BRONZEBACK32 wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 27, 2020 3:47 pm

Metanium 20 or Bantam MGL?

I love my Bantam, but aside from the JDM PG model, I can't find one reason to choose it over the Metanium. The Metanium is essentially the same reel with a better spool and lighter package.

Can't wait to get my XG on the water. Feels amazing just playing around at the house

The Black Widow already uses the highest quality blank and Ti-SiC guides. Are they just charging more now for a few more expensive guides and a fancier handle?

Tavery5 wrote:
Also I believe the reel is manufactured in Korea and not China, Doyo, Mfg. if I am not mistaken.

I don't know who manufactures them, but I have seen them with both Korea and China as the manufacturing origin; even on two reels in store that were side by side.

I already commented, but I agree with the review. Best casting, and smoothest, reel I've ever used. Only rival being the Z2020. I bought an HG and used it twice, then immediately bought another in the low gear. I saw one on ebay the other day that sold for about $260...still kicking myself. The only...

Great review. This reel became expensive for me, because once I handled one I had to buy a second one.

I enjoyed the review, except for this poppycock: "The guides are ... spiral wrapped around the blank. ...the performance benefits of eliminating twist in the blank when the rod is under load helps prolong the life of your rod." Come on, Cal--we're all fishing top-wrapped rods that should ...

Great review Cal! I've been curious about this rod ever since I've heard about it. On TTF I keep hearing about NRXes being the ultimate in sensitivity, but this rod was designed by the man himself. Did you get a chance to fish them side by side? Also on the illustration on the Edge site the reel se...

I think the difference in drag measurement is due to the difference in design between the two reels. The Tatula uses a spring/nut that screws on the drive shaft beneath the drag star. The Type R doesn't use this same spring system, but a series of washers that fit into/under the clicking mechanism. ...

If these had ti/sic guides, (or even stainless/sic guides) I wouldn't hesitate to try one. But at $250-$300, stainless/alconite doesn't cut it for me. Good looking rod, and looks like they got everything else right though. I think they're about right for this price point. St Croix uses the same gui...

I've by no means fished one, but I have held one in a store. I like the new grip material as I'm not a huge fan of cork. The only thing that has stopped me from purchasing one is the reel seat. I do not like Fuji's SK-2 reel seat. Not much trigger for my hand to stop from sliding down when palming ...

I have this exact rod and must say its one of my favorite rods in my boat. It also competes with some NRX, new GLX and MB X4 rods. I have zero issues with the rod build except yes StCroix could of done a better job cutting down the threads on the reel seat. Sensitivity wise in my hands better than ...

Got mine from TW today. I'm just about to pull it apart and add four bearing. Interestingly no bearing on the spool, big change for Daiwa. Don't remember the review talking about it not have the standard Daiwa speed spool design, maybe I missed. Are you worried about weight ? Mind if i ask where yo...

Also is the spool capacity 120 of 16lb per the review or 120 of 14lb per the Daiwa website. It's likely rated for "American" 14lb line, such as Trilene XL, which generally has roughly a .330 diameter; though the breaking strength is usually 16-17lbs. The 16lb Super Natural is a "true...

How does it compare with the Stradic CI4? I have the 2500CI4 and the 3000FG. Obviously the 3000 feels a bit heavier with the bigger spool, plus it's just a heavier reel overall; though it isn't really noticeable on the right rod. The FG feels much more solid and connected when you're reeling and wi...