Goose52

Report & photos is expected !

Yep - temporary parking spot until I either win the E6X contest or have to think about a Plan B...

I guess I'm late to the Met DC party...but at least I have line on mine... Met DC has the same open-ended knobs as the Conquest14 - some folks like 'em, some don't: To set up the reel - select the "OPEN" position on the external dial on the bottom of the sideplate and then thumb over the sideplate latch (located to the rear of the dial): With the sideplate removed, select your line type from the dial visible on the top edge of the sideplate: N = nylon, F = flouro, PE = braid: While the sideplate is off you can see the I-DC5 control module. I haven't a clue as to how to service the spool bearing that is under the module (remove the three screws perhaps): End of spool shaft with several grooves milled in the length. The control module (when installed) extends quite a way into the recess in the spool: Re-install the sideplate and adjust the external dial to match the weight of your bait. There are 5 positions: 1, 2, 3, 4, and A (auto): 1 = 18 - 30 grams 2 = 10 - 20 grams 3 = 8 - 12 grams 4 = 5 - 8 grams A = 7 - 30 grams Near as I can tell, the auto position will provide adequate braking for that wide range of baits (1/4 to 1 oz), but selection of one of the numbered brake positions will give a more optimum braking profile. I selected position two (~ 3/8 to between 5/8 and 3/4 oz): And the auto position: I usually don't show my new gear until I've caught a fish with it. However, my lakes are frozen over at the moment. For now, I will just have to assume that this reel will eventually get my highest approval rating: "Seems to work, reels in fish" EDIT - March 25, 2015: It took a while, but I can now give this reel my highest approval rating - it works, reels in fish...

Bantam1 has stated on TT several times that the DC control modules are very robust and that few come in for service for DC-related problems. If that's correct, then perhaps not even any extra maintenance costs. BUT, purchase cost is certainly "higher" !

Make sure you enter the E6X contest - maybe you'll get a FREE rod !

I have a Metanium DC arriving today... Yes Sir - that would be a good plan but LONG odds !

Entry submitted !

I always pay by PayPal and don't get a confirmation email. I see robster80 found his order in the JLS system but for those who have also ordered this info might be helpful: On your PayPal receipt, you should see an Invoice ID number (lower-left corner). Copy that number then go to this JLS web page: Orders and Returns Paste the Invoice ID number into the "Order ID" box, fill out the other info (name/email) - then hit the "CONTINUE" button. Look around on the next screen and find the link called "TRACKING" - hit that link and you should find the EMS tracking number (assuming that it has been shipped). You can run that tracking number on the EMS Japan web site - or, after the order has been shipped, it will show up in the USPS tracking system. .......I've done this before...

The Shimano digital control braking is just not JDM...it's been available on the USDM Calcutta TE-DCs for years. The DC system on the TE-DCs is the first-generation DC system with fewer braking options than the later iterations. There have now been about 6 (?) iterations of the DC system - with each iteration giving different adjustment methods and braking options. Most of the DC systems still require thumb braking at the end of the cast. However, the i-DC+ system used on the JDM Exsence has a strong braking option/profile that applies extra braking at the end of the cast that is said to be practically, if not completely, thumb-free (this mode is advertised as being especially useful at night). I own a Calcutta TE-100DC and a Calais 200DC and will soon have the 2015 Metanium DC. The way I utilize the reels, I find the advantage is not the ability to make extremely long casts, but the ability to consistently, with less effort, make practical, effectively long casts. Also, DC braking has proven benefits in wind. I can throw crankbaits into a significant headwind with that TE-100DC for instance. Regarding the advertised, extreme cast length potential, the Calais 200DC DOES have a long-cast mode but I have spent little time exploring that mode. You can get to a point where you can outcast your hook-setting range and I am more interested in catching fish than finding out how FAR I can potentially cast. Are DC systems totally backlash free? No. I have backlashes pop up unexpectedly on both the Calcutta and the Calais. A consistent casting stroke is helpful on both of these reels to minimize backlash potential. I have had some backlashes occur for totally unknown reasons; perhaps the optical sensor in the DC system "blinked" or something... Is DC necessary? No - it's just another type of braking system. Does DC have practical benefits? Yes. Are the benefits worth the cost? That's up to each angler to decide. AND, don't forget one other trait of the DC system - the DC whine - music to the ears... EDIT: While I was taking forever to type my post, bootytrain posted, so some of my post is redundant with his....

Jeff - I ordered from Japan Lure Shop at 1:30PM central time on Monday the 16th. Took a bit less than 3 days from the time I ordered until it made it to Nashville !!!

Yeah baby ! Did Dwight get his yet??? Tracking system says my MetDC is in Nashville - could get to my PO box by tomorrow....

Anyone notice that this thread is over 17 months old? Anyway, looking at the Montana Fish & Wildlife web site, it does look like Mr. McDonald / McDanold (different spelling between the first post of this thread and the Montana web site) was granted the record - congrats to him.... Smallmouth Bass 22.5" 6.7 lbs. 8/30/13 Fort Peck Reservoir Melvin McDanold

I did that pairing twice - on the 893C and on a 852C - it's an attractive color combo. These photos of the 893C are actually older file photos. The 893C now has a Met XG on it...

The odds are MUCH better than that - there are only about 48,000 BR members !

So many JDM choices now - and especially now with the favorable dollar/yen conversion rate. To help you decide - can you think of a technique that you don't have covered right now and associate a reel with that? OR, is there a technique that you really ENJOY the most and using a JDM reel for that technique might make the experience even more enjoyable? I think you have to narrow it down to what you want to use the reel for which will help you down-select all the JDM goodies out there. Of those you mention - if you really want to play with DC - I'd go Exsense. Want uber-light weight - the Aldebaran. Want the latest and greatest that combines elements of both - save a little more for the Met DC. Of course, being a round-reel fan...everyone should have a Conquest 50/51... Good luck in your decision !

Thanks for the kind words RW. No more 5-year reviews though...I'm getting too old for that long of a test span. Maybe some shorter reviews though if something floats my boat... Ya think! And people might have thought I was on the BPS payroll by taking 5 years to review one of their products.............NOT... :lol:

I am especially weak when I am snowed-in and can't fish...

Thanks Hootie but I'm sure there are more deserving folks on the board who could use a nice rod ! Thanks, but after the completion of the PQ 5-Year Challenge, I think my reviewing days are over...

Met DC

OK - I ordered a new reel last night...will need a rod to go with it...

Another great fish Paul ! Yeah - weather up here on the Plateau has shut me down as well. Ice storm yesterday, snowing and 12 degrees right now and sub-freezing temps expected all this week. Water is probably hard by now but I don't know as I can't drive to a lake to find out... No fishing for me for about a week I expect...

Outstanding - CONGRATS ... Now - keep getting that line wet and a 6 pounder will be in your future!

Thanks. I used a cardboard box for quite a while before building that one out of wood. It is divided to hold bags of plastics and can also hold 3500 size Plano boxes. Interior photo of the box is below. A thread about this box, including more photos, is here: Rod Box For Organization / Transport Of Rods In Cars & Small SUVs

One can always use another rod - should I start picking the desired model?