T2DM

I have the SLX DC XT and the Metanium DC both JDM, but I don't have any Daiwa reels to compare them to, but the SLX DC XT is the best value DC reel available with i-DC5 unit IMO. I customized mine; it doesn't look like the same reel anymore😁

I only own Shimano reels; it's a personal preference and nothing against other brands. I believe using Shimano formulated grease on their own products makes more sense IMO. Same as using their lubricants on their bicycle products too. Plus, you can use the ACE 2 on both gears and carbon drag washers. I have no experience with Cal's drag grease, but a lot of folks here will tell you it's a good product. Just sharing my experience, sharing ideas. Use what works for you, it's all that matters.

Yep, caught my jerk bait PB (7.25lb) using it!

I've used the Super Lube stuff in the past for gears and sliding parts, it wasn't too bad I remember but ended up going back to Shimano ACE-2 for gears and drag washers. These are what I use now for casters and spinners, plus Bantam 100 oil or TSI 321 for spool bearings.

22 Bantam 6.2

I usually remove all the split rings that came with my hard baits (jerk baits, lipless etc.) and use these directly with the lures, works really well during the cold weather and works good for some topwater lures too, except frogs. Norman lures speed clips

I've read somewhere in TT that the 22 Aldebaran BFS has Ci4+ side plates meaning only one screw goes into the magnesium frame and four screws into the Ci4+ materials. One screw hole stripped on my Chronarch MGL, really disappointed when that happened😒 and that's my main reason not to own anything but bantams and metaniums from now on.

They weight is the same but 22 is noticeably better than the18 in terms of casting and smoothness at least in my experience with both.

Chronarch MGL has a plastic line guide pawl with a metal worm shaft and it's fine, not sure yet, but most likely newer Shimano reels could have metal guide pawl and plastic worm shaft nothing and nothing wrong with a polymer worm shaft IMO. 18 Bantam has the first Gen silent tune, 22 Bantam has the second gen silent tune, Infinity drive and MGL 3 spool and yes, the 22 Bantam is over all better than the 18 Bantam. I still have two 18 Bantam and I still love both.

20 Metanium JDM is 70 size spool. 20 Metanium USDM is 150 size spool 22 Metanium Shallow Edition is 30 size spool 23 Metanium is 100 size spool 24 Metanium DC is a 70 size spool

Man, that's too much work, why not toss it in a dishwasher! I've seen that video before, and I think the video was meant for after using the reel in saltwater environments. I just let mine dry naturally then wipe them down with damp towel and use qtips to get into tight places.

@QUAKEnSHAKE Chronarch CI4???

I used to have the Curado DC but sold it, I remember it being pretty good when using braided line on 1 and 2 settings. FC line on 3 or 4 settings not so much, very restrictive on those mode and casting distance is not very good IMO. If you are an experienced bait caster user, then you'll appreciate 22 Bantam better.

The only advantage the new SLX 70 A has over the Curado 70 MGL is the MGL 3 spool and silent tune, other than that the Curado 70 MGL has few more features and built a little better IMO. Curado MGL 70K: SLX 70A:

20-23 JDM Metanium including 24 DC always uses this type of Knobs and handle lengths are typically shorter. 6 & 7 speed = 84MM handle 8 speed = 90MM handle '20 = 70 size spool '22 = 30 size spool '23 = 100 size spool 2020 USDM uses this type of knobs and handle lengths are a little bit longer. 6 & 7 speed = 90MM handle 8 speed = 96MM handle '20 = 150 size spool 24 USDM/JDM Metanium DC are identical. 6 & 7 speed = 84MM 8 speed = 90MM Spool = 70 size

Looks like the '24 Vanford 500 FA is still locomotive drive. VF500A – Shimano US Fish Shop Check this dude out for anything ultralight tackle. He's like the 'Scooby' of spinning reels.

Yes, they are pretty close in color but a little different in looks (machined and stamped a little different). Only a trained eyes should notice the difference.😂

Oh, I like the reel and been wanting an Ultegra. Just saying that the bait monkey will be around my house again.🤣

NOT AGAIN!!!

^^this^^ I've dealt with the same thing personally more than a few times, I guess for some, it's easier to blame MM gears than to replace both X-ship bearings first.

FF to 6:20, can someone explain to me what's causing that nasty sound on the retrieve? https://youtu.be/oIjDXuyUHBs

LOL! just messing around dude! It's basically for anytime I don't feel like using bait casters, I was a long-time spinning setup guy specially in my younger days, brings back memories but with a nicer setup.

My new panfish setup. Expride 72MH Twin Power C3000XG

Cool! I forgot to mention that those handles come only with bushing. I love those knobs so much that I even use them on my egg beaters.😁 Plus you've just triggered my OCD so now I want to replace my 71K handle too.🙈