T2DM

Yes it is exactly that, I bought one a while back and liked it a lot but since I got it in an open box, with few scratches and wasn't sealed so I ended up returning it and since I already owned both the Stradic and the Vanford, I felt like I need to go Twin Power to really experience a whole lot of difference. Still I would buy another Sustain if I need to, It's a nice reel. Maybe the twin power is like a Bantam version of a spinning reel?

I agree 100 percent. I have two of them in 3000 size and I'm not sure why they're underrated for an aluminum body reel. They're awesome for its price.

Miravel schematic is not yet available at Shimano's website or at least I can't find it, I could be wrong but I think its still has the transverse cam just by looking at its line lay on the spool and where it's position in the Shimano's line up. Ultegra and up are all worm shaft as far as I know. Nothing wrong with the transverse cam though.

I'm pretty sure Vanford 1000 size and up are all equipped with worm shaft oscillation system with the exemption of the 500, not sure why. Maybe because of its size, no room for a worm shaft or the spool height to short.

Almost identical...LOL!

It is an all-around MH rod for sure...

yes, definitely for that but 3/8 was the max I've used it for bottom contact and 1/2 on soft plastic swimbaits, it was fine and not sure about 3/4 and above.

I have one and it feels between fast and mod fast IMHO. either way you can't go wrong with the Expride for its versatility. 1/2 oz is the sweet spot for me.

Few years ago, I've bought 2 Dobyns Colt series, 703 and 704 a few months ago I bought a Kayden 714 and based on my experience with all three, the 4 power is really a medium heavy and 3 is more of a medium IMO. The 714 "Fast Action" in fact is a little softer and slower action than my 7' MH Loomis GCX and I love using the 714 with 3/8 chatter bait Mini Max. I'm almost certain that Dobyns Rods actions and tapers are all the same throughout their lineup but then again, I could be wrong.

I guess I'm one of those...?

I feel exactly the same way about all this dude, it is so confusing it's giving me a headache, I love geeking out on things but this one is becoming pretty deep. The only way that I can confirm that this feature is there/working is this, I own both the 18 and 22, I feel the difference between the two when I use them side by side. Maybe a better explanation will come out soon from others.

I appreciate the illustrations but based on the new shape of the area of the shaft where the spool pin is located (I'm not sure what it is called, and I wish I knew) and from what I've read on their websites, Infinity drive in the new Bantam is a new way the pinion gear hugs the larger diameter of the spool shaft where the pin in located, the pinion when engaged with the spool have a better or solid connection and doesn't rely on the spool side X-ship bearing for full support, that bearing is now only there to keep the pinion in place when the thumb bar is engaged. This is from Shimano Japan: "It is newly equipped with an Infinity drive, a new structure that supports the spool shaft from the inside of the pinion gear instead of the bearing on the spool side with a large rotational resistance. The rotational resistance of the gear part is greatly reduced, and high strength is achieved while realizing a lighter and more direct winding than before. It follows the 21 Calcutta Conquest as a bait casting reel and is the first low-profile Bantam to be installed. The Infiniti Drive brings even more comfort and strength to the highly rigid core solid-bodied Bantam. This exquisite combination takes Strong Versa Tiles to a new level".

I'm the one who started that thread over at TT and from what I've learned the picture of the Ocea jigger infinity drive is a little misleading compared to the new Bantam since they're not the same. Hopefully a reliable answer comes out soon. Here's what I've noticed so far: 18 Bantam 22 Bantam Here's what I think about the X-ship IMHO. The purpose of the two bearings supporting the pinion gear is to completely isolate it so it can't make contact or create friction with the (long and skinnier) portion of the spool shaft when the thumb bar is engaged or during the cast. The pinion gear slides away only little bit just enough for it to detached itself from spool shaft pin, all at the same time relies on those two bearings to hold its position. The only area of the pinion gear that makes contact with the spool is when it needs to grab the pin or during retrieve, even at this position the pinion gear is completely free from the spool shaft. So yes X-ship will always require two bearings, you'll also notice that the spool shaft has no bumps and I think the only purpose of the spool shaft design on the Bantam or similar Shimano reels is to reach the tension cap.

You're very welcome, glad to help. Good deal for sure!

20 Metanium comes in both JDM and USDM, both are made in Japan, USDM are 150 size spools, JDM are maybe 70 or 100 size spool and comes smaller handles and knobs...and most of the time cheaper. Speed ratio are the same, I think. They even have a shallow spool edition now with aluminum gears.

USDM models should be the same I think, 6.2:1 and 7.1:1 typically comes with 84MM handle with a bit smaller knob and the XG comes with 90MM with bigger knobs the comes with Curado K, MGL 150. I typically install 18 Bantam XG handle assembly on all my casting reels and add an extra bearing?.

I got one three weeks ago and I liked it so much I bought another one 2 weeks later, mine are both HG but they crank like 6 speed ratios and cast a lot better than 18 Bantam, 22 Bantam is worth the upgrade IMO. So far so good, still built like a tank and my new favorite for sure.

Bad X-ship bearings can sometimes trick you into thinking the gear set are getting bad, My 71HG developed more of a "raspy" noise than "Geary" a while back when it was only a few weeks old, narrowed it down to one of the two bearings (BNT3927) located at the spool side. (One is located on top of the AR bearing). I then switched those two around and it fixed the noise issues it was having which was pretty weird. I learned from a trusted source to never oil X-ship bearings since it will flush out any factory grease inside causing them to become noisy and wear out prematurely. I also learned that X-ship bearings take a lot of loads since the pinion gear does not rely on the spool shaft for support and it's normal for them to go bad overtime so it's best to just replace them with new ones.

I have both in 3000 size and for me in the long run Vanford would be a good choice cause of the weight, might have to spend a little bit more on lighter rod though, I have my Vanford paired up with GCX 842SJR-the Stradic on 853JWR and the balance is pretty good on both setups.

SWEET!!!

There's quite a bit of difference between the two, I like my Chronarch a lot but for the money you cannot go wrong with the Curado 150 MGL with aluminum frame, new 6 pin SVS and palms better than the Chronarch.

Thanks man! there are still few good ponds left but most are over fished and too pressured. Do you remember any secret fishing holes around here????