RTipton

It gets me all of the time, too! The thought of trying 'just one more' rod, reel, etc is a never-ending dance for me. I would love to hear what your thoughts are on it once you have had time to use it. I hardly ever see any of those rods locally so I havent been able to wrap my paws around one. I am eyeballing spinnings rods now, and they are on the list.

This reel is at the top of my list. I just don't see any other Shimano model around it that is as tempting. What Daiwas do you like in the $200 to $400 range? I like light as well.

Anyone experienced a wide breadth of spinning reels in the $200ish range and up (including JDM)? I have a couple of Shimano Vanfords and love them, but my dang curiosity wont leave me alone. The main duty of it would be for general bass duties, such as shakey heads, swim baits, etc. What am I looking for? Heck if I know, just curious I guess. Would like to see what the next level spinning reel offers. Which ones? Twin Power, Complex XR, Exsence possibly. How much am I willing to spend? Depends on what I get for the money! I might go up to $400, but it better do something special. Lol Shimano only? No, I lean towards them and pretty much all of my baitcasters are Shimano, but I have somewhat of an open mind. What do I need try?

I would like to replace the factory handles on some of my Shimano reels (Bantam MGL, Chronarch MGL, both JDM) and would like to hear some suggestions on what you all have tried. I dont need anything too crazy, mainly just longer handles for my deep crankers. A little flair is okay, like a carbon fiber handle, but no need for rare exotic precious stones set in gold or super bright colors. Not that anything is wrong with that... What handles have you used that you would recommend?

Thank you, I cant wait. Just got into deep cranking, so still exploring it all. So far, the 6XD has been good. I like the Spro DD60 and DD70, too. I used the Megabass Deep 6 the last few times and its a winner. I have some Rapala DT14 and DT16's, but havent used them very much. I am sure they are great.

Thanks a LOT! I thought I had already explored all of them and now you add another one. Lol Thanks for all of the replies. New Bantam MGL on order!

Alright everyone, I am slowly but surely making progress in exploring the Shimano line up and finding which reels I like for specific applications. I would LOVE to hear any thoughts on my next one - deep cranking (16' and up, up to 25' cranks). I have listed what I have tried so far below. Out of those reels, the only ones I have tried with deep and mid depth cranking are the DC, Scorpion and Chronarch. The one reel up for consideration that I havent tried is the Bantam MGL. I like I can get it in a 5 ratio. The only hesitation is I thought I had read that it doesnt cast quite as good (distance). Maybe I dreamed that, or not remembering right. But, its stuck in my head. Anyone have one and use it for deep cranks - thoughts? 1. Scorpion MGL - I absolutely love this reel. 2. Chronarch MGL - went from not so sure, to its an awesome reel (user error). 3. Curado DC - nice reel, but I like the K, Scorpion and Chronarch much better. 4. 2020 Metaniums (have both US and JDM models) - the pinnacle of reels, in my opinion. Just something special about them. 5. Curado K - I really, really like this reel. I do, however, feel like the Scorpion is smoother. 6. Curado 70 MGL - absolutely great reel for certain applications.

Ahhh, didn't think about the handle length. Thank you! I agree, its taxing on you. I see a Bantam in PG in the JDM version, but I havent found a Curako K in PG. Do they make it?

Thank you, makes sense! I appreciate the response. That is very interesting on the sensitivity. Thats a good point - I imagine the difference is more significant depending on how long you are deep cranking.

I think this is absolutely right. If the bream have time to go after my lure, then they arent getting harassed by the bass at that moment. When the bass are shallow chasing the bream, I dont typically get a lot of those tail biters.

I just started doing some deep cranking and man, is it fun (nice slab crappie even had to have it)! First, I would define deep cranking as 6XD and up (16 plus feet). I have not thrown a 10XD style bait yet. My question is around reel gearing. I understand, like most everything else, its very much a personal preference. I have read up on quite a bit and have seen a 5 gear ratio reel recommended, and then some say a 6 is fine. What I would like to ask is - have any of you that are into this specifically tried a 5 and a 6 ratio on deep cranks, and did you feel like it makes that much of a difference?

Although not on your list, I will mention I use a Shimano Nasci 1000. Its around $100. It has served me well for several years. I hook into the occasional catfish and of course bass, while bream fishing and its never been a problem. Might be worth considering.

A little late to the party, but Southern Reel is about 5 miles from my house. It is a great place. They are very helpful and wonderful to deal with.

Thats where I am headed. I have the 7 2, 6 11, and the 7 3. I am wanting to find the ideal reel for them, which will most likely be the Metanium. The Adrenas are special, for sure! Complete control! Great looking absolutely counts. Especially if I am not catching them! Fair enough point. I will share that one with my wife! Lol I bought it last Tuesday night and it came Monday. Crazy. I have the Curado 70 MGL, too, and I love it. Just wanted to try this one. The Chronarch is still on the radar, too. Thank you!

I put it on the 7 2 heavy. Havent fished with it yet, but balance is great (I find the Adrenas to be incredible rods all the way around). I cant wait to get on the water with it.

As a result of members of this particular group, I ended up with a new Shimano Metanium (JDM). I was getting it spooled up and ready and thought I would share some pics. I hope I can some day become a bad influence, too! Hope I can get out this weekend and get some time with it.

That is great to hear. I picked up a Cara All Around a while back and have used it as a spinner bait rod and really like it. I was in Tulsa a few weeks ago, stopped by the Falcon headquarters store and picked up the 7'3' deep runner. I have not used that one yet. Now, I want to try an Expert.

Thanks everyone that offered info. Met (JDM) is in order. Be glad to report back on my thoughts when I get it.

The Bantam is definitely on my radar, but probably the next round. Thanks for your thoughts! So tempting! Thank you! I think the Met is going to be hard to pass up.

Awesome, thank you. Do you find the JDM Met line capacity plenty for most situations?

If you are trying to be funny, I guess I dont get it. Do you have anything to add to the conversation?

I appreciate the suggestion. I have considered it, but I want to try a lighter weight Shimano. If I understand correctly, its a tad lighter than the Curado K, but not much. Sounds like you like it, though. I may have to try one eventually.

I asked about suggestions for a Shimano a few months ago on here and received some great info. I ended up with a Curado K, Curado 70 MGL and a Curado DC. I have spent some time with them (not a ton, but some), and really like them all. I would like to add another one and thought I would ask for suggestions here again. Here is what I am considering - 1. Chronarch MGL - I like that its pretty light. I will likely use it for spinnerbaits. The bad thing about the Chronarch is that its very hard to find right now. 2. Metanium (JDM) - only considering the JDM because I am not sure I want to spend $400 plus. I found the JDM for a little less than $300. Any thoughts on these 2? For those that have both of these, what have you found to be your favorite use for each one?

I bought my first Falcon Friday, a Cara 7' all around. Took it out Saturday and I am impressed. Very, very light and extremely comfortable to fish with (full cork and full size handle. Several rods I have purchased recently have smaller reel seats and/or handles.) I bought is as a spinnerbait rod and it is ideal.

I am a Brigand owner, but not a user (yet). I bought it a few months ago and just havent used it. I hope it will be a good swimbait (3.8" Keitech, or similar) rod. It seems a lot of people like it for bottom contact, like a dark sleeper or small jig, which is not really what I want it for. But, we shall see. Sorry I couldnt be of more help.