Anyone have one of these? Basically its he 7:1 version of the Mettle reel. Input?

Here is a good thread comparing the Menace to the Mettle

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/118002-inside-the-academy-h2o-xpress-menace-2/?hl=%2Bh2o+%2Bmenace#entry1291570

I have one. It's smaller and lighter than the Mettle, and considerably smoother even though they have the same bearing count. I've only had it since earlier this ear, but so far I've been very pleased with it.

The drag is a weak spot. It makes something like 8#, which is fine, but over time it gets really sticky on the startup. Same with the Mettle. The problem lies in the smaller of the two drag washers, which appears to be some sort of plastic washer. A carbontex washer will fix the problem and also gives a little more drag power. The size needed is a #6 carbontex washer from Smoothdrag.com.

For anyone who's interested, right now the H2O baitcasters are all on sale from $10 to $40 off.

Someone posted a schematic saying the mettles are basically the same thing as the daiwa lexa.  Can anyone confirm?  Does daiwa make academy reels?

Fishwhittler...thanks for the tip on the sale....gonna run to Academy and grab another Mettle.

Someone posted a schematic saying the mettles are basically the same thing as the daiwa lexa.  Can anyone confirm?  Does daiwa make academy reels?

 

Yes, they do.

Interesting. Might have to buy one and check it out. Heard nothing but good things.

Own 2 Menace, the old and the new.  Really a fan of them both.  Super smooth and talk about casting distance!  You might check out the new Mystic too I have a couple of them as well and they are SWEET!

Bought 2.  Essentially 2 daiwa lexas for less than the cost of one branded with 'daiwa.'

 

Thanks for the tip!

I pulled the trigger on one. We'll see.

I pulled the trigger on one. We'll see.

 

 

Please post a review once you have spent some time using it.  There aren't many reviews.

Arrived by Fed Ex Ground today. SUWHEEEEET! A bit surprised actually, I figured a Mettle with 7:1 gears....nope a much higher quality reel. Smooth as butter! Cant wait to get it to the lake.