I have a couple of the new bantams and I have been very impressed. One is one my frog rod. The JDM is just got went on my cranking set up. I couldn’t believe how far it casts a crank bait. The changes Shimano might have made this the perfect cranking reel. Strong, smooth, solid. What does everyone else think of the new Bantams?

The 18 is a great cranking reel, so it's nice to hear the 22 redesign has opened up casting performance and made a great reel, better.  I look forward to getting my hands on one. 

 

scott

How does the Bantam palm? Do you notice the weight of the reel? Bantam seems like a reel that will last a very long time, bait monkey is calling me

18 minutes ago, LCG said:

How does the Bantam palm? Do you notice the weight of the reel? Bantam seems like a reel that will last a very long time, bait monkey is calling me

I use the 18' Bantam 5:5:1 PG for cranking and find it is very ergonomic, I can crank with it all day with no hand straining, the extra weight is not an issue at all.

I also have the 18 bantam in the 5 gear ratio. 

It's a great reel for spinnerbaits too. I also use it for 1/2 oz chatterbaits.

So far the new model doesn't have a 5 gear ratio yet. If shimano comes out with one I may try it out.

It seems most companies are getting away from the 5 gear ratios. Even the new reels with the 5 gear ratios are faster than they use to be. A standard use to be 5.0:1. Now most are 5.5, 5.6 or 5.8:1, if they offer a 5 gear ratio at all.