Shimano Reel Help

[Rpark1214]

To start off I’m a stats nerd in spinning reels. I tend to fish more saltwater so I know all about what each spinning reel is designed for. However I started bass fishing for bass recently and was wondering if some expert here could help me understand what each of the following reels are meant for? Also how do the different models (I/k) affect the performance. 

 

Chronarch

Aldebaran

Bantam

Metanium

Antares

Exsence

Scorpion
 

Also any recommendations y’all prefer? Looking for a long casting, fast retrieve/hg, 150 sized reel as a do everything rod. Hoping to find a used one for under $200. I won’t be throwing large swim baits so most of the stuff will be from 1/8 to 7/8. Would an MGL be too lightweight based? Shimano or Daiwa would be preferred. Thanks

[BayouSlide]

Not an Shimano expert but I can say with certainty that, personally, the Chronarch is what I buy for my best rods, the Curado 70 or 150 MGLs for the others. I consider all of them great value at their price points.

 

No reason not to love the MGL as they will cast effortlessly cast 1/4 - 1 1/2 oz. on the right rod in my experience, but for 1/8 lures I consider that BFS territory and personally turn to the Curado BFS and lighter weight rods.

 

A Chronarch on a Dobyns Champion Extreme 736 is easily my longest casting rod with a 1/2 ounce Jackhammer.

[casts_by_fly]

11 hours ago, Rpark1214 said:

To start off I’m a stats nerd in spinning reels. I tend to fish more saltwater so I know all about what each spinning reel is designed for. However I started bass fishing for bass recently and was wondering if some expert here could help me understand what each of the following reels are meant for? Also how do the different models (I/k) affect the performance. 

 

Chronarch

Aldebaran

Bantam

Metanium

Antares

Exsence

Scorpion
 

Also any recommendations y’all prefer? Looking for a long casting, fast retrieve/hg, 150 sized reel as a do everything rod. Hoping to find a used one for under $200. I won’t be throwing large swim baits so most of the stuff will be from 1/8 to 7/8. Would an MGL be too lightweight based? Shimano or Daiwa would be preferred. Thanks

 

I have 3 of the first 4 on your list in various forms.  A couple things to consider:

 

The model names above leave some details off when it comes to specifics, the spool type being the biggie.  An MGL spool, a deep spool, and a BFS spool are all options.  Usually if it doesn't specify then its a deep spool, but you need to check the specs of the reel.  The Bantam '22 is MGL by default.  All will have the SVS braking system I believe so nothing to talk about there.  Outside of that, the different models basically feature different build quality, frame materials, and gear materials to generate the differences.

 

The scorpion is effectively the JDM equivalent of the curado so look for Curados on the US used market.  The Aldebaran is a small reel and not what you're looking for.  The antares is also a smaller than 150 size reel and might be okay still for you.  The exsense is JDM only and the top of the line, doubt you'll find one used for $200.

 

You mentioned buying used so I assume you're looking at the US market generically. I'll talk JDM in a sec.

 

The chronarch is my dad's favorite reel.  I bought him a Bantam 100A in 2005 or so and he progressed through the 200E and into the current models.  I have the first two here with me now (sitting idle), and I have 2 of the current 150s on rods, both are HGs and MGLs.  The Chronarch is lightweight with a graphic composite frame and (I think) aluminum gearing.  Great reel.  A touch longer in profile than my Bantam and Met, but I think its the same as the USDM 150 met.

 

My Bantam and Met are JDM direct from japan.  The Bantam is a '22 (current model) which I think is the same as the USDM Bantam in size and profile.  MGL spool.  I'm not sure if mine is aluminum or brass gears, but I think aluminum.  My Met is the standard JDM met (just called the Met).  It's a little smaller profile and size/capacity than the USDM Met 150.  Metal frame and sideplate.  Same capacity as the Antares I believe.

 

In terms of comparing, all three are great reels.  All are smooth.  My chronarchs were bought lightly used, the other two new JDM.  I've fished them all a bunch now.  The Met is a great all around size.  I fish 16 lb sunline mono and there is plenty of capacity.  Its on my 1/4-3/4 type rod so I think you'd be fine with it.  My Bantam is on my bigger rod and loaded up with 20 lb big game.  Its a heavier reel and balances the big rod a little better.  I think the metal framed two feel a little more solid, but the difference between the metal and the composite is much smaller than the difference between the chronarch composite and an Abu garcia composite (i have a half dozen of those I fish).

