I just came across this reel and it was love at first sight. Can I get one of these in the states yet? If not, any idea when they should be available here?

Dno't know if or when they will be available in the states.  Check some of the Japan tackle shops.  I have the new xg.  Jury is still out.....

 

 

Jeff

The Core is the American version of a metanium so you won't see them here. Regardless if you buy one you will pay the import fees to have them shipped so you might as well just buy them on ebay.

I have 2 of the mg's.

you can check out japan tackle and see if u can order it online.  the link to the website is below

http://japantackle.com/

if it seems too pricey, you can try to find it on ebay

I would check these sites and save some bucks......http://marunouchishop.com/index2.html

http://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/default/language/en/cPath/22_81_85_2347/

http://www.bass.jp/reel.php?c=reel&mode=itemlist&tcat=Casting&series=13+Metanium

i got a metanium XG and it is the cat's meow. seriously, i've owned many nice reels but the met is the best i've ever fished with. i ordered mine from japan and it only took a week to get to me.

That is one amazing looking reel....

i got a metanium XG and it is the cat's meow. seriously, i've owned many nice reels but the met is the best i've ever fished with. i ordered mine from japan and it only took a week to get to me.

thats the nuts.

here's a few more from different angles. even the way the thumb bar depresses has this cool sounding "whoosh".

 

 

Mine is paired up with an 854GLX and it is finding its own.  I have fished with it 2 days now.  Just getting it dialed in.  I set the brakes the first time and was backlashing like crazy.  Went back and adjusted them again yesterday, to find out they had been pressed back down.  Now it is dialed in, it is REALLY growing one me.......

 

Jeff

Eye candy!

Great pics 21farms!

Very sharp looking reel.

i got a metanium XG and it is the cat's meow. seriously, i've owned many nice reels but the met is the best i've ever fished with. i ordered mine from japan and it only took a week to get to me.

Just curious can you tell me how it stacks up to a Antares HG.....

I can tell you that I have fished an Antares DC, and they are very similar with the exception of the DC part.  I had this discussion just last week with the owner of the Antares and we decided it was "the little sister to" the Antares.  I would save the money and get the Metanium, but that is me!

 

Jeff

Just curious can you tell me how it stacks up to a Antares HG.....

if you mean performance-wise, i wish i could tell ya. i only received my antares a couple of weeks ago and i've been battling a torn tendon in the elbow of my casting arm and have not been out on the water. off the water, they're both gorgeous reels. the antares is quite large and really fills up the hand...maybe too much so for many people as i have large hands and it's borderline too big for me. the antares is hefty too and feels extremely solid and smooth. i think i got it just because it is shimano's pinnacle of their non-DC line...i'm sure i will get a lot more use out of the metanium just because it is smaller and more comfortable and lighter...not to mention that 8.5:1 gear ratio will make pitchin' senkos extra fun. here are some comparo pics i just took for you:

 

 

 

I disagree. The Antares dc is not the same reel as the Antares hg 2012. The are two different generations. The Antares dc is the jdm equivalent of the Calais dc. The new 2012 Antares is head & shoulders above all previous Antares models. The new 2013 met is the little brother to the 2012 Antares .

if you mean performance-wise, i wish i could tell ya. i only received my antares a couple of weeks ago and i've been battling a torn tendon in the elbow of my casting arm and have not been out on the water. off the water, they're both gorgeous reels. the antares is quite large and really fills up the hand...maybe too much so for many people as i have large hands and it's borderline too big for me. the antares is hefty too and feels extremely solid and smooth. i think i got it just because it is shimano's pinnacle of their non-DC line...i'm sure i will get a lot more use out of the metanium just because it is smaller and more comfortable and lighter...not to mention that 8.5:1 gear ratio will make pitchin' senkos extra fun. here are some comparo pics i just took for you:

 

 

 

Thank you for the pics and your response..Since I already have the Antares HG I have been hesitant about pulling the trigger on the Met. I was impressed with the carry over from the Antares to the Met but have been on the fence about getting one and leaning more toward another Antares.......

I disagree. The Antares dc is not the same reel as the Antares hg 2012. The are two different generations. The Antares dc is the jdm equivalent of the Calais dc. The new 2012 Antares is head & shoulders above all previous Antares models. The new 2013 met is the little brother to the 2012 Antares .

Dwight,

I agree with you ....Since I just took my HG completely apart last week there is a huge difference between the prior models including the DC. I really enjoy my DC's but this HG is one sweet reel both inside and out....

The XG is rumored to be rebadged as the new Chronarch at Icast this year. Lets keep our fingers crossed. Expected pricepoint is $280.

The XG is rumored to be rebadged as the new Chronarch at Icast this year. Lets keep our fingers crossed. Expected pricepoint is $280.

dan isaac (reelex) who has been field-testing them says that they are not a rebadged existing JDM reel

I have to agree with that. That's a very, very good estimation. I love my Antares, but for the $$ the Metanium is phenomenal.

After 2 trips with the reel, I am absolutely in love with it. Casts fantastic, I've so far used 10lb mono for jerkbaits and 50lb FX2 for fishing bucktail jigs for walleye.

I love that it catches up with the jerkbait so fast that between each twitch you'll only need half a crank on the handle. Like most other Shimanos, the reel is pretty much set and forget in terms of brakes / SVS.

 

There is a slight downfall though. After 2 trips, for some reason 2 of my brakes are making a very loud whirring sound when a lure is lightly casted / pitched. The sound isn't there if you're making a long cast though. Turned those 2 brakes off, and turned 2 new ones on and the problem was gone. The sound also disappeared if I turned my SVS from 1 to 2.

 

How is everyone setting their braking systems?

2 on ans set at about 2. I started the reel at 2 on and roughly half way on SVS.

I am at 3 on and set at 2......