Looking Hard at the Shimano Bantam MGL A Casting Reel ~

[A-Jay]

Been about a month since the ST Croix POWER GLASS CRANKER / LBTC74MHM (iACT) – 7’4”, medium-heavy power, moderate action

 showed up here (Thank You Bass Resource).  Been fishing it hard the few chances I've had on the water.

The rod is Really nice and unlike anything I've ever fished.  I'll do a 'review' on it here at the end of the season.

But in the meantime, this killer stick seems to deserve a new reel. 

As the title say, I'm eye balling that Shimano Bantam MGL 150A  6.2:1.

No experience with one and am hoping there might be some BR members with some feedback on the reel;

one way or the other. 

Admittedly unless there's some type of disastrous design flaw I've not heard about,

it's not going to take very much for me to pull the trigger.

So what's the word ?

As usual, Thank in advance

A-Jay

 

[ghost]

Hey A-Jay. Have you considered the Metanium 150 MGL? It's an ounce lighter and it's magnesium frame instead of Hagane. It's a C nite more. I held the Bantam and it is a nice reel and probably as smooth as the Metanium MGL, But idk.

 

I got a Metanium 151HG MGL and all I can say it is smooth and a world of art.

[A-Jay]

6 minutes ago, ghost said:

Hey A-Jay. Have you considered the Metanium 150 MGL? It's an ounce lighter and it's magnesium frame instead of Hagane. It's a C nite more. I held the Bantam and it is a nice reel and probably as smooth as the Metanium MGL, But idk.

 

I got a Metanium 151HG MGL and all I can say it is smooth and a world of art.

Thank You @ghost

As hard as this may be to believe,

I prefer the slightly heavier reel,

and most of a Benjamin less. 

A-Jay

[SproDD79]

I just got this reel in the XG for heavy jigs in the junk, the infinity drive has definitely improved casting performance , thou I really don't need casting distance for throwing jigs in heavy grass. The previous model had the line guide positioned very close to the spool, this one has corrected that issue. I have two of the previous generation PG models, the line guide is close to the spool but it still casts 3/4oz and heavier crankbaits a country mile. If you are getting the reel for deep cranking you may want to consider the previous generation PG models. Looking forward to the rod report.

[scbassin]

Before you jump take a look at the shimano Scorpion MGL.

Gear ratio: 6.2 Maximum drag force: 5.5 kg Weight: 210 g Spool dimensions: Diameter 34 mm, width 25 mm Nylon thread winding amount: 12 lb-130 m, 14 lb-110 m, 16 lb-100 m Maximum winding length: 66 cm / one handle rotation Length: 42 mm Bearing number: 7/1 The newly formed Scorpion that uses a light-weight MGL spool with a standup, high distance throwability and castability, and low-ballistic stretchy flight. The micro module gear is mounted inside the high rigidity HAGANE body. Corresponds to various lures with smooth and powerful winding. ?? The image of the product is displaying a representative image. Also, it may look different from the actual color. Please be forewarned. (Model released in 2019) 

I have one I use for cranking It's a great reel at a good price. Try Digitaka or Asian Portal.

 

[Phil77]

I have the non MGL and it's a tank of a reel, not much it can't do. Only problem I've had is it doesn't cast 1/4 oz very well but the mgl model should. If it has the same frame design as mine it would be great for cranks because it feels like a round reel when palming it.

[T2DM]

I got one three weeks ago and I liked it so much I bought another one 2 weeks later, mine are both HG but they crank like 6 speed ratios and cast a lot better than 18 Bantam, 22 Bantam is worth the upgrade IMO.

 

So far so good, still built like a tank and my new favorite for sure.

 

[Rodney Smith]

I have the new Bantam MGL (7.1 ratio) on my cranking setup and love it. The Bantam palms very well and is smooth and powerful. The new model is also a very good caster. You can launch a crank bait. I recommend getting one from one of the JDM sites. I added a Hawgtech handle to mine and it seems like the perfect cranking set up. You would love the Bantam for tackling those big Mexico bass you chase…

[MidwestBassAttack]

I had a few of them but sold them and replaced them with more Metaniums. For me, that Bantam was nice but got darn cold when the weather got chilly. 
 

 

[A-Jay]

41 minutes ago, MidwestBassAttack said:

I had a few of them but sold them and replaced them with more Metaniums. For me, that Bantam was nice but got darn cold when the weather got chilly. 
 

 

Thank you and that's interesting. 

Thought the Met DC and the MGL A were constructed from the same material.

