Which High End Reel would you recommend...

[clemsondds]

If money wasn't a factor...which would you pick for general use (eg swim jig, chatterbait...)?

Metanium MGL

Metanium DC

Zillion SV G

Scorpion DC

[roadwarrior]

Shimano Conquest 100

 

https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-CALCUTTA_CONQUEST_100-200_A.html

[softwateronly]

44 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

If money wasn't a factor...which would you pick for general use (eg swim jig, chatterbait...)?

Metanium MGL

Metanium DC

Zillion SV G

Scorpion DC

 

I have no idea because I've only used 1 from that list, but I really like the JDM Met MGL and own 5 of them.  I do have a gear monkey that keeps telling me to buy the usdm Zillion SV G though.

 

scott

[roadwarrior]

16 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

I really like the JDM Met MGL 

That is a great reel, but I'm a sissy and bought a the 4.8 oz Aldebaran. 

 

 

                                                  

[QED]

None of the above.  Have you even researched the high end?

[softwateronly]

Just now, QED said:

None of the above.  Have you even researched the high end?

 

You're not wrong, but these ain't cheap either.  Currently, in my world, these are high end and you definitely know what he's asking.

 

scott

 

[Dwight Hottle]

2 hours ago, clemsondds said:

If money wasn't a factor...which would you pick for general use (eg swim jig, chatterbait...)?

Metanium MGL

Metanium DC

Zillion SV G

Scorpion DC

 Of the ones listed I would go with the 2020 Met MGL or if you want a DC the Scorpion DC. You didn't mention the new Bantam which is in the same price range. 

[Phil77]

Met B or Aldebaran. JDM Zillion G pretty cheap on Asian Portal at the moment. Just remember the bass don't care about the reel and fish what you can afford.

[DINK WHISPERER]

Here are my top 3 options in this order 

1. 2020 Metanium MGL

2. 2020 Metanium MGL

3. 2020 Metanium MGL

 

I'm kinda partial to the new Metanium MGL ?

I have the DC version as well but don't like it nearly as much. Especially for anything 1/4oz or less. 

 

 

[Pogues2300]

I have recently purchased usdm Metanium mgl and zillion sv G. Very early impressions are I like them both and I’m sure you would be happy with either. That being said Daiwa is easier to get deals and I’m sure you can at the very least get a15% off promo code. Shimano doesn’t allow stores to do that so you can ask your local tackle shop and likely get something off. I’m probably buying another zillion. Good luck! 

[clemsondds]

2 hours ago, QED said:

None of the above.  Have you even researched the high end?

We have a winner lol...there's always one . I know there are more higher priced reels...but I think diminishing returns plays into effect pretty quickly around the $400 price point.  And for the record...I have around 15 reels and some of which are more expensive than these...I was mainly curious about these 4. 

2 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

 Of the ones listed I would go with the 2020 Met MGL or if you want a DC the Scorpion DC. You didn't mention the new Bantam which is in the same price range. 

Thank you! Yeh I have the previous Bantam and really like it but only for specific instances.  I would love to try the new one though

[clemsondds]

1 hour ago, DINK WHISPERER said:

Here are my top 3 options in this order 

1. 2020 Metanium MGL

2. 2020 Metanium MGL

3. 2020 Metanium MGL

 

I'm kinda partial to the new Metanium MGL ?

I have the DC version as well but don't like it nearly as much. Especially for anything 1/4oz or less. 

 

 

Very nice!  I have heard nothing but good things about these.  I am not the best at thumb control.  I only fish once a month or so and the biggest frustration I have is backlash.  So I have bought quite a few DC and SV reels and that has really helped.  So my question is:  have you noticed the new metanium mgl have a slightly higher tendency to backlash over dc/sv reels?  I have no issues not getting backlash during normal casting...it's just those pesky wind gusts, or something unusual that affects the lure during flight that can cause that backlash and it's such a pain.  Like I said, if I was able to get out there more often, I wouldn't think twice about it...but since I'm not able to consistently get out there...I just wonder if I should stick with DC/SV reels for the most part.  Thanks for your thoughts

54 minutes ago, Pogues2300 said:

I have recently purchased usdm Metanium mgl and zillion sv G. Very early impressions are I like them both and I’m sure you would be happy with either. That being said Daiwa is easier to get deals and I’m sure you can at the very least get a15% off promo code. Shimano doesn’t allow stores to do that so you can ask your local tackle shop and likely get something off. I’m probably buying another zillion. Good luck! 

Cool thank you! I actually have the daiwa and really enjoy it as well!  Very smooth.  The main reason for starting this thread was just trying to hear from those that have the mgl and some of these other reels to compare them.  I appreciate your feedback! Can you pick out any pros/cons of those two? thanks

[DINK WHISPERER]

40 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

Very nice!  I have heard nothing but good things about these.  I am not the best at thumb control.  I only fish once a month or so and the biggest frustration I have is backlash.  So I have bought quite a few DC and SV reels and that has really helped.  So my question is:  have you noticed the new metanium mgl have a slightly higher tendency to backlash over dc/sv reels?  I have no issues not getting backlash during normal casting...it's just those pesky wind gusts, or something unusual that affects the lure during flight that can cause that backlash and it's such a pain.  Like I said, if I was able to get out there more often, I wouldn't think twice about it...but since I'm not able to consistently get out there...I just wonder if I should stick with DC/SV reels for the most part.  Thanks for your thoughts.

