I know there is no warranty support here, State-side.  I understand that part.  but any of our resident reel repair shops can fix them right?  

 

and which Shimano Bantam should I be looking at?    MGL?

Fix what exactly? Everyone knows JDM reels don't break!? 

Seriously though, yes anybody who works on reels is able to work on a JDM reel too. Most of the time the differences are greatly cosmetic and very minor internally.

I currently have mostly all JDM only reels and have yet to have any issues with them. I do all my own maintenance and am capable of doing repairs if they were to arise though. 

I own both the previous Gen and current Gen Bantam MGL reels and love them both. There's no big differences that you would notice in a real world day of fishing IMO. I would go with whichever one you can get the best deal on.

You'll be just fine. Feed your JDM needs ?

The Bantam is popular. Very difficult to find one now. I have time. 

On 8/13/2023 at 9:28 PM, Darth-Baiter said:

I know there is no warranty support here, State-side.  I understand that part.  but any of our resident reel repair shops can fix them right?  

 

and which Shimano Bantam should I be looking at?    MGL?

 

If you need parts, it's not always 100% but a lot of Shimano parts from Japan do crossover. All else fails,  there is always Plat. 

 

I like my MGL Bantam but the new one is supposed to be a better all around reel. I would definitely consider the Metanium as well. 

On 8/14/2023 at 2:44 AM, DINK WHISPERER said:

Fix what exactly? Everyone knows JDM reels don't break!? 

Seriously though, yes anybody who works on reels is able to work on a JDM reel too. Most of the time the differences are greatly cosmetic and very minor internally.

I currently have mostly all JDM only reels and have yet to have any issues with them. I do all my own maintenance and am capable of doing repairs if they were to arise though. 

I own both the previous Gen and current Gen Bantam MGL reels and love them both. There's no big differences that you would notice in a real world day of fishing IMO. I would go with whichever one you can get the best deal on.

You'll be just fine. Feed your JDM needs ?

Yes, JDM reels are no problem