Same size

Awesome, thanks guys.  Is it worth saving $100 and buying a JDM reel? As far as I know you lose any warranty that may come with the reel because your in a different country, but I have also heard that Shimano USA will not work on a JDM reel is that true?

6 minutes ago, Rusty_Shackleford said:

Awesome, thanks guys.  Is it worth saving $100 and buying a JDM reel? As far as I know you lose any warranty that may come with the reel because your in a different country, but I have also heard that Shimano USA will not work on a JDM reel is that true?

I have never used them for service, but I know for sure they won't honor the warranty. There's a ton of reputable service guys out there that know reels though, some on this very site, so I don't worry much. For me, it's worth every penny of the $285 I paid for it. I don't know if I'd like it as much at $420.

1 hour ago, Tywithay said:

 I don't know if I'd like it as much at $420.

My sentiments as well.

 

I own 4 2020 model metaniums. 2 JDM's and 2 USDM's. Have been using them heavily for about a month now. 

 

I wouldn't (and didn't) pay $420 for these reels. 

I appreciate the info guys thanks a lot... Someone told me that Shimano USA wont work on a JDM reel at all, whether that's true or not I dont know.  I know a few people that work on reels but it all depends on if they have the spare time to work on the reel or you wont see it for a couple weeks at best.  So if you need something repaired during the height of the season its likely your not going to see that reel for a while.  I think ill take my chances, if I can get a Bantam for 250 and or a 20 Met MGL for 320 and shipped for free

57 minutes ago, Rusty_Shackleford said:

I appreciate the info guys thanks a lot... Someone told me that Shimano USA wont work on a JDM reel at all, whether that's true or not I dont know.  I know a few people that work on reels but it all depends on if they have the spare time to work on the reel or you wont see it for a couple weeks at best.  So if you need something repaired during the height of the season its likely your not going to see that reel for a while.  I think ill take my chances, if I can get a Bantam for 250 and or a 20 Met MGL for 320 and shipped for free

I am agree with you there, also I haven't seen someone complaint about their items, for sure I didn't have any issue with them yet, they work same as first day, I just brush and blow air and lube them time to time and they are running perfect.

Has anyone else notice that you practically have to have your drag cranked down to get any real drag pressure? Or is it just my two reels? I did notice they were heavily greased when I opened them up.

5 hours ago, DomQ said:

Has anyone else notice that you practically have to have your drag cranked down to get any real drag pressure? Or is it just my two reels? I did notice they were heavily greased when I opened them up.

I have noticed that on my two 20 metaniums.

It seems to be the same way with my four bantams mgl.

They have to be really tightened down to get enough drag pressure to drag fish in.

56 minutes ago, mrpao said:

I have noticed that on my two 20 metaniums.

It seems to be the same way with my four bantams mgl.

They have to be really tightened down to get enough drag pressure to drag fish in.

Ya, seems like a pretty weak drag but whatever, that can always be upgraded!

I have only used this setup for 2 days but really am loving it.

 

Shimano Metanium Low Profile Reels, METMGL150HGB 

Shimano PAD173MHA Poison Adrena rod

40ln Power Pro braid

 

I have been dialing in the settings and currently have 2 internal brakes on and working with spool tension and external dial.  It casts amazing but curious what others are using for settings?

 

 

 

Thanks

 

1 hour ago, DanielGraham said:

I have only used this setup for 2 days but really am loving it.

 

Shimano Metanium Low Profile Reels, METMGL150HGB 

Shimano PAD173MHA Poison Adrena rod

40ln Power Pro braid

 

I have been dialing in the settings and currently have 2 internal brakes on and working with spool tension and external dial.  It casts amazing but curious what others are using for settings?

 

 

 

Thanks

 

I had that exact setup except I was throwing 832 braid instead of PP.

 

At first I also thought it was a great setup until I did some side by side casting comparisons with other reels. That’s when I realized the USDM spool size on the 20 Metanium creates a ton of friction on braid.

 

I was able to outcast the Met with almost every other reel I tried including Tats, hyper mags, and patriarchs.

 

The first fix was I swapped the USDM spool with the JDM spool. This got a good bit of the distance back; however, I’m still just not convinced the Mets really have a wheel house casting braid long distances compared to other spool geometries.

 

Ultimately, I ended with the poison adrena rod being a wacky worm rod with flouro and kept the JDM spool. It absolutely bombs that bait further than any other reel I’ve tried by far!

Interesting, where did you get a JDM spool?

5 hours ago, DanielGraham said:

Interesting, where did you get a JDM spool?

Jun at Japan Tackle.

 

Part Description: Shimano 20Metanium #90 spool assembly.

 

SKU: po2005291

 

Ive now swapped all my Mets to JDM spools. They’re that much better IMO.

 

Do you know where I can find BFS spools for Shimano reels?

1 hour ago, ATA said:

Do you know where I can find BFS spools for Shimano reels?

Japan Tackle

Hey @CFDoc, I just bought a JDM 20 met too. While I haven't received it yet I'm already concerned abought the handle knob size. Did you just replace the knobs or the whole handle assembly? Also, with such a small spool should I be concerned with bomb casting 3/8 - 1/2oz chatter baits with so little line on the smaller spool?

 

Thx.

I just replaced the knobs on my 2020 Met's 

 

I use the Power Grip knobs (Shimano part #BNT 5767)

Awesome! May I ask where you purchased them?

I order all of my stuff directly from Shimano, however I just checked and it shows they are out of stock on those knobs until Christmas. 

Of course... Are they the same size as the USDM 2020 Met knobs? I assume that you use the existing hardware and just bolt the new knobs on - correct?

Also, I checked out the Shimano site. I appears you put Curado knobs on your 2020 Metanium. To be clear, I have a JDM 20 Metanium and the knobs are smaller than the USDM 2020 Metaniums. The USDM Metanium knobs are currently available from Shimano. Are you recommending the Curado Knobs over the USDM 2020 Metanium knobs?

23 minutes ago, SunnyAllDay said:

Also, I checked out the Shimano site. I appears you put Curado knobs on your 2020 Metanium. To be clear, I have a JDM 20 Metanium and the knobs are smaller than the USDM 2020 Metaniums. The USDM Metanium knobs are currently available from Shimano. Are you recommending the Curado Knobs over the USDM 2020 Metanium knobs?

Yes, I put the Power Grip (Curado K) knobs on every reel I own. I am not sure which knobs are on the USDM Met.

 

Edit* I just checked and the USDM Met also uses the 5767 knobs.

Sounds good to me, thank you! I assume I need the BNT5713 handle knob seals too. Are there any other parts I would need to finish this project?

The 5713's are black and that is what I put on all of mine. I even replaced all of my Bantams with them. The 5840 will be the chrome/silver knob seals, so that is just a personal preference. 

 

Also, While I am at it, I just go ahead and replace the bushing with a bearing (BNT 4187) which are also currently out of stock. However, you can get bearings from a lot of places that will work. Bearing size 4x7x2.5