Alrighty…. So I have Four (4) 2018 Bantam MGLs.    All have worked fabulous.   Got them off the Japanese auctions and all came working mechanically excellent.    Took 3 of the 4 apart and got them ready for the new season and they’re smooth as new (so I’d imagine).     This 4th one I just got was smooth on arrival.   Used it with no issues and just decided to take it apart to clean it all out since I hadn’t yet.    Now this is where the fun begins.    Was smooth before taking apart and when I put it together the spool wouldn’t turn.   Took the spool out and everything moves.   Put the spool in and turn the handle and it moves.   Put the side piece on and nothing moves.   I locked all brake tabs in and it the spool turns.   Take 1 brake tabs out and spool doesn’t then and the brake dial only turns to 3 and then won’t move.   I didn’t force anything so I don’t break anything.    The spool seemed snug in place.   Took it apart 6-7 times.   Last time it was side by side another one and everything put together the same.  The other one worked flawless and this one didn’t.   Swapped spools and it wouldn’t work in the other frame…. So that’s weird.    I checked the spool and  nothing looks bent or out of place.    
 

soooooooo…… I put the spool back in the original frame and this time it clicked into the frame.   All my others have never clicked into place that I can remember.   And now it works as it should.   Nothing seems to be grinding.  No weird noises.   Casts just the same and even the retrieve is smooth as can be.   
 

Anyways long story short! It seems to be working but weird it had to “click” or “snap” into place in the pinion gear.    
 

Anyone with a 2018 bantam have you encountered this before?  Or just this just maybe a one off?  Maybe something else is up and I didn’t catch it??   
 

this reel was by far the cheapest I’ve won from the auction so I’ll just use it until it dies but i also don’t want to shorten its life if I did something wrong they I’m missing.   
 

sorry this is a long one

 

1 hour ago, MiceNReets said:

 Anyone with a 2018 bantam have you encountered this before?  Or just this just maybe a one off?  Maybe something else is up and I didn’t catch it??     
 

sorry this is a long one

 

 

Not long to me! I write long posts too. Oh well! Information takes words! Discussion forums are for words!

 

Now about your reel. Sounds like something you did. If it worked fine and smooth before you took it apart and put it back together again, then that points right straight to you and what you did or did not do.....

 

Secondly why are you buying reels from Japan?

 

I am an old service tech on rods and reels and worked for a warranty repair shop for years on all the major brands. Shimano's are my favorites.

 

But not JDM reels! Americans are making a huge mistake buying JDM reels.

 

All that means is Japan domestic model. It does not mean anything special. Just different.

 

Shimano engineers typically put advancements into JDM reels first to try it out in Japan first before putting it into U.S. reels. And U.S reels are designed for how Americans fish differently than Japanese do.

 

I repeat there is NOTHING better about any JDM reels. Just different is all and might have an advancement a year or two sooner than U.S. whoopie.

 

The problem with Americans buying JDM reels is that Shimano USA won't support them. And will not supply parts. Even when I was at a warranty repair shop for Shimano we could not get the parts from Shimano and no schematics either.

 

If you want JDM reels repaired you gotta ship them to Shimano headquarters and let them do it. They will not support JDM reels in USA. So if you need parts good luck! You might be able to get a similar part from a U.S. made reel. Otherwise contact Shimano Japan and see if they will help you out.

 

I'm an old Shimano fan going back more than 40 years and bench experience as warranty tech for Shimano reels and I won't touch JDM with a ten foot pole. Why? Nothing there I can't get in USA except for maybe different colors and a few differences. Other than that JDM is nothing more than a status symbol or hood ornament.

 

A free spinning spool is a free spinning spool no matter what country the reel is sold within.

 

Take Shimano DC reels for example... Shimano engineers spent a lot of time researching how Americans fish. Shimano engineers come to USA at least once a year around ICAST and visit warranty shops. I used to get those visits and loved sharing what worked and did not work about their designs.

 

Do you have any idea how much design effort Shimano engineers put into carefully designing DC reels just for the American market? Take a read on this...

 

Key features of these DC reels tailored for the USA market:

• Digital Control (DC) Braking System: This innovative system uses a microcomputer to monitor spool speed and apply the ideal amount of brake to prevent backlash, which is particularly helpful for anglers casting in challenging conditions like wind. This technology enhances casting distance and overall control.
• Curado DC: The Curado DC is a popular and well-established series known for its durability, dependability, and versatility. This model offers a 4-setting, externally adjustable brake dial for easy fine-tuning based on conditions and lure weight. The Curado DC 200 model specifically provides increased line capacity for heavier lines and larger lures, perfect for a wide range of fishing techniques popular in the US.
• Metanium DC A: The Metanium DC A is known for being the lightest Shimano DC reel to date, featuring a lightweight CoreSolid magnesium frame for durability and reduced fatigue. It boasts an upgraded I-DC5 braking system, offering enhanced fine-tuning for casting control and accuracy. This reel is designed for effortless casts and exceptional ergonomics. 

