Anyone with experience with both? Wondering if you would choose one over the other for throwing a variety of crankbaits. And if the Metanium is better, is it twice the money better? Thanks. 

I agree with TT's Cal that DC reels aren't about distance advantage but stability in casting. On that aspect, I believe both reels you mentioned are about the same, given that they're using the same IDC-5 system. Besides lighter frame and tighter tolerance, Metanium DC uses aluminum gears to save weight, a feature that gets a lot of complaints from users since the gears become "geary" quite soon.  For durability with cranking, I'd choose the Scorpion DC with brass gears, and save the extra money for the recent food price spike I guess. 

Scorpion DC, wont win a beauty contest against the Met DC but will perform the same. The 21 Scorpion DC looks a lot better than my 17. If money isn't a concern then go for the Met, the IDC-5 is a better brake system than the IDC-4 on their USDM reels. I don't think they cast any farther than a regular reel but they do sound cool and are great when you have to fish into the wind.