JDM 20 Metanium

[Jaybert]

I’m pretty close to pulling the trigger and ordering one if these from Asian Portal.   It just seems like a great deal vs anything I can buy here in Canada.   A Curado mgl 150 is basically same price if I buy it here.  Am I missing something?  Seems too good to be true.   Can anyone shed some light on size vs Curado 150 or 70?   I was real close to ordering a Daiwa Alphas but I’ve always wanted a Metanium and im a shimano guy

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Its a considerably smaller frame than a 150, roughly about the same size as a 70.  The shape makes the reel sit slightly higher of the rod, but the frame is so small it remains incredibly palmable, even for someone with small hands.  The Met 20 is my favorite all around reel I own, I highly recommend it.  Ive never dealt with asian portal, but ive had nothing but good experiences with japanlure shop and digitaka.  

[softwateronly]

Metanium is a great reel, I own a few.  They all were a little touchy to dial in, but have "sent em" ever since I did.  They've held up great to heavy use.  I see Canada on your avatar, I think you'll get hit with import charges if I remember correctly from reading here.  At the same time, I still think the cost is totally justified compared to a curado.  Just a heads up and hopefully a fellow canuck can elaborate.

 

scott

[Jaybert]

2 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Its a considerably smaller frame than a 150, roughly about the same size as a 70.  The shape makes the reel sit slightly higher of the rod, but the frame is so small it remains incredibly palmable, even for someone with small hands.  The Met 20 is my favorite all around reel I own, I highly recommend it.  Ive never dealt with asian portal, but ive had nothing but good experiences with japanlure shop and digitaka.  

Great to know thanks!  I was hoping it would be around a 70 size so that lines up well!

[Jaybert]

1 hour ago, softwateronly said:

Metanium is a great reel, I own a few.  They all were a little touchy to dial in, but have "sent em" ever since I did.  They've held up great to heavy use.  I see Canada on your avatar, I think you'll get hit with import charges if I remember correctly from reading here.  At the same time, I still think the cost is totally justified compared to a curado.  Just a heads up and hopefully a fellow canuck can elaborate.

 

scott

Thanks !   I’ve heard differing reports on the import charges so it remains a risk when ordering id say.   My brother in law said he ordered over $800 in motorcycle gear from Japan with no extra charges.  But then I too have read some have been hit with the fees.  Maybe it’s random?

 

either way, last reel I have bought here in Canada was curado 150 for about $350 with tax.  I need one more multi-purpose smaller framed reel to finish my arsenal.   Have looked at Tatula 70, about $326 with tax, SLX 70 $250 another Curado 150 at $350 and Curado 70 is about $400.  A Metanium here is like $650 plus tax for a total of “gulp” $734 which I would never spend on a reel.  JDM Alphas I do really like the look of is about  $287 shipped from Asian portal 
 

and then in total this JDM metanium is like $330 cdn shipped to me apparently.  So reallyby comparison to any of these options the Metanium looks pretty sweet unless im missing something.   Even if I run the risk of imported charges it still looks good?   I’d never buy a Metanium at retail here in Canada’s but suddenly it looks like an ok option. 

[F14A-B]

Asian Portal is solid, I’ve ordered three reels from them this year.

[ABU is overpriced]

In Canada as well, and outside of small stuff, nothing is worth buying here in stores. I ordered a 24 met dc in new condition from Japan (off of an auction, not a store) for about $305cad plus $25cad shipping. Here, the reel is $730cad and $840cad with taxes. Like are you kidding me right now? Approaching $1000 for a Metanium. Yea right...

[Jaybert]

3 minutes ago, ABU is overpriced said:

In Canada as well, and outside of small stuff, nothing is worth buying here in stores. I ordered a 24 met dc in new condition from Japan (off of an auction, not a store) for about $305cad plus $25cad shipping. Here, the reel is $730cad and $840cad with taxes. Like are you kidding me right now? Approaching $1000 for a Metanium. Yea right...

I hear yah,  hard to see how a Metanium can be had in low $300 range from Japan vs near $1000 here.   I’m all for local purchasing but hard to justify this time around.  Did you pay any extra import charges when you brought your Metanium from Japan?

[ABU is overpriced]

2 hours ago, Jaybert said:

I hear yah,  hard to see how a Metanium can be had in low $300 range from Japan vs near $1000 here.   I’m all for local purchasing but hard to justify this time around.  Did you pay any extra import charges when you brought your Metanium from Japan?

I didn't receive it yet, but i expect to pay, yea. Probably around $20.

[softwateronly]

@Jaybert The jdm met and bantam have "ruined" the curado brand for me.  I think it's definitely worth it.  Hope the tax man is taking a nap when it passes through for you.

 

scott

[Bigbox99]

You can get USDM curados and tatulas for as steep a discount as the JDM reels by buying them on Aliexpress.   Curado 150s for $140, Tatula Elites for $165, Tatula 150 for $100 ect.  

[Jaybert]

Well, I placed the order so no turning back! Seems like a good chance to have a higher end reel I wouldn’t buy at Canadian retail price.  Rounds out my baitcast lineup of an older curado 70, a curado MGL 150 and my trusty classic Calcutta 200gtb.  Hopefully I still love them all afterwards.  