I think the MGL spool being lighter and faster than regular spools can get unruly on you in a hurry if you're not experienced yet. But I will say that out of every reel I've tried, Shimano's SVS system is one of the easiest to fine tune for no backlashes. The Diawa SV reels are also very good at that but I don't use Diawa anymore. 

For your specific scenario though I might tend to say stick to a DC. Although if not set up properly for windy days they can produce some monster backlashes too. 

But out of all the reels mentioned, the DC is the easiest at the "set it and forget it" method. I highly doubt that you'll be disappointed with any of those options. 

[clemsondds]

2 minutes ago, DINK WHISPERER said:

I will say that out of every reel I've tried, Shimano's SVS system is one of the easiest to fine tune for no backlashes. The Diawa SV reels are also very good at that but I don't use Diawa anymore. 

For your specific scenario though I might tend to say stick to a DC. Although if not set up properly for windy days they can produce some monster backlashes too. 

But out of all the reels mentioned, the DC is the easiest at the "set it and forget it" method. I highly doubt that you'll be disappointed with any of those options. 

Thanks! What is it that makes the metanium mgl so special?  

[DINK WHISPERER]

9 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

Thanks! What is it that makes the metanium mgl so special?  

To me it's the whole package not necessarily one single feature. Some that stand out are the feel and durability of the core solid magnesium body. The crazy casting distance of the MGL III spool. It's the first reel I've used that actually casts "too far". Also how light they are(6.1oz for my HG models). The handle feels like it's not even attached to anything when you wind it with the micro gears. 

I Will say though that I wouldn't be as thrilled if I paid retail for them. I currently own 12 of them and my average is about $280 a piece for each. 

[QED]

1 hour ago, clemsondds said:

We have a winner lol...there's always one . I know there are more higher priced reels...but I think diminishing returns plays into effect pretty quickly around the $400 price point.  And for the record...I have around 15 reels and some of which are more expensive than these...I was mainly curious about these 4. 

Thank you! Yeh I have the previous Bantam and really like it but only for specific instances.  I would love to try the new one though

 

You're the one who asked "if money wasn't a factor" so if you don't like the response, that's on you. If budget is a constraint then just say so.

[FishTank]

If you can swing it..... the Antares 70A (JDM version). I have both the Metanium MGL and the the Antares.  Both great reels but between the two the Antares wins out. It casts further, it's smoother and the drag is just something special that you have to experience with a fish on. 

[clemsondds]

26 minutes ago, QED said:

 

You're the one who asked "if money wasn't a factor" so if you don't like the response, that's on you. If budget is a constraint then just say so.

You're right...I guess I should have spelled it out.  I thought "which would you pick" was clear enough but I guess not for everyone and I should have added "between those listed below"

Budget isn't a constraint...just don't think anything above $500ish is worth it in my book

Have a nice day

 

9 minutes ago, FishTank said:

If you can swing it..... the Antares 70A (JDM version). I have both the Metanium MGL and the the Antares.  Both great reels but between the two the Antares wins out. It casts further, it's smoother and the drag is just something special that you have to experience with a fish on. 

cool...thank you for your thoughts. I just don't think I fish enough and am skilled enough to notice that much difference.  If I was fishing 1-3 times/week then I would def consider it. 

[soflabasser]

In my experience Shimano Stradics are great reels. You can always get a Stella if you want to spend more money. 

[Frezzy]

If you look around you can find a 2021 Antares DC on JDM sites for $550.  I own all those reels besides the Scorpion and the 21 Antares puts them to shame.  Not even in the same league.  

[clemsondds]

24 minutes ago, Frezzy said:

If you look around you can find a 2021 Antares DC on JDM sites for $550.  I own all those reels besides the Scorpion and the 21 Antares puts them to shame.  Not even in the same league.  

Oh wow cool. I’ll look around. Thanks 

[clemsondds]

33 minutes ago, Frezzy said:

If you look around you can find a 2021 Antares DC on JDM sites for $550.  I own all those reels besides the Scorpion and the 21 Antares puts them to shame.  Not even in the same league.  

I guess the issue I do have with this is that I have 13-15 rod/reel setups that I take out on my boat.  Since I only go once a month or so, I just won't use this reel very much...so I hate to put $550+ in a reel that I may use just a little bit each month.  I could understand if I only had two or three do everything rigs, but I hate changing out baits a ton while I'm on the water so that's why I have certain rigs for certain baits.   So because of this, I feel like middle to upper tier reels is where I should stay.  I do like to feel, when I pickup a rod/reel, that it's quality and smooth...but I just don't know if I will have the skill and touch to tell that extra cost.  Again, I have no doubt the antares or others are great reels...just not sure I'll get that ROI that I will with the rods I mentioned. Thank you again for everyone's thoughts. Enjoy hearing what everyone would pick tho

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, Frezzy said:

"Antares puts them to shame".  Not even in the same league.  

Instead of throw away lines, why not put that into words.? Describe how it puts a Met B to shame. I read what you wrote as the 21 Ant DC makes the Met B feel/perform like junk. I'm asking honestly.

[jigheadworm]

I respectfully disagree on the Antares being that much better than the Met  it is a little smoother but doesn't cast any better plus it is considerably heavier.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

DC braking is effective but I imagine could get you in trouble if you have unrealistic expectations. You can backlash anything if you try hard enough and on the other side, I’ve not handled a reel that was so wild it was un-fishable.