Either way, I hate fishing in winter gloves. 

A-Jay 

[Dwight Hottle]

It's a no brainer.

[BayouSlide]

My absolute favorite reel at that price point. You'll love it ??

[MidwestBassAttack]

5 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Thank you and that's interesting. 

Thought the Met DC and the MGL A were constructed from the same material.

Either way, I hate fishing in winter gloves. 

A-Jay 

Yeah I was a bit surprised myself. For some reason the Metanium seemed to absorb heat from my hand better. I’m in the suburbs of the Windy City (Chicago) and our water can be open but temps still fairly chilly. Never had an issue with my Mets. I’ve got a few of the 2016 version that I swapped out the drag to Carbontex and upgraded the main and pinion to brass. I prefer the sleek looks of the 16’ and buy them up off eBay when budget allows. 

[Rodney Smith]

I have the Metaniums and actually was using one for cranking until I got the Bantam. I believe the Bantam will hold up better and be better suited to your St. Croix cranking rod. Just my 2 cents.

[A-Jay]

Big Thanks to responders here.

Huge helps as always.

 And you probably know what this means . . . . 

btw - like to publicly thank TW for supporting our active duty & veterans

#sweetdiscount

A-Jay

[Bandersnatch]

If you like a heavier reel the bantams are a no brainer. Especially at jdm prices 

[Tatulatard]

People really just pay full MSRP at tacklewarehouse for reels like this is normal?  

[Big Rick]

1 hour ago, Tatulatard said:

People really just pay full MSRP at tacklewarehouse for reels like this is normal?  

Care to clarify that question a bit? You got some back door option to get a steep discount on your reels you care to share with the rest of us?

 

[Tatulatard]

1 hour ago, Big Rick said:

Care to clarify that question a bit? You got some back door option to get a steep discount on your reels you care to share with the rest of us?

 

One weird trick to save $100 off MSRP on a 22 Bantam MGL US retailers don't want you to know.

[Big Rick]

1 minute ago, Tatulatard said:

One weird trick to save $100 off MSRP on a 22 Bantam MGL US retailers don't want you to know.

That cleared it right up for everyone.... Sounds like an infomercial....

 

You don't have to share your secrets. No harm intended with my questions. ??

[TNBankFishing]

20 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Been about a month since the ST Croix POWER GLASS CRANKER / LBTC74MHM (iACT) – 7’4”, medium-heavy power, moderate action

 showed up here (Thank You Bass Resource).  Been fishing it hard the few chances I've had on the water.

The rod is Really nice and unlike anything I've ever fished.  I'll do a 'review' on it here at the end of the season.

But in the meantime, this killer stick seems to deserve a new reel. 

As the title say, I'm eye balling that Shimano Bantam MGL 150A  6.2:1.

No experience with one and am hoping there might be some BR members with some feedback on the reel;

one way or the other. 

Admittedly unless there's some type of disastrous design flaw I've not heard about,

it's not going to take very much for me to pull the trigger.

So what's the word ?

As usual, Thank in advance

A-Jay

 

If you’re set on the Shimano brand, and you’re really interested in the Bantam I dont think you can go wrong. I’ve used the previous version for 3 years and my only complaint is it’s heavy. Still smooth, decent caster, and built indestructible. My only question would be if you’re going to crank with it check out the JDM PG gear ratio. 

[NorcalBassin]

Excellent purchase and congrats in advance! I switched the previous gen Bantam over to my deep cranking rod a while back and couldn't be happier. Everything I've read puts this MGL A as a solid upgrade from mine... I imagine you'll be quite happy with it for many years to come.

[ironbjorn]

11 hours ago, Tatulatard said:

People really just pay full MSRP at tacklewarehouse for reels like this is normal?  

Nobody actually, that's how they stay in business.

 

Wait...

[A-Jay]

Closing this one out ~

Reel was delivered yesterday.

Oh.  My.

Nice reel !

First impressions are all good.

Did some 'casting' out in the back forty which was very impressive.

I'm certainly looking forward to getting on the water and 

testing this drag.

Seems another review may be in order.

Thanks again. 

A-Jay

[Derek1]

32 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Closing this one out ~

Reel was delivered yesterday.

Oh.  My.

Nice reel !

First impressions are all good.

Did some 'casting' out in the back forty which was very impressive.

I'm certainly looking forward to getting on the water and 

testing this drag.

Seems another review may be in order.

Thanks again. 

A-Jay

Now that’s a sweet looking rig.