•  

While the Metanium DC A is specifically sold to the US market, it is still manufactured in Japan. 

 

In summary, Shimano's DC reels designed for the USA market, like the Curado DC and Metanium DC A, integrate advanced Digital Control technology to provide enhanced casting performance and control, addressing the specific needs and preferences of anglers in the US."

 

Specifically addressing the needs and preferences of USA anglers! And you go to Japan to buy a reel NOT made for USA? Why I can only wonder?

 

With DC reels Shimano actually included a noise or whine feature on purpose for U.S. market. Even the level of braking coming from the microprocessor was designed for how Americans fish.

 

So to Shimano and myself I don't understand why anyone in USA would seek out JDM reels that U.S. warranty repair shops will not take in or touch, and Shimano USA will not supply parts or schematics or anything on any JDM reels. You are on your own! Just wanted to point that out as I am assuming your purchase of these reels from a Japan auction means you bought JDM?

 

 Shimano and Shimano engineers are not keeping anything from Americans in their reels. They simply use their home market to develop their designs. If it does not work in Japan, then USA never sees it. If you want that then go for it. Otherwise avoid JDM at all costs! My .02 cents and too many words! Again.

 

 

 

What a treat.  It's like someone stuck in a time bubble from 1990 somehow gained asscess to the internet and then made a post about shimano reels.  Very wholesome.  

1 hour ago, FloridaFishinFool said:

 

Not long to me! I write long posts too. Oh well! Information takes words! Discussion forums are for words!

 

Now about your reel. Sounds like something you did. If it worked fine and smooth before you took it apart and put it back together again, then that points right straight to you and what you did or did not do.....

 

Secondly why are you buying reels from Japan?

 

I am an old service tech on rods and reels and worked for a warranty repair shop for years on all the major brands. Shimano's are my favorites.

 

But not JDM reels! Americans are making a huge mistake buying JDM reels.

 

All that means is Japan domestic model. It does not mean anything special. Just different.

 

Shimano engineers typically put advancements into JDM reels first to try it out in Japan first before putting it into U.S. reels. And U.S reels are designed for how Americans fish differently than Japanese do.

 

I repeat there is NOTHING better about any JDM reels. Just different is all and might have an advancement a year or two sooner than U.S. whoopie.

 

The problem with Americans buying JDM reels is that Shimano USA won't support them. And will not supply parts. Even when I was at a warranty repair shop for Shimano we could not get the parts from Shimano and no schematics either.

 

If you want JDM reels repaired you gotta ship them to Shimano headquarters and let them do it. They will not support JDM reels in USA. So if you need parts good luck! You might be able to get a similar part from a U.S. made reel. Otherwise contact Shimano Japan and see if they will help you out.

 

I'm an old Shimano fan going back more than 40 years and bench experience as warranty tech for Shimano reels and I won't touch JDM with a ten foot pole. Why? Nothing there I can't get in USA except for maybe different colors and a few differences. Other than that JDM is nothing more than a status symbol or hood ornament.

 

A free spinning spool is a free spinning spool no matter what country the reel is sold within.

 

Take Shimano DC reels for example... Shimano engineers spent a lot of time researching how Americans fish. Shimano engineers come to USA at least once a year around ICAST and visit warranty shops. I used to get those visits and loved sharing what worked and did not work about their designs.

 

Do you have any idea how much design effort Shimano engineers put into carefully designing DC reels just for the American market? Take a read on this...

 

Key features of these DC reels tailored for the USA market:

• Digital Control (DC) Braking System: This innovative system uses a microcomputer to monitor spool speed and apply the ideal amount of brake to prevent backlash, which is particularly helpful for anglers casting in challenging conditions like wind. This technology enhances casting distance and overall control.
• Curado DC: The Curado DC is a popular and well-established series known for its durability, dependability, and versatility. This model offers a 4-setting, externally adjustable brake dial for easy fine-tuning based on conditions and lure weight. The Curado DC 200 model specifically provides increased line capacity for heavier lines and larger lures, perfect for a wide range of fishing techniques popular in the US.
• Metanium DC A: The Metanium DC A is known for being the lightest Shimano DC reel to date, featuring a lightweight CoreSolid magnesium frame for durability and reduced fatigue. It boasts an upgraded I-DC5 braking system, offering enhanced fine-tuning for casting control and accuracy. This reel is designed for effortless casts and exceptional ergonomics. 

•  

While the Metanium DC A is specifically sold to the US market, it is still manufactured in Japan. 

 

In summary, Shimano's DC reels designed for the USA market, like the Curado DC and Metanium DC A, integrate advanced Digital Control technology to provide enhanced casting performance and control, addressing the specific needs and preferences of anglers in the US."

 

Specifically addressing the needs and preferences of USA anglers! And you go to Japan to buy a reel NOT made for USA? Why I can only wonder?

 

With DC reels Shimano actually included a noise or whine feature on purpose for U.S. market. Even the level of braking coming from the microprocessor was designed for how Americans fish.

