2022 Bantam MGL A

[John2204]

Just received my new Bantam and wanted to share my thoughts, however I do not have the older version, but I do have several Metaniums so I will try to compare it to that.
Size-very similar to the Met, the Bantam has a little larger spool, and appears to be a little bigger, but not by much. there is a weight difference 7.6 oz for the Bantam and 6.3 for the Metanium.
Casting-the Met is a great caster, especially for lighter lures, the Bantam has more brakes (6 vs 4) and more adjustment. The Bantam casts very well, but If I was using lighter lures and casting for max distance I would go for the Metanium.
Application- the Bantam being heavier, seems to match up with heavier rods, I have a Dobyns Champion Extreme 784 that is a great rod, but its a little heavy, the Bantam balances it perfectly, while my Met fit perfectly with a lighter rod- I have one on a Dobyns Xstasy 723.
Bottom line I love this new reel- Im curious to see what other think, and how it compares to the older Bantam

[Rodster14]

I have two 2022 Bantams now. I have been very impressed. The new one casts much better. I took the JDM one I just got out yesterday for some testing. It is on my cranking set up and I was shocked at how far it casts. They are strong and smooth. I had several of the 2018 versions and the improvements are noticeable. I also use Metaniums, an Aldebaran, and an Antares. From a value standpoint, the Bantam is probably the best of the bunch.

[DirtyD64]

I am assuming they still have the second tier micro module gears? I know they added Infinity Drive but I still don't fully understand how it works.

[dennis_rf]

I am assuming they still have the second tier micro module gears? I know they added Infinity Drive but I still don't fully understand how it works.

How I understood it: additionally to the double bearing support, the pinion, when engaged, rides on the spool shaft on the spool end which adds a third area of support (the spool pin doesn’t count for support)

[godshippy]

I just got one for my Dobyns Xtasy 755 and it's a sharp looking combo and feels amazing!

[ss30378]

I am assuming they still have the second tier micro module gears? I know they added Infinity Drive but I still don't fully understand how it works.

How I understood it: additionally to the double bearing support, the pinion, when engaged, rides on the spool shaft on the spool end which adds a third area of support (the spool pin doesn’t count for support)

Correct on both accounts. I just got one to put on my 787 flipping stick since it was heavier than any compact Daiwa option and I agree it is an improvement on all accounts vs the previous version. The gears look similar to the old model (tier 2) but the pinion and spool shaft are cut to allow a tight fit between them for additional support. I like the infinity drive feature, it is a noticeable power improvement in my hands.

Compared to the zillion the bantam is smaller but heavier. Smoothness is close, I would give a slight edge to the zillion for completely glass feel (may change as the bantam breaks in). Cranking power goes to the bantam 8.1 bantam with 90mm handle, vs my 8.5 zillion with 100mm handle. Casting I would give the edge to the bantam in distance, zillion gets the edge in control.

[dragon1]

I am assuming they still have the second tier micro module gears? I know they added Infinity Drive but I still don't fully understand how it works.

How I understood it: additionally to the double bearing support, the pinion, when engaged, rides on the spool shaft on the spool end which adds a third area of support (the spool pin doesn’t count for support)

Correct on both accounts. I just got one to put on my 787 flipping stick since it was heavier than any compact Daiwa option and I agree it is an improvement on all accounts vs the previous version. The gears look similar to the old model (tier 2) but the pinion and spool shaft are cut to allow a tight fit between them for additional support. I like the infinity drive feature, it is a noticeable power improvement in my hands.

Compared to the zillion the bantam is smaller but heavier. Smoothness is close, I would give a slight edge to the zillion for completely glass feel (may change as the bantam breaks in). Cranking power goes to the bantam 8.1 bantam with 90mm handle, vs my 8.5 zillion with 100mm handle. Casting I would give the edge to the bantam in distance, zillion gets the edge in control.

How is the gear mesh, feel, smoothness when cranking under load, say a big bladed spinnerbait?

[ss30378]

How is the gear mesh, feel, smoothness when cranking under load, say a big bladed spinnerbait?

Under a heavy load the mesh feels similar to the zillion with the power edge going to the bantam.

[dragon1]

How is the gear mesh, feel, smoothness when cranking under load, say a big bladed spinnerbait?

Under a heavy load the mesh feels similar to the zillion with the power edge going to the bantam.

Koolio, thanks Mango.

[Freddie]

The real question is…but does it have a drag clicker?

[Freddie]

What size is the spool of this new Bantam? Does it have a drag clicker?

[godshippy]

Does not have a drag clicker

[ss30378]

What size is the spool of this new Bantam? Does it have a drag clicker?

35mm x 19mm spool, no drag clicker.

[aqua71]

I thought about picking one up for cranking, but realized the PG is sadly no longer an option.

[dragon1]

I thought about picking one up for cranking, but realized the PG is sadly no longer an option.

Will the MM gears from Gen 1 still fit in the 2022 model? If so, you could order PG gears and swap and then sell the gears in the 2022 Bantam.