 

Finally- don't buy a used one here.  It is cheaper to buy a new JDM reel than a used USDM reel.  Keep your eyes peeled, but Bantams were around $225 last I checked.  That's a stonking deal.

 

 

[Rpark1214]

On 7/9/2024 at 1:34 PM, casts_by_fly said:

 

I have 3 of the first 4 on your list in various forms.  A couple things to consider:

 

The model names above leave some details off when it comes to specifics, the spool type being the biggie.  An MGL spool, a deep spool, and a BFS spool are all options.  Usually if it doesn't specify then its a deep spool, but you need to check the specs of the reel.  The Bantam '22 is MGL by default.  All will have the SVS braking system I believe so nothing to talk about there.  Outside of that, the different models basically feature different build quality, frame materials, and gear materials to generate the differences.

 

The scorpion is effectively the JDM equivalent of the curado so look for Curados on the US used market.  The Aldebaran is a small reel and not what you're looking for.  The antares is also a smaller than 150 size reel and might be okay still for you.  The exsense is JDM only and the top of the line, doubt you'll find one used for $200.

 

You mentioned buying used so I assume you're looking at the US market generically. I'll talk JDM in a sec.

 

The chronarch is my dad's favorite reel.  I bought him a Bantam 100A in 2005 or so and he progressed through the 200E and into the current models.  I have the first two here with me now (sitting idle), and I have 2 of the current 150s on rods, both are HGs and MGLs.  The Chronarch is lightweight with a graphic composite frame and (I think) aluminum gearing.  Great reel.  A touch longer in profile than my Bantam and Met, but I think its the same as the USDM 150 met.

 

My Bantam and Met are JDM direct from japan.  The Bantam is a '22 (current model) which I think is the same as the USDM Bantam in size and profile.  MGL spool.  I'm not sure if mine is aluminum or brass gears, but I think aluminum.  My Met is the standard JDM met (just called the Met).  It's a little smaller profile and size/capacity than the USDM Met 150.  Metal frame and sideplate.  Same capacity as the Antares I believe.

 

In terms of comparing, all three are great reels.  All are smooth.  My chronarchs were bought lightly used, the other two new JDM.  I've fished them all a bunch now.  The Met is a great all around size.  I fish 16 lb sunline mono and there is plenty of capacity.  Its on my 1/4-3/4 type rod so I think you'd be fine with it.  My Bantam is on my bigger rod and loaded up with 20 lb big game.  Its a heavier reel and balances the big rod a little better.  I think the metal framed two feel a little more solid, but the difference between the metal and the composite is much smaller than the difference between the chronarch composite and an Abu garcia composite (i have a half dozen of those I fish).

 

Finally- don't buy a used one here.  It is cheaper to buy a new JDM reel than a used USDM reel.  Keep your eyes peeled, but Bantams were around $225 last I checked.  That's a stonking deal.

 

 

After doing some research I'm starting to understand some of it more. I however had a couple more questions. First, how does the Chronarch MGL differ from the Ci4+ version? I saw that they came out within a year of each other. Furthermore between the Metanium/Chronarch and the Scorpion/Curado is there a specific JDM/US model that you prefer over the other? And how does the Bantam compare to those two? Below I have attached a google doc of some reels that I have researched. I plan to choose from one of the highlighted reels and was wondering if you could give your top 3-5 picks from them. As previously stated I plan to pair it with a 7'2 do everything rod throwing 1/4-3/4 lures mostly. And I forgot to mention before but thank you so much for the help

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18FfYO_hF1Gsy6qupRrPcT3EKSjUJ4Wk4kRkskdHnvRs/edit?usp=sharing

[Susky River Rat]

I have 3 metanuims and love them for everything. Now this is coming off using tranx 151s. The Metanuims are smoother, cast better, quieter and seem to handle all size baits great. Even in wind do extremely well. I use the Xg and Hgs. 

[casts_by_fly]

5 hours ago, Rpark1214 said:

After doing some research I'm starting to understand some of it more. I however had a couple more questions. First, how does the Chronarch MGL differ from the Ci4+ version? I saw that they came out within a year of each other. Furthermore between the Metanium/Chronarch and the Scorpion/Curado is there a specific JDM/US model that you prefer over the other? And how does the Bantam compare to those two? Below I have attached a google doc of some reels that I have researched. I plan to choose from one of the highlighted reels and was wondering if you could give your top 3-5 picks from them. As previously stated I plan to pair it with a 7'2 do everything rod throwing 1/4-3/4 lures mostly. And I forgot to mention before but thank you so much for the help

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18FfYO_hF1Gsy6qupRrPcT3EKSjUJ4Wk4kRkskdHnvRs/edit?usp=sharing

 

The CI4 Chronarch and MGl are one generation apart with the MGL being newer (and the current model).  The MGL has brass gears and micromodule gearing.  Of course it has the MGL spool.  I'm not sure if the Ci4 was brass or aluminum gearing.  Otherwise they are basically the same reel.  Given a choice, the MGL spool is a big benefit.  In your chart they are the same price so MGL all the way.  $120 used is a good price for one.

 

I don't have the Scoprion/Curado so you'll have to search here.  However, the 200 size isn't what you want for lighter lures.  I'd take it off the list.  The specs for the scorpion MGL are basically 150 size so I assume its a direct analog for the curado 150 MGL.

 

Below are pictures of the JDM met and the USDM Chronarch MGL.  I don't have one with the Bantam in it.  The Met is smaller in the hand than the 150 Chronarch.  I don't know the official size designation, but the model name is just "Metanium" on digitaka.  I believe its the 20 Met.  I'd guess it to be a 100 size nominally from the line capacity.  The Bantam I have is the same size as the Met and looks almost identical aside from the 'nose' being a little wider, though the underneath levelwind is the same width.  I think its just cosmetic honestly.  The bantam is a little heavier than the met.  Both are solid as a brick 'outhouse'. 

 

Between the three at basically the same price point (per your file) I would pick the met or bantam over the chronarch.  The frame is more solid and I think it could take more abuse which is a consideration when buying used.  That said, both of my chronarchs were bought used and are fine.  My dad's chronarchs are going on 6? 7? years now and are like new, though he babies them.  

 

Between the met and bantam?  Flip a coin.  The bantam is a little heavier but on a 7'2" MH rod you're not going to notice a difference.  I think that 'heavier' buys a little more durability but I can't say for sure.  My 7'2" MH has a chronarch on it, my 7'3" H has the bantam but I could and have swapped them around.  My other chronarch is on my 6'11" heavy frog/swimbait rod and the met is on my 6'10" MH do everything rod.  

 

There is no wrong answer in those three for me and I'd happily add any of them to the lineup.

 

 

 

 

 

[Rpark1214]

On 7/11/2024 at 9:59 AM, casts_by_fly said:

 

The CI4 Chronarch and MGl are one generation apart with the MGL being newer (and the current model).  The MGL has brass gears and micromodule gearing.  Of course it has the MGL spool.  I'm not sure if the Ci4 was brass or aluminum gearing.  Otherwise they are basically the same reel.  Given a choice, the MGL spool is a big benefit.  In your chart they are the same price so MGL all the way.  $120 used is a good price for one.

 

I don't have the Scoprion/Curado so you'll have to search here.  However, the 200 size isn't what you want for lighter lures.  I'd take it off the list.  The specs for the scorpion MGL are basically 150 size so I assume its a direct analog for the curado 150 MGL.

 

Below are pictures of the JDM met and the USDM Chronarch MGL.  I don't have one with the Bantam in it.  The Met is smaller in the hand than the 150 Chronarch.  I don't know the official size designation, but the model name is just "Metanium" on digitaka.  I believe its the 20 Met.  I'd guess it to be a 100 size nominally from the line capacity.  The Bantam I have is the same size as the Met and looks almost identical aside from the 'nose' being a little wider, though the underneath levelwind is the same width.  I think its just cosmetic honestly.  The bantam is a little heavier than the met.  Both are solid as a brick 'outhouse'. 