 

So to Shimano and myself I don't understand why anyone in USA would seek out JDM reels that U.S. warranty repair shops will not take in or touch, and Shimano USA will not supply parts or schematics or anything on any JDM reels. You are on your own! Just wanted to point that out as I am assuming your purchase of these reels from a Japan auction means you bought JDM?

 

 Shimano and Shimano engineers are not keeping anything from Americans in their reels. They simply use their home market to develop their designs. If it does not work in Japan, then USA never sees it. If you want that then go for it. Otherwise avoid JDM at all costs! My .02 cents and too many words! Again.

 

 

 

 

 

Ahhh… I should clear up something else I realized I forgot to mention.      I took the spool from Bantam XG (working fine) and put it in Bantam HG (problem reel) and it functioned 100% as if nothing was wrong.   Then I put spool the original spool back in the issue reel and it wouldn’t work which leads me to believe it’s a spool issue.   However nothing looks off and it worked once “clicked” in.

 

 

as for buying JDM, I buy it because I’m cheap lol.    My local stores selling a 2018 Bantam MGL for $450 makes no sense to me when I can get them used from Japan for $100-120 each shipped.     So it’s a no brainer in that aspect.   Don’t care if it’s JDM or not.   Just care what fits the budget at the time and the better deals    So need to go off on buying locally or JDM.    My local stores don’t need my support.  I owe them nothing and they owe me nothing.  Plus most just tell you what they think you want to hear.  And as for warranty… shimano Canada is just around the corner for me and they’ve taken my Stradic FL reels from Japan and serviced them  no questions asked.    (Just don’t feel confident enough working on spinning reels)

 

reel is functioning normally, just the clicking into the side plate was new too me and wasn’t sure if it’s a me thing or its a bantam thing now and then.     One of my bantams has an upgraded spool and the others are all original.  🤷🏻‍♂️ 

As far as a warranty I couldn’t care less as I’ve yet to use one other than from BPS. I’m also in the same mindset as @MiceNReets in I’m all about saving a couple bucks when I can. As for my local shop I try to support them when I can and I do and my local guy even serviced my Piscifun reel which I found the part that needed to be replaced on my own and when I asked about servicing my JDM reels he replied with not a problem as the biggest difference according to him is the gear set being aluminum vs brass which seems to be the same consensus on here. Either way to each their own.

2 hours ago, MiceNReets said:

 

 

Ahhh… I should clear up something else I realized I forgot to mention.      I took the spool from Bantam XG (working fine) and put it in Bantam HG (problem reel) and it functioned 100% as if nothing was wrong.   Then I put spool the original spool back in the issue reel and it wouldn’t work which leads me to believe it’s a spool issue.   However nothing looks off and it worked once “clicked” in.

 

 

as for buying JDM, I buy it because I’m cheap lol.    My local stores selling a 2018 Bantam MGL for $450 makes no sense to me when I can get them used from Japan for $100-120 each shipped.     So it’s a no brainer in that aspect.   Don’t care if it’s JDM or not.   Just care what fits the budget at the time and the better deals    So need to go off on buying locally or JDM.    My local stores don’t need my support.  I owe them nothing and they owe me nothing.  Plus most just tell you what they think you want to hear.  And as for warranty… shimano Canada is just around the corner for me and they’ve taken my Stradic FL reels from Japan and serviced them  no questions asked.    (Just don’t feel confident enough working on spinning reels)

 

reel is functioning normally, just the clicking into the side plate was new too me and wasn’t sure if it’s a me thing or its a bantam thing now and then.     One of my bantams has an upgraded spool and the others are all original.  🤷🏻‍♂️ 

 

The 'click or snap' in sound is from the silent tune O-ring attached directly to the spool bearing, some are tight, and some are loose and it's a normal thing. 

 

2 of my 22 Bantam make weird sounds when their spools are swapped for some reason.

10 minutes ago, T2DM said:

 

The 'click or snap' in sound is from the silent tune O-ring attached directly to the spool bearing, some are tight, and some are loose and it's a normal thing. 

 

2 of my 22 Bantam make weird sounds when their spools are swapped for some reason.

 

ahhh yeah!  You’re right.   I really haven’t thought of that and it makes sense.    I didn’t want to have to force anything but I tried the spool in all my other bantams now and it’s just this one spool that needs a little ooomph and it works as it should.    Thanks for clearing that up! 

@MiceNReets you probably know this already and this might not even help, but the 2 pieces of the side plate can get misaligned while opening.  When it is, it never wants to shut correctly.  I line up the logo parallel and the notch somewhere around 12 o clock.

 

scott

5 hours ago, softwateronly said:

@MiceNReets you probably know this already and this might not even help, but the 2 pieces of the side plate can get misaligned while opening.  When it is, it never wants to shut correctly.  I line up the logo parallel and the notch somewhere around 12 o clock.

 

scott

 

i thought that was the issue but once I fixed that, it fit in fine.   I’m thinking it must of been the o ring on the bearing.  Because it didn’t work in any other reel until I snapped that one spool in.   Either way it’s good to go, just found it weird and was hoping i wasn’t too crazy