Vintage Shimano Bantam Reel: Value?

[Yuddzy]

I've been looking at some of the old baitcasters and I'm interested in picking up a Shimano Bantam. My only hold up is that I don't know the value of one, so I don't know what to look for as a good price. What would some of you guys that are familiar with the older reels value one of these at?

 

I attached a picture of an example, this one happens to be a 200SG. There's quite a few other Bantam models from what I've seen. 

 

[Captain Phil]

I haven't bought a new fishing reel in years.  My favorite reel is the Shimano Bandam Chronarch 100.  In my opinion, it's the best bass reel ever made.  It's light, strong and smooth.  I buy them on EBay for around $100.  NOS reels are around $200.  I fix my own reels and have a number of parts reels.  New parts are available.

 

[Eric 26]

bulldog 1935 should be along shortly. He directed me to some sites that deal with older gear. 

[Yuddzy]

1 hour ago, Captain Phil said:

I haven't bought a new fishing reel in years.  My favorite reel is the Shimano Bandam Chronarch 100.  In my opinion, it's the best bass reel ever made.  It's light, strong and smooth.  I buy them on EBay for around $100.  NOS reels are around $200.  I fix my own reels and have a number of parts reels.  New parts are available.

 

What years are the Chronarchs from? I've only seen a handful of them so far. Also, what distinguishes them from the other Bantams? Thanks Phil ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ  

[bulldog1935]

sorry guys, this particular reel isn't exactly my bailiwick.  

(ask me about any vintage fly reel - hobby business bread and butter for me)

But you can always use advanced search on ebay to check prices only on Sold listings, which I did for you in the link.  

As Cap'n Phil noted, expect price to vary with condition.  

 

[Yuddzy]

26 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

sorry guys, this particular reel isn't exactly my bailiwick.  

(ask me about any vintage fly reel - hobby business bread and butter for me)

But you can always use advanced search on ebay to check prices only on Sold listings, which I did for you in the link.  

As Cap'n Phil noted, expect price to vary with condition.  

 

Thanks Bulldog, I appreciate it. 

[mrpao]

The value really depends on the reel.

I have seem them anywhere from $30 to over $100.

It really just depends on the condition and what is included.

Here's a few of my old reels.

[Captain Phil]

3 hours ago, Yuddzy said:

What years are the Chronarchs from? I've only seen a handful of them so far. Also, what distinguishes them from the other Bantams? Thanks Phil ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ  

 

I bought my first Shimano Chronarch 100 casting reel about 20 years ago.  They made them for at least ten years,  The early Bantam reels that you asked about were not even close to the quality of the Chronarch.  What initially attracted me to the Chronarch was the weight.  These reels fit into your hand perfectly and are very comfortable to fish.   As a tournament fisherman, I needed to be able to cast for very long periods of time.   Ripping a rattle trap all day is hard on your body.  When you hold a Chronarch 100 in your hand, the first thing you notice is the compactness of the reel.  When you turn it, it's very smooth.  Casting with that light weight spool is easy and backlash free. It can handle light lures without a problem.  These reels are 7 to 1, so they are a little fast for spinnerbaits.  You can spend more money for  a reel, but you would have a difficult time finding a more pleasant reel to fish with.

 

Everyone has their favorite reel.  I've fished with people who love Lews reels, Ambassadors and even a few old Mitchell 300s and Zebcos. To be honest, the fish don't care if your reel cost $50 or $500.  As long as you are happy and can stay on the water, you will catch your share.

[davidr]

I have a bantam mag 100xsg available. It is brand new still in the original box. What should I sell it for? I also have a brand new Mitchell 300a still in the original box. What do you think I should ask for this also? Thank you

[roadwarrior]

Bantam  $75

Mitchell  $50

[davidr]

Thank you!

[WRB]

The 1st Shimano Bantam was the 100 and 1000. The 1000 was a limited edition, the same reel with wooden handle knobs and fancy side plates. 

I sold the 1000 In original box 10/10 condition to a BR member for $50. Just wanted to share Tackle I was saving for my late son.

Tom