considered it, but I want to try a lighter weight Shimano.

If a lighter weight reel is what you're after, why not go all out and get the Aldebaran MGL 50? Of course that's for no more than 12# line max if the diameter isn't too thick so it might not be what you're looking for but it's one of the lightest reels out there.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

The Chronarch MGL is a great reel, but the 20Mets are amazing.  The JDM Met is a 100 vs the USDM 150 and the handle on the 6.2 and 7.1 are shorter, I think by 10mm, I think the JDM 8.1 goes up to 90mm.  If your going to be using it for SBs the handle length may not be an issue.  

18 hours ago, JohnnyF said:

Don’t mean to hijack the thread but what’s the size comparison between the chronarch mgl and the jdm metanium? I like the chronarch mgl but find it a little bulky for my liking. I was thinking about picking up a jdm metanium to replace the chronarch mgl

To me the Chronarch feels longer.  The Met is taller because of the frame design but its not as long so your hand wraps right around it.

[RTipton]

Thanks everyone that offered info. Met (JDM) is in order. Be glad to report back on my thoughts when I get it. 

[GReb]

3 hours ago, RTipton said:

Thanks everyone that offered info. Met (JDM) is in order. Be glad to report back on my thoughts when I get it. 

You did the right thing. Glad we could help spend your money 

[Goby]

On 4/14/2021 at 10:26 AM, Blacktail 8541 said:

Asian portal fishing or Digikata

 

What is the difference in reels ordered from these sites and say a reel ordered from Tackle Warehouse? Prices seem very cheap?