 

Between the three at basically the same price point (per your file) I would pick the met or bantam over the chronarch.  The frame is more solid and I think it could take more abuse which is a consideration when buying used.  That said, both of my chronarchs were bought used and are fine.  My dad's chronarchs are going on 6? 7? years now and are like new, though he babies them.  

 

Between the met and bantam?  Flip a coin.  The bantam is a little heavier but on a 7'2" MH rod you're not going to notice a difference.  I think that 'heavier' buys a little more durability but I can't say for sure.  My 7'2" MH has a chronarch on it, my 7'3" H has the bantam but I could and have swapped them around.  My other chronarch is on my 6'11" heavy frog/swimbait rod and the met is on my 6'10" MH do everything rod.  

 

There is no wrong answer in those three for me and I'd happily add any of them to the lineup.

 

 

 

 

 

Ultimately, I decided to go with the used MGL Metanium for $160 shipped. Thanks for all the help!

[casts_by_fly]

26 minutes ago, Rpark1214 said:

Ultimately, I decided to go with the used MGL Metanium for $160 shipped. Thanks for all the help!

you won’t be disappointed. Report back when you use it. 

[Rpark1214]

On 7/13/2024 at 5:26 PM, casts_by_fly said:

you won’t be disappointed. Report back when you use it. 

Just got the 16 metanium mgl and when I took out the side plate and looked at the spool it looked like one of the brakes were missing. So out of the 4 white plastics there were only 3. Is that ok? I heard people like to flip some of them up as to not use all the brakes?

[Reel]

No, that's not OK.  Somebody at the tackle store took one out and there should be 4, even when some are not used.  Get in touch with the store or Shimano to get one of the little plastic brake tabs.

[casts_by_fly]

2 hours ago, Rpark1214 said:

Just got the 16 metanium mgl and when I took out the side plate and looked at the spool it looked like one of the brakes were missing. So out of the 4 white plastics there were only 3. Is that ok? I heard people like to flip some of them up as to not use all the brakes?

 

Yep.  There should be 4 so far as I'm aware.  Are the 3 that are there in a 90 degree orientation?

[Rpark1214]

On 7/18/2024 at 2:31 PM, casts_by_fly said:

 

Yep.  There should be 4 so far as I'm aware.  Are the 3 that are there in a 90 degree orientation?

One of them was flipped up. I'm assuming since people turn off 2 of the 4 since not all brakes are necessary. It seemed to cast fine without 1 brake but still..

[r83srock]

5 hours ago, Rpark1214 said:

One of them was flipped up. I'm assuming since people turn off 2 of the 4 since not all brakes are necessary. It seemed to cast fine without 1 brake but still..

If one was flipped up, that’s ok. I have reels I have setup like that.

[Rpark1214]

4 hours ago, r83srock said:

If one was flipped up, that’s ok. I have reels I have setup like that.

But wouldn't it be inconsistent since only 1 of 3 is flipped up? I understand flipping opposite sides on a 4 brake system or every other on a 6 brake system. But 1 out of 3??

[Reel]

When there are four brakes, you can use 1, 2, 3 or 4 on.  They don't have to be in pairs.

[Rpark1214]

55 minutes ago, Reel said:

When there are four brakes, you can use 1, 2, 3 or 4 on.  They don't have to be in pairs.

So it should be okay even though I have 2 brakes on, 1 brake off, and 1 brake piece completely missing?

[Reel]

It should be OK but the missing part might slightly unbalance the spool.

[casts_by_fly]

It will work fine. I’d still get the brake block and clip it in but for now I’d put two on and one off (with one more missing). I find that’s the best adjustability on a shimano.

[r83srock]

On 7/21/2024 at 10:47 AM, Rpark1214 said:

But wouldn't it be inconsistent since only 1 of 3 is flipped up? I understand flipping opposite sides on a 4 brake system or every other on a 6 brake system. But 1 out of 3??

One would sure think so, but I’ve never had an issue. I have 20+ year old Curados that also have one brake pin out on the VBS system and have been that way a long time.