All of my reels are Shimano’s, so naturally, I was excited when the 2020 Metanium came out. I have a couple of Bantams and I love them. The Metanium looked like a smaller, lighter Bantam. I have not found the new Metanium to be as long casting or forgiving as the old Metaniums I had. Has anyone else had this experience? I always use 2 brakes on, 2 off and side brake to 1 or 2. On the new Metaniums, I can’t seem to do that. I have to tinker with the tension to keep it from backlashing and casting distance is diminished.

Try setting the spool tension to where it just removes the side to side play. Then turn the brakes up and work your way down. Certain reels or spools like a little more brake.

There's a lot of variables to rule out. Usually when I get a new reel that's a little sluggish, it's from grease packed bearings. Once the spool breaks them in, it gets better and better. Flushing and lightly reoiling is even more productive.