What is Shimano's "Monster Drive"?

[newapti5]

I was comparing the new '24 JDM Scorpion MD 201 with USDM Curado M 201 online. Besides the line capacities, the max drags, and different paint jobs, they seem identical. So I just wonder what this MD "Monster Drive" really is? I understand the 300 size MD reels are equipped with bigger and stronger gears, but within the same size class, like the above two reels, do MD reels always have bigger gears? Or MD just means bigger line capacity and higher max drag?

[GReb]

Maybe it’s like the tranx 200?  I have no clue what it means mechanically but in the past the MD has been labeled as big bait reels 

[T2DM]

Yeah, it's kind of a bit confusing and misleading if you think about it, I just thought about this, and I could be wrong, you often hear MD in the JDM market and not so much in the USDM market, the only MD reel we have in the States is the Culcatta Conquest MD as far as I know. You hear a lot of TRANX in the USDM though, but they're typically marketed for saltwater to big baits use and are built a little different with less bearing, no MM Gears, some have X-Ship and some don't, water repellent etc. I guess what I'm trying to say is it's a marketing thing for Shimano like MD=USDM and TRANX=USDM both saltwater OK.

 

Still, It's a better buy than the Curado M though cause of the price IMO. I thought about buying one, but I feel like there's no need since I already have a handful of what I can easily call the "Sleeper MD/TRANX reel" to a point which is the solid core 18 or 22 Bantam. Even better for some that have issues with MM gears if some aftermarket parts supplier would produce a non-MM gearset kit for it.

 

Only way to find out for sure is to ask the bait monkey for advice, if you know what I mean? 🤣

 

 

[newapti5]

8 hours ago, T2DM said:

Yeah, it's kind of a bit confusing and misleading if you think about it, I just thought about this, and I could be wrong, you often hear MD in the JDM market and not so much in the USDM market, the only MD reel we have in the States is the Culcatta Conquest MD as far as I know. You hear a lot of TRANX in the USDM though, but they're typically marketed for saltwater to big baits use and are built a little different with less bearing, no MM Gears, some have X-Ship and some don't, water repellent etc. I guess what I'm trying to say is it's a marketing thing for Shimano like MD=USDM and TRANX=USDM both saltwater OK.

 

Still, It's a better buy than the Curado M though cause of the price IMO. I thought about buying one, but I feel like there's no need since I already have a handful of what I can easily call the "Sleeper MD/TRANX reel" to a point which is the solid core 18 or 22 Bantam. Even better for some that have issues with MM gears if some aftermarket parts supplier would produce a non-MM gearset kit for it.

 

Only way to find out for sure is to ask the bait monkey for advice, if you know what I mean? 🤣

 

 

 

Oh I know what you meant all right. I fish river/creek smallies with light tackles mostly, except some heavy topwater and chatterbaits, so it's a little hard for me to justify buying a big bait reel, even given the $105 to-my-door price. I am still thinking though. 

[Pogues2300]

Monster drive is their Halloween theme