The reel is a famous finicky one to get set-up. Try set the spool tension to the point of the lure weight pulling the line down, with the rod in a vertical position. Always let an even number of blocks activated. 4 for heavier lures and let the rest be controlled by the plate-dial.

15 hours ago, Cbump said:

I know this is an old thread but I just got this reel. If I buy a $300 plus reel and then have to immediately have It professionally set up and tuned, that’s a problem to me. 

 

 

You don't.  Shimano braking systems and daiwa braking systems are just different from each other and take a minute to get used to.  I've now got a good bit of time on both my met and my zillion.  The met needs a little more spool tension or a little more thumb work in general.  You can cast it with minimal spool tension, but I don't advise starting there.  Add a little more than you're used to, same with the brakes, and then slowly back them off until you start to get the little overuns.  You've found the limit so start fishing there and adjust until you've got it sorted for you.  I leave 2 brake blocks engaged on the met and there is enough adjustment in the dial to sort from there.  

6 hours ago, ska4fun said:

Always let an even number of blocks activated. 

I prefer to have an even number of internal brakes activated as well. That being said, I have yet to see any "imbalance" or inconsistencies when using 1 or 3 brakes,  and I do it quite often. One shouldn't have any problems running any combination of internal/external brakes.

2 hours ago, Shie said:

I prefer to have an even number of internal brakes activated as well. That being said, I have yet to see any "imbalance" or inconsistencies when using 1 or 3 brakes,  and I do it quite often. One shouldn't have any problems running any combination of internal/external brakes.

It's physics. With an even number, the block's mass is dispersed evenly from the spool axis, uniformizing the spool spin and contributing to a more efficient braking(angular momentum shift). This effect is more noticeable on traditional VBS-like brakes.

 

SVS seems to be a continuous action centrifugal braking, the ones in Doyo reels, the effect of angular momentum shift is less noticeable, but an uneven block distribution affects negatively the spool spin.

I just took my new Met out in the yard. Casts like a dream. No issues. 

I dont have that particular reel, But I never heard of this issue with it from users, We have some member that have more than 10 of metanium. I am sure you didnt tune your reel depending on your lure type and weight. Anyways that was a great reel and your replacement is not bad at all, So just next time seek help before loosing a good tackle. Good Luck

15 minutes ago, ska4fun said:

It's physics. With an even number, the block's mass is dispersed evenly from the spool axis, uniformizing the spool spin and contributing to a more efficient braking(angular momentum shift). This effect is more noticeable on traditional VBS-like brakes.

Is this something you have experienced while using the new svs brakes?

 

When I use both my bantams and metaniums, sometimes using 3 brake blocks will actually give me more casting distance than when making micro adjustments on the 2 or 4 block settings. With no noticeable difference in the consistency or temperament of the braking if dialed in correctly. Doing that on my old citica makes it erratic, but I haven’t seen the same negative impact on the new svs brakes. 

1 minute ago, Shie said:

Is this something you have experienced while using the new svs brakes?

 

When I use both my bantams and metaniums, sometimes using 3 brake blocks will actually give me more casting distance than when making micro adjustments on the 2 or 4 block settings. With no noticeable difference in the consistency or temperament of the braking if dialed in correctly. Doing that on my old citica makes it erratic, but I haven’t seen the same negative impact on the new svs brakes. 

 

That's why I called it less noticeable on SVS brakes, since the blocks seem to deliver braking during all the spool spinning.

I run  my metaniums with 3 brake blocks on and adjust with the  dial .Got the new Bantam and have been using it with 3 on 3 off. I highly recommend the new bantam smooth as silk casts great don't even mind the extra weight.

4 hours ago, Cbump said:

I just took my new Met out in the yard. Casts like a dream. No issues. 

 

Glad it all worked out for you! no more buyer's remorse I hope?

33 minutes ago, T2DM said:

 

Glad it all worked out for you! no more buyer's remorse I hope?

I never had buyer’s remorse. I’m not the OP. I just bumped this old thread. 

5 minutes ago, Cbump said:

I never had buyer’s remorse. I’m not the OP. I just bumped this old thread. 

My bad Bro!