T2DM

18 Bantam MGL, Specially the 5.5PG!

I don't think there is a 2020 Metanium DC, I wish there is a new one though! but let assume you have 2020 Metanium B JDM 2023 Metanium is a 100 size spool USDM 2020 Metanium is a 150 size spool My USDM 20 Metanium 150 spool fits the JDM 23 Metanium 100 spool, Both spool are MGL3, so upgrading the spool is not really an upgrade cause 23 Metanium spool is actually a little bit shallower than the 20 USDM Metanium. I hope it makes sense.

Thanks I guess as long as it doesn't have the M, S or SS then it should have Normal spool? Normal spool is what I want.

LOL! we all know you'll pull the trigger!?

Looks like both JDM 20 and 23 Metanium have the same spool size but the 23 slightly holds more line according to Shimano Japan website. I'm a little confused. I always thought that 20 JDM Metanium is a 70 size spool, Maybe 23 has a little bit deeper spool?

The only Curado I have left is the MGL 71K. I used to have 201K HG and DC 151HG, the last one I bought was a 151 MGL but I ended up sending it back due to the uneven line lay, I didn't want to mess with it, so I sent it back and swap it with another 18 Bantam which I'm really glad I did. On top of that I find the exposed pawl cap of the 201K, DC and 151 MGL a bit annoying cause of the way I palm my reels. That's just me though to be clear.

To all JDM experts, which one of these JDM models below equals to USDM model 3000 size? Thanks in advance. 23 Stradic C3000 23 Stradic C3000HG 23 Stradic C3000XG 23 Stradic 3000MHG

I've been eyeballing the SLX DC XT to add along with my 17 Scorpion DC but somehow, I have a feeling that the new Metanium DC will come out soon and would rather buy that instead, but then again I might just get both?

Shimano should've kept at least the 200i platform (including the thumb bar), paint it Curado green and throw some upgrades and whatnot in it. That would have been cool, kind of like what they did with the SLX DC XT without the DC.

and still faster and cheaper than buying here at home.

23 Metanium 101HG ordered from Digitaka! I replaced the stock Dartanium drag with Carbon drag washer and also replaced the stock 84MM handle with 18 Bantam XG 90MM handle. It's ready to go! Left 20 Metanium 151 Spool, Right 23 Metanium 101 Spool. Interchangeable too.

Check this out! Ordered the reel at DIGITAKA Sunday evening CST 8-6-23. Delivered today a little before 4 PM CST. I was like! LOL!

Dobyns Kaden 715C not split grip but it's good for the price, SLX A or Intenza on sale at TW!

Both length should serve you well as far as bank fishing. it all depends on the handle length in relation to the blank, some 7'1" rod have the same handle length as a 7'3". IMO make sure you check the handle length on the rod that you're after and choose from there. I hope it makes sense.

Man, sorry guys for not paying attention, I used to have the K but got rid of it. It was a tank, smooth and well-built but too dang tall to palm and just not ergonomic for me anyways.

Oh well I always liked Ol' Vader anyway!?

I've got one on its way from Digitaka, it's my first time buying from them and I'm a little bit excited about the whole thing!? Hell, it might even be a pretty bad thing if I become addicted to buying from them and once my wife finds out...Yikes!!!? But it's a good thing personally for a lot of reason IMHO!? I already own a USDM 20 Metanium, anyone own a JDM 23 Metanium 100? It should be almost identical except for the spool size and handle length right?

I have not seen any "real" review on the Curado 200M yet. Even though the 200M is equipped with MGL 3 spool, it's also holds more line so I would guess the SLX XT would hold its own against the 200M as far as casting distance, but I'd bet the 200M will be better built with the included features and should be smoother.

I think the Curado 150 MGL will handle the baits mentioned well combined with the said line, but I think the rod would be too light for the chatter bait mini max? I use Poison Adrena 6'11 M+ with a 3/8 to 1/2 mini max with trailer and it felt like I couldn't do any heavier. Maybe an Expride 6'10 M or 7'2 M? Unless you're using all 1/4oz.

I'm very familiar with ALF and have bought a few tackles from them. Great Company! I also tried their trade in program a few times and was happy with the outcome.

Thanks everyone, when shopping for rods, I'd like to at least examine the rod first and pick the one that is not damaged, or the blank is not crooked. I've been burned by buying rods online then shipping them back cause of the sometimes not so great build quality. BPS at my area sometimes carry St. Croix rods well above $350 price point. They also carry Gloomis GCX series, Zodias, etc., just kind of weird not seeing any Dobyns when at least in my area Academy carries some model but not the model I'm interested in.

Dick's Sporting Goods in my area quit carrying fishing stuff entirely for some odd reason.

Anyone have an answer to this?

I completely agree with everything you've said about the Expride B, I do own a Expride A myself and while the Expride B is a bit better. Expride A is still somewhat cool though. Not so sure about the hook keeper on the B, but it's OK.

Good eye but it's look normal when I put it back in the water. But yeah kinda looks like this guy!?