Big-Bass

The point of this reel not being magnesium is they have the Metanium at $419 for that purpose and the if you didn't want magnesium but wanted Ci4+, the Chronarch MGL or G fits that bill just under $300. The Bantam is a made in Japan all aluminum reel that is what many Shimano fans have been asking for since the Chronarch D7. I think they made a smart move using aluminum especially with the micro module gearing as it will translate to butter smooth retrieves and built like a tank performance. To save an ounce and use magnesium would be redundant to the lineup not to mention hurt the sales of the Metanium. For many who have felt these reels already at the Japanese shows, they are essentially as smooth as a Conquest only low profile. And the Conquest is the smoothest reel I have ever had in my hands. I have owned Metanium MGLs and Chronarch MGLs and I am excited to see and try the Bantam. Hopefully, it will offer the same build quality and performance of the Calcutta TE, Calais 100A, and Chronarch SF reels.

Oh I know, but isn't S glass pretty much the same across the board?

I am just curious as I hear a lot of reviews on the Legend Glass series of rods but next to nothing on the Fenwick Lunkerstik. Does anyone have a comparison...I know the price is considerably different but figured I would ask. The 7'3" Lunkerstik looks nice and it's only $80. It's a glass rod (which I haven't used) so how much different could they be? I think the Legend Glass rods are some of the nicest looking rods aesthetically on the market! Thanks and best wishes on the water!

Great customer service! A few years ago, I had a Champion 702 break about 2-3" above the reel seat during a hookset using a 4" senko (landing a whopping rock bass ). I called in, sent the broken rod in, and within a week or so, I had a new Champion in hand. They were excellent to deal with!

So I bought one more or less just to see how junkie the reel is. It was $29 shipped to my door for this thing. It is definitely a copy of a TD-Z/OG Zillion/SV103 with a Steez style handle on it. I hate to say it, but it is smooth considering and the free spool is really good. It may only last a few trips but it only cost me what a spool of good braid or flouro would cost so what the heck.

Yeah I haven't even tried it out and didn't want to because of the ding. I knew buying the reel that this spool had some damage. I still got the reel and all of the dress up parts for a good deal so this wasn't a deal breaker. Thanks for any/all help or insight as to what to do.

I have other spool options if this one is not fixable. I have the IS73 in there now, and have Steez and TD-Z spools I could add. But if it is, and it's not too expensive, then I would like to have it done. Thanks!

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I bought an SV103XS a few weeks back that had an IS73 spool in it but came with the original spool. The seller indicated that there was an issue with the SV103 spool. No problem and no deal breaker as I own a bunch of them and just love the reel platform. But where should I send this spool to get it fixed? The inductor moves in and out but spins. There is also a slight ding on the end of the spool. Not sure if it will effect performance. Is it worth getting fixed or can it function as is? Any and all help would be appreciated in steering me in the right direction. Thank you!

Any moderate 7-7'6" rod in MH should do you well. As far as reels, I can think of two that I own...Team Daiwa TD-S 103P HSD (5:1) and Daiwa PT33C (3.8:1)...the ultimate cranking reel! 100mm handle back in the 80s...good luck in your search and best wishes on the water!

Saw these cheap reels on Walmart.com for $29 and my first thought was they look like a copy of a TD-Z/OG Fuego/Zillion. They actually look sort of cool and wondered if anyone has fished with one. The reviews of the reel on Amazon (though no longer in stock) are decent. Youtube doesn't have much of anything but it peaked my interest. For $29, I might give it a try and see just how "bad" it is.

I have a Falcon Expert 6' Medium Fast Action that is from about 2001. I was contemplating selling it but have had it since right before college. It's been used to catch so many fish I couldn't even think of a number. Yet, the cork, guides, blank, etc. are all still in excellent shape (but I baby my gear). It used a Shikari blank (I think SHX with Fuji Alconite guides) and from what I heard, for the price they were selling for, it was becoming too expensive to produce so they were discontinued. Outside of the Gunsmoke series (earlier model), it was the top of the line Falcon for a few years and competitive to the IMX series (some some between IMX and GLX but that's up for debate). Let me know if you are interested in it but I am still contemplating whether to sell since I have not seen one for sale anywhere.

