T2DM

Glad it all worked out for you! no more buyer's remorse I hope?

It may not be the reel if it's not making any kind of weird noise while casting. Plus, it's likely a totally different braking system compared to what you're used to. Try: Turn on all the brake blocks. Wipe the brake pipe clean. Turn the external brake dial to max. Eliminate the spool side to side play (apply more pressure if needed) Start with 3/8oz or 1/2oz non bulky lure, like a lipless crankbait. Give it a go then slowly dial down the external brake after a few casts to get some distance. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Another one is the SLX 6'-10" medium....

With my experience with the Casitas 150 which the SLX replaced, I've promised to myself I would never buy another Shimano with no double pinion bearing support ever again, but that just me though. If the budget is an issue, then go with the SLX 70. But if you can spend the extra money, then just go with the Curado 70 MGL, it's just simply a better reel overall and a good resale value. it's all up to you.

I've gotten used to these handle knobs on my bait casters, so I've replaced all the factory handle knobs with BNT5768 on my spinning reels, just feel natural to me. BNT5768 is a LH. Gives you an idea on what's possible I hope. 2x Spheros SW 3000 (came with T-handle) 1x Stradic FL 1000 (came with Stradic FL 2500 knobs) 1x Stradic FL 3000 (came with T-handle) 1x Vanford 3000 (came with T-handle) Exscence should come with 2 handle knob bearings already so you should be good there, I think. Don't forget to get shims (BNT6555) and the end caps (BNT7074) if you decided to use Shimano handle knobs. There's a ton of options out there though.

LOL! was fishing for crappie but 2LB ish Bass on 10LB braid with 6LB fluorocarbon leader is really something else!

Most Honda are made in the USA too.

Daiwa, Shimano and other foreign reel company have a lot of employees here in the USA too. Just a thought......

So technically I can call Lew's and they should have parts that would fit most Shimano or Daiwa reels right?

My first ever St. Croix Rod (Premier Bass Pro Exclusive 6'-6" Med light). It's not a high-end rod or anything but man this thing is pretty dang sensitive. Paired it with Stradic FL1000 and I loving this setup!

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure the only difference between the Scorpion MGL and the Curado 200k is the Spool and other parts should be interchangeable, Kind of like, I've replaced parts out of my 2017 Scorpion DC using the Curado 200i parts except the DC side plate and spool of course. Yes USDM Bantam are the same as JDM pretty much.

22 Bantam cast almost as good as the 20 Metanium and it's darker but not glossy finish like the 18, I hate to say it cause I love my Metanium, but the 22 Bantam is a better value for me for the time being IMHO. It gets pretty cold in the hands during the wintertime though that's why I have the Chronarch and the Metanium for really cold weather.

22 cast better than the 18 for sure, 18 looks better, infinitydrive a bit noticeable. overall it's worth the upgrade if you don't mind the weight.

2 x 22 Bantam A 1 x 20 Metanium B 2 x 18 Bantam MGL 1 x Chronarch MGL 2 x 17 Scorpion DC 1 x Curado MGL 71 K 1 x Vanford 3000 1 x Stradic FL 3000 1 x Stradic FL 1000 2 x Spheros SW 3000 Never had any problems but worn-out bearings on few of them, I know, I know someone in here thinks Shimano reels are "Low quality crap" that have all these "Problems". So maybe next time based on my experience, I'll consider buying........................more Shimano! Tatula SV TW 70 maybe?

It's a nice reel with nice tech but seems counterproductive???

This^^^ where is the new Chronarch and the new Metanium DC???

After playing around with Shimano baitcasting reels from the Casitas up to the 20 Metanium, I decided that the 22 Bantam is my "IT" reel from now on or at least for the time being until Shimano release a new one, I now have two 18 Bantam and two 22 Bantam. Something about the 22 Bantam that makes it better than the 20 Metanium, like a round reel in a low profile form, for me anyway. I still like and baby my Metanium though.

I know exactly what you mean since I've dealt with this myself, I usually swap where they're originally installed if my reel comes with two of them (BNT3927), Usually Shimano reels that are equipped with MM gears comes with 2 of those ball bearings and usually that works for me. I think those bearings get a little "raspy" when water gets in them.

that's normal for the XG model (maybe 96MM?), below is the HG model and has 90MM handle.

Cool! Let us know....

The G doesn't have the MGL spool but looks a lot better in my opinion. Same price so it's really up to you or that darn monkey! I've been wanting the G myself just never pulled the trigger for some reason,

Excellent point! ?

Maybe they need to bump the brake control up to 11 while they're at it!?

I was hoping for them to release a new Chronarch with at least the latest 6 brake shoe SVS and not so new MGL 3 spool. That's what I meant and sorry if I confused you?. You are right, the current Chronarch is still pretty darn good.

I also have both, I'd say the Chronarch would be a better choice, but I would wait for the new one to come out hopefully sometimes this year, I'll bet the new Chronarch will have the new SVS infinity brakes and a new MGL spool. If you can't wait and don't mind the overall weight, then check out the new Bantam A. You can't go wrong with the Metanium though.