39 minutes ago, Rockhopper said:

@T2DM  Is the handle shank color from the 22 bantam and the met b the same color or different?

 

The met B handle assembly is actually $11 cheaper than the 22 bantam.  I will just put the met B handle on my bantam if it will match the star drag, etc.

Yes, they are pretty close in color but a little different in looks (machined and stamped a little different). Only a trained eyes should notice the difference.😂

2 minutes ago, T2DM said:

Yes, they are pretty close in color but a little different in looks (machined and stamped a little different). Only a trained eyes should notice the difference.😂

Thank you.  I actually sold the jdm met b last week so no longer have it to reference.  I have just ordered three handle assemblies.  Got two of the met B's, one for the 22 bantam and one for the curado bfs, and ordered one of the 18 bantam handle assemblies for the curado 71 mgl, and will try to figure out how to swap the bushings for bearings.

25 minutes ago, Rockhopper said:

$60 on their website.  The met B handle assembly is $36.  

 

I appreciate the feedback, but not at all what I am after.  I simply want 90mm shimano handle shanks with the larger shimano power knobs.  Not interested in anything else.

I got you.  I thought you wanted a black handle with knobs bigger than a 22 Bantam.  That pretty much leaves the Gomexus or a Tatula 300 handle with an adapter and at that point just get a Gomexus.  

 

Bantam knobs are great. I guy put them on his Zillion to replace the thin stock ones.  It looked really sharp especially because the new style Daiwa knobs are very Shimano like in appearance.  

Finally got the upgrades done, Curado 71k with a matching green handle shank and bigger knobs with 2 bearings per knob, also replaced the gear set from 7.4 down to 6.2

I have 14 shimano baitcasters.. Changed all my stock handles and knobs to gomexus ones... If you were local to me.. I'd just give you my stock ones...

On 2/19/2025 at 3:46 PM, FishTank said:

 

This what I have, sort of, on my Bantam and it's great. The one I have came Gomexus AU on Ebay and was more of a dark silver/gray and has cork knobs but was shipped from China.  I like the big knobs on it. They feel amazing and are effortless to turn. I think I paid $50 shipped but it was regularly $60 at that time. Took two weeks to get.

 

I didn't like the shape of that Gomexus knob. I still don't, but after using one, I find it very comfortable and practical. And with careful comparison with stock Shimano knobs, I believe these cork knobs would dampen the vibration from the reel more effectively. Namely, the same reel will feel smoother when cranking.

1 hour ago, newapti5 said:

I didn't like the shape of that Gomexus knob. I still don't, but after using one, I find it very comfortable and practical. And with careful comparison with stock Shimano knobs, I believe these cork knobs would dampen the vibration from the reel more effectively. Namely, the same reel will feel smoother when cranking.

It took me a bit to warm up to them but for crankbaits, I really like them and actually prefer them over the stock handles and knobs. I have fished jigs with this same handle and it's not my favorite. It just seems off to me. For jigs I like the bigger handles from Daiwa and Shimano.