Don't touch it up...because then it's not original!

TD-Z reels came out in 1998 and they still compete with and beat out most baitcasters as far as ability to fish light and heavy stuff and anything in between. 30 year old Loomis IMX/GLX MBR models have been out that still are some of the most sensitive rods out there. You paid top dollar for those items back then...technology has trickled down to keep the cost down for similar products today (as does place of origin) but for the most part, I think the late 1990s/early 2000s has some of the best fishing equipment available from the standpoint of quality matching price paid. If you buy an Abu, Lew's, BPS, etc. reel today, they are all coming from the same Chinese or Korean factories with specs set by the main branded company. They are sort of generic in that you pick the frame, add color, bells and whistles, etc. and then call it whatever brand you want. Not saying they are bad reels, but I doubt you'll find the same quality in a $400 Abu versus a $400 Shimano or Daiwa.

I still think it's a Crucian Carp. Simply put.

Get an SV103! As a Shimano guy for many years, these reels have become some of my favorites...I own 9 (5 103H and 4 103XS in RH). Some are not in use as backups NIB just because I like them so much! I haven't liked a reel as much as these since my Chronarch SF!

Good to know. I want to pick up a Steez SV103 and have a slew of spools for it. Steez 103HA, Steez 103SHA, IS73, Gigas TD-Z. I would be interested to see which one works best. I have a Steez 105 Limited but I haven't even taken it out of the box to fish with!

Traditional Steez SV or SV TW? Thanks!

I have an original Fuego too that I could use on the rod...essentially BNIB. Where did you find your Falcon Expert. I own one as well. PM me with details if you don't mind. I am not too far from you...about 45 minutes.

So 1 for the 103H and then split the difference with the Chronarch :)! Was looking at the Spinnerbait Special too and have heard great things about it but also heard the Diablo is very similar with the same rear handle length just more tip up top.

I'm a fly fishing fanatic too! Here is what I am currently rotating in my fly fishing lineup: Orvis Clearwater 704-4 with Redington Drift 3/4 Scott G2 844-4 with Ross Evolution 1.5 Orvis Hydros 865-4 Mid Flex with no reel at the moment Orvis Helios 2 905-4 Tip Flex with Lamson Litespeed 2.0 Winston Passport 905-4 with Lamson Velocity Nickel 2.0 St. Croix Legend Ultra 1006-4 with Allen Alphas II Loop Multi 696-4 with no reel at the moment Cortland Endurance 1007-4 with Redington Surge

What reel should I put on my Orochi XX Diablo Spec-R? One of my SV103H's or the XS's? Simple question...just looking for an opinion. Looking to fish light jigs/worms, swim jigs, spinnerbaits, and Swing Impact style baits. Thanks!

Hearing your story made me get choked up. My dad died in May of 2015 and he was my fishing buddy too! He taught me everything and I was fishing with him from the age of 3 up until a few weeks before he passed (he was fishing by himself (I had work and he was retired) only 3-5 days before his sudden passing). It's not easy but time will heal your grief and then what you'll start to remember is how much fun you had with him. Those memories will never go away. Using that rod and reel will create new ones that I am sure your dad will be watching down on and a part of. Use it for grubs, tubes, small plastics, and maybe even small jerkbaits. It will be a lot of fun to use and I'm sure your dad would be proud knowing you are still putting that "el cheapo" to good use! Best wishes on the water!

Think they were referring to TD-Z reels (unless you're talking Air Metal JDM TD-X reels). And yes, I read that too about the comfort factor of the new Steez. I have only held one but never fished it. It seems like a really nice reel!

It looks to be based off of the SS SV 105 from what I can gather and that reel was based off of the Steez (older one) with some slight changes (front shape and cheaper components). The color scheme is interesting. There is another thread that shows this reel, the new Ryoga, and I think a few others. Then, Shimano is coming out with a new Stella, a new Bantam baitcaster, etc.