Well, after I almost had a heart attack about the mettle going on clearance and thinking that they were discontinuing them, I've been relieved that it's been upgraded. From what I can tell, not much has changed besides the fact that it now only weighs 7.7oz as opposed to last generations 8.1oz, and I don't really think that very many of use can tell that slight change in weight. I also think that the price has gone up $10 (it now cost $59.99) but if it performs half as well as the last generation it would still be worth every penny. If anyone else has any word please let me know.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/h20-xpress-mettle-mt2-baitcast-reel-right-handed/pid-903505?color=Silver&N=46883185+106

Looks identical to the old Mettle, so whatever they did couldn't have been big.  Although, 0.4 ounces difference is fairly significant.  

 

Still a heck of a value at $60.