[Jaybert]

An update for my Canadian friends.  I did get hit with about $53 duty/tax on my JDM Metanium, FedEx asked for that paid today to deliver tomorrow.   Still crazy fast shipping from Japan.  
 

Anyway, my total cost then through Asian Fishing Portal was about $390 Cdn including the duty/taxes paid today. 
 

For comparison, if I purchased here, my main contenders where to buy another Curado 150 or 70

Curado MGL 150 $309 plus tax = $350

Curado MGL 70 $360 plus tax = $407

Metanium 20 $660 plus tax = $745

 

So $390 seems like a good value to jump to a Metanium all things considered.  Even with the duty.  Still more than I really wanted to spend. but basically 50% of Metanium price here and shipped all the way from Japan, which blows my mind….   Can’t wait to see it tomorrow!   
 

so if you are in Canada JDM seems a good option. I think the spread is maybe narrower on the less expensive reels by the time it arrives here but on this one it seems like a no brainer in the end. 

 

 

[ABU is overpriced]

31 minutes ago, Jaybert said:

An update for my Canadian friends.  I did get hit with about $53 duty/tax on my JDM Metanium, FedEx asked for that paid today to deliver tomorrow.   Still crazy fast shipping from Japan.  
 

Anyway, my total cost then through Asian Fishing Portal was about $390 Cdn including the duty/taxes paid today. 
 

For comparison, if I purchased here, my main contenders where to buy another Curado 150 or 70

Curado MGL 150 $309 plus tax = $350

Curado MGL 70 $360 plus tax = $407

Metanium 20 $660 plus tax = $745

 

So $390 seems like a good value to jump to a Metanium all things considered.  Even with the duty.  Still more than I really wanted to spend. but basically 50% of Metanium price here and shipped all the way from Japan, which blows my mind….   Can’t wait to see it tomorrow!   
 

so if you are in Canada JDM seems a good option. I think the spread is maybe narrower on the less expensive reels by the time it arrives here but on this one it seems like a no brainer in the end. 

 

 

Never use fedex, dhl or ups. You get charged much more because of brokage fees. Standard tracked shipping or EMS is the only way to order from Japan.

[MN Fisher]

1 hour ago, ABU is overpriced said:

Never use fedex, dhl or ups. You get charged much more because of brokage fees. Standard tracked shipping or EMS is the only way to order from Japan.

Except that all my FREE SHIPPED reels from Digitaka came FedEx....3-4 days from time I ordered to it being in my hand from Kobe, JP.

[ABU is overpriced]

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

Except that all my FREE SHIPPED reels from Digitaka came FedEx....3-4 days from time I ordered to it being in my hand from Kobe, JP.

You're in the US, they barely care about any kind of fees when you've even surpassed $800usd. In Canada, they charge you customs for a $20 lure..........

[woolleyfooley]

Seems like prices keep coming down due to the dollar getting stronger. Good excuse to buy now.

[F14A-B]

On 11/12/2024 at 6:47 PM, ABU is overpriced said:

Never use fedex, dhl or ups. You get charged much more because of brokage fees. Standard tracked shipping or EMS is the only way to order from Japan.

I’ve ordered from Asian portal 3 times this year and shipping was a measly 14$ delivered by FedEx twice and DHL.. DHL is my least favorite, my reel sat 90 miles away from me for 5 extra days but arrived in safe condition..but I’m not a fan of them. 

[newapti5]

Canada customs fee seems way too high. Once you're familiar with Japan tackle websites, you could look into its used gears websites if you want to save even more. I just got this mint condition Metanium for $122 US dollars to my door (minus the custom parts), and this used market is a really deep rabbit hole if you're into tackles. 

 

[Huckfinn38]

Dont get any of the JDM Metanium. I am warning you now. 1 turns into 6 or 7 pretty quick

[Bigbox99]

Used JDM markets is the big brain play.  I've been doing this for years and getting cheap reels in excellent condition often with bonus upgrade or color parts.

[Huckfinn38]

2 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

Used JDM markets is the big brain play.  I've been doing this for years and getting cheap reels in excellent condition often with bonus upgrade or color parts.

The crazy thing is that a lot of these reels are available new at Digitaka for nearly the same price.

Digitaka btw is the devil

[Bigbox99]

44 minutes ago, Huckfinn38 said:

The crazy thing is that a lot of these reels are available new at Digitaka for nearly the same price.

Digitaka btw is the devil

I see a lightly used $100 Alphas SV TW and minty fresh $290 24 Met DC right now.  You have to buy the used JDM reel from Japan on their used market sites.  Buying off eBay or whatever is a sure fire way to get ripped off.

[F14A-B]

13 minutes ago, Bigbox99 said:

I see a lightly used $100 Alphas SV TW and minty fresh $290 24 Met DC right now.  You have to buy the used JDM reel from Japan on their used market sites.  Buying off eBay or whatever is a sure fire way to get ripped off.

How to find the used Japan market sites? Any help would be appreciated 

[Huckfinn38]

30 minutes ago, Bigbox99 said:

I see a lightly used $100 Alphas SV TW and minty fresh $290 24 Met DC right now.  You have to buy the used JDM reel from Japan on their used market sites.  Buying off eBay or whatever is a sure fire way to get ripped off.

Wow those are good prices