Bantam MGL vs. Chronarch MGL

[riplips.tc]

I’m having issues deciding between a Bantam and a Chronarch and I’ve watched a bunch of videos and read reviews and all that jazz, but I can’t conceptualize the size of them. Basically every video I’ve seen will only compare other MGL reels or older models (which is valid). I think that the Cronarch is a tad smaller and lighter so I’ve been leaning towards that but I would rather have an aluminum frame, so if someone could let me know about the sizes in comparison to the Curado 200K I would be very appreciative ? Btw the plan of usage is for finesse powerfishing (usually smaller bladed jigs) with a 6’10” M/F Curado Rod

[Dwight Hottle]

I just compared a curado 200 with a bantam & they are almost the same size but the bantam is slightly smaller. The 2022 bantam is the top of the line reel in Shimano's non DC lineup. It is the equivalent  of a conquest in precision & quality making it a better choice than the Chronarch. 

[MidwestBassAttack]

Bantam does have a small profile. I had one and sold it…didn’t like how it fit my hand. I believe the Chronarch is similar in size to a 16’ Metanium.

[casts_by_fly]

34 minutes ago, riplips.tc said:

I’m having issues deciding between a Bantam and a Chronarch and I’ve watched a bunch of videos and read reviews and all that jazz, but I can’t conceptualize the size of them. Basically every video I’ve seen will only compare other MGL reels or older models (which is valid). I think that the Cronarch is a tad smaller and lighter so I’ve been leaning towards that but I would rather have an aluminum frame, so if someone could let me know about the sizes in comparison to the Curado 200K I would be very appreciative ? Btw the plan of usage is for finesse powerfishing (usually smaller bladed jigs) with a 6’10” M/F Curado Rod

 

The 20 Metanium is another to consider then.  Same weight as the Chronarch but magnesium body instead of composite (if composite bothers you- it doesn't bother me).  Same price if you go JDM as the new Bantam.  2 oz lighter than the bantam.  Chronarch and 20 Met are basically the same size,  Slight difference in curvature, but interchangeble on the water.

 

 

8 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

I just compared a curado 200 with a bantam & they are almost the same size but the bantam is slightly smaller. The 2022 bantam is the top of the line reel in Shimano's non DC lineup. It is the equivalent  of a conquest in precision & quality making it a better choice than the Chronarch. 

 

Not the Met?  TW Price would still put the Met above the bantam, though I don't know if the Bantam MGL A is the 2022 you're referring to.  

[riplips.tc]

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

The 20 Metanium is another to consider then.  Same weight as the Chronarch but magnesium body instead of composite (if composite bothers you- it doesn't bother me).  Same price if you go JDM as the new Bantam.  2 oz lighter than the bantam.  Chronarch and 20 Met are basically the same size,  Slight difference in curvature, but interchangeble on the water.

 

 

 

Not the Met?  TW Price would still put the Met above the bantam, though I don't know if the Bantam MGL A is the 2022 you're referring to.  

JDM is a good point, the 20 Met is actually the same price as the Chronarch right now ?

[casts_by_fly]

2 minutes ago, riplips.tc said:

JDM is a good point, the 20 Met is actually the same price as the Chronarch right now ?

cheaper even. A chronarch is $289 last I checked and the met is $230.  I was looking at used chronarchs but why not get a new Met for the same price. 

[newapti5]

Chronarch is lighter than Bantam,  yet larger, and much longer. It's longer because the line guide is far away from the spool, contributing to its great casting performance. 

 

The new 22 Bantam is smaller and shorter, so to improve its casting performance, Shimano goes the other direction - making the spool narrower, instead of the long distance between line guide and spool. The new Metanium uses the same design, which attracts some critiques from people with big thumbs. 

 

Price wise, Chronarch can be had for ~$170 from Japan sites, being a 6 years old reel. The new Bantam is running around $210. 

 

 

[PotatoLake]

JDM Mets are 70 sized are they not? Something to think about if you're wanting a 150.

[FishTank]

I have the Chronarch MGL, the original Bantam,  and the new Metanium.  I use the Chronarch for spinner baits,  the Bantam for crankbaits,  and the Metanium for jigs. The Chronarch is not a whole lot different, to me, than the Curado but overall it is a better reel. The Bantam feels like a round reel in a small package.  The Metanium feels like a lighter and somewhat smoother version of the Bantam.  If I had to pick, the JDM Metanium would definitely be the one to go with.  

 

I would also look at the Zillion SV. Just a perfect reel.

[lunkerboss923]

Chronarch is a great reel. I use it as an all purpose reel on an all purpose rod (734c). 

 

I just got a Bantam to go on my 736CB Glass. It's my chatterbait, spinnerbait, DT6, 2.5 squarebill, trap rod. It's built for this type of fishing, it's heavier, and more heavy duty. 

 

I think Bantams are more duty specific, where as a Chronarch can do a little more. A Chronarch because it's lighter, is going to allow you to fish bottom contact better, feel the bite. The Bantams are built like a tank not much feel but raw power. You need that with all moving baits. 

[softwateronly]

Wanting a chronarch a couple years ago is what led me to the jdm sites originally.  For me, I can't get past the 20 met, 18 or 22 bantam, zillion 1000, and zillion hd.  The solid frames just take it to the next level and I choose by application, weight, and availability with the dollar this strong.

 

scott