I have a chance to buy a Shimano Metanium XT reel, but I am not sure if its a deal ?My friend has it in mint condition with all the paperwork, oil, wrench, extra weights in the box. He bought it for $200.00, looking to get his money back, he says its too long for his liking ?I fished with it today, like it alot, it does seem long for I usually wrap my finger around the front of the reel, but I could get used to not wrapping it around.It's light weight, very smooth, casts very well.My question is ,am I going to take a beating if I buy it for $200.00 ? I gather it must be a Japanese Shimano version ?Ivan

Castaway,

You can buy them used on ebay for $125 almost anytime. Look for Shimano Metanium XT or Scorpion, they are the same. I think you can get it cheaper. JMHO

Ronnie

Castaway,

I bought a new scorpion on e-bay for $119 from ginrinpech with free shipping.  It is a sweet reel.  I am not  familiar with the Mentanium but if it is the same as a scorpion I would say you are paying about $100 too much for a used reel

George

Thanks guys, Dammit, he always tries to get me. Lol.I will look elsewhere. I wish I hadn't fished it all day.I really liked the reel alot. Ivan

I found the reel at Ginrinpech. I think I would be better off buying the Scorpion MG1000 reel if they are close to being the same. Ivan   http://cgi.ebay.com/SHIMANO-Casting-Reel-METANIUM-XT-RIGHT-2005-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ140063043001QQihZ004QQcategoryZ36146QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem