Hello I'm sitting on the fence considering these two reels and can't decide which one to go with. If anyone has experience with both of these reels and could provide an explanation as to why one has the advantage over the other that would be great. Price isn't a primary concern as I'm mainly interested in performance. I plan to use whichever reel I get for throwing rattletraps and occasional shallow cranking around grass. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I don't have the Metanium experience, but the Daiwa experience.

Steez A comes with MagZ Boost spool, which starts at 1/4 oz, and really shines casting big weights to distance (well over 1 oz). High reliability casting brake, and easy to set up.

Long-life drive with brass main gear, and stainless pinion.

The biggest advantage to Daiwa 34-mm floating spool is the ability to swap spools that change the nature of the reel, e.g., SV spools that fish 1/8-oz to 1 oz, and BFS spools that will fish 2 g to 10 g.

I literally logged on to ask this same exact question. I have a Met 100, Bantam 150, and 24 Steez SW TW. I love Core Body shimanos for moving baits and bottom jigs and Steez for plastics. But, for a dedicated bladed jig set up running mostly 15lb fluoro, I want to cover as much water and have a much castabilty as possible while have some protection from wind on open water. I had a Met DC (2018-ish) and Scorpion DC and it always felt like I had to choose between castability or breaking. The Steez A II has does have a great variety of spools, I love the SV breaking, but maybe the only thing I compromise on is the perceived rigidity or durability of the Core Body Shimanos.

I'm just looking for someone to chime in with either 1) Experience with the Metanium DC vs other shimano DC reels or 2) experience using a Steez A a lot for chatterbaits (or Spinnerbaits).

I think there are better options. I have the Metanium 100, Steez A, and the JDM Zillion. I also have the 25 Antares. If I was looking at a Steez, I would order a Antares from Japan. I don't care what anyone says, the first time you cast an Antares it will absolutely blow your mind. I compare it to the finest watch made in the world. I have never felt a reel that comes close to the precision and smoothness of that reel. If was looking at a Metanium I would buy a Zillion from Japan. The JDM Zillion is made in Japan vs the USDM version being made in the Tatula factory. Truthfully the JDM Zillion may be a better all around reel than the Steez. It ends up in my boat more than the Steez does.

23 hours ago, CaughtMeABiggun said:

I think there are better options. I have the Metanium 100, Steez A, and the JDM Zillion. I also have the 25 Antares. If I was looking at a Steez, I would order a Antares from Japan. I don't care what anyone says, the first time you cast an Antares it will absolutely blow your mind. I compare it to the finest watch made in the world. I have never felt a reel that comes close to the precision and smoothness of that reel. If was looking at a Metanium I would buy a Zillion from Japan. The JDM Zillion is made in Japan vs the USDM version being made in the Tatula factory. Truthfully the JDM Zillion may be a better all around reel than the Steez. It ends up in my boat more than the Steez does.

Why would you take the zillion over the metanium? I was looking at getting the 23 met and I already have the 21 zillion sv.

On 2/3/2026 at 11:24 PM, CaughtMeABiggun said:

I think there are better options. I have the Metanium 100, Steez A, and the JDM Zillion. I also have the 25 Antares. If I was looking at a Steez, I would order a Antares from Japan. I don't care what anyone says, the first time you cast an Antares it will absolutely blow your mind. I compare it to the finest watch made in the world. I have never felt a reel that comes close to the precision and smoothness of that reel. If was looking at a Metanium I would buy a Zillion from Japan. The JDM Zillion is made in Japan vs the USDM version being made in the Tatula factory. Truthfully the JDM Zillion may be a better all around reel than the Steez. It ends up in my boat more than the Steez does.

What do you like better about the Antares compared to the steez AII? How different are they?

22 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

What do you like better about the Antares compared to the steez AII? How different are they?

It just feels like a whole different level of reel. It cast farther and as smooth as the Steez is, the Antares is that much smoother. The first time I cast and retrieved on my Antares I think I said wow about 50 times as my lure came back to the boat. I bought my Antares after my Steez. The best way I can describe the Antares is that it's stupid good. Though the frame is a bit larger than the Steez, its very comfortable. Plus its all metal but not heavy. I bought the slower gear ratio, 5 something, because the spool diameter is large on the Antares so it has a higher IPT than other reels do with the same gear ratio. Also one more thing, I'm sure it needs a little oil, but I noticed my Steez developed the slightest tick midcast. I know its the braking system, but for that kind of money I want it to be silent and the Antares is that. If you buy the Anatares you will be looking down to make sure the reel is taking up line. Its that smooth and that powerful. Just the ultimate reel period. I'm not a Shimano or Daiwa fan boy. I own a lot of each brand along with other brands. So this is not me being a Shimano fan boy. Just the truth on this one.

On 2/4/2026 at 10:58 PM, Brycecover said:

Why would you take the zillion over the metanium? I was looking at getting the 23 met and I already have the 21 zillion sv.

I have multiple reels that have Magnesium frames and the only one that doesn't feel like it is the Metanium. The other reels are feather weights. My Kastking MG12 wieghs less than 5 ounces and my Okuma Hakais are much lighter than the Metanium. The Zillion feels better in hand, easier to adjust, and I would argue cast just as far. It's just an easier to use reel. Knowing what I know now If I was going to buy a another Shimano to complement my Metanium 100 and Zillion I would buy a Bantam. I don't own one, but from everything I have seen its better and not having a Magnesium frame doesn't make it weigh that much more than the Metanium. Punch fishing on YouTube did a great video discussing this. He observed what I have. I have not experienced this, but there has been some reliability issues with the Metanium's levelwind that does not affect the Bantams. I bought the Metanium 100 becuase it has brass gears. The JDM reels are built better than their USDM counterparts. If you want to get something Shimano to compliment your Zillion I would definitely recommend the Bantam instead of the Metanium.

So you are saying to get the bantam because the metanium isnt that much lighter? I mean it’s 1.4 ounces, which is still a good bit lighter. Also can you tell me more about the levelwind problems? I have never heard about them.

1 hour ago, Brycecover said:

So you are saying to get the bantam because the metanium isnt that much lighter? I mean it’s 1.4 ounces, which is still a good bit lighter. Also can you tell me more about the levelwind problems? I have never heard about them.

I believe the Metanium levelwind issues has been the pawl wearing out prematurely. I haven't experienced this and as stated before was discussed by Punch fishing during his comparison. For what it's worth he said the Bantam was easier to adjust and cast better. Yes the Bantam is heavier, but the Metanium doesn't feel light. I personally can't tell this makes a difference, but some people say that magnesium frames provide better sensitivity. I haven't been able to tell that. It's something to consider that might make you still want the Metanium. I just don't see the reason to step up in price. The Metanium is a Magnesium Bantam. If the frame material matters than choose accordingly. If not, save a couple of bucks and put it towards a higher end rod.

Yeah the difference is about $30 from digitaka, which is really not that much. And I would assume casting would be similar since main difference is the frame material. I will definitely watch that review. Maybe bantam being oos on digitaka for the lefty I want is contributing to my decision…

On 2/6/2026 at 6:45 PM, CaughtMeABiggun said:

It just feels like a whole different level of reel. It cast farther and as smooth as the Steez is, the Antares is that much smoother. The first time I cast and retrieved on my Antares I think I said wow about 50 times as my lure came back to the boat. I bought my Antares after my Steez. The best way I can describe the Antares is that it's stupid good. Though the frame is a bit larger than the Steez, its very comfortable. Plus its all metal but not heavy. I bought the slower gear ratio, 5 something, because the spool diameter is large on the Antares so it has a higher IPT than other reels do with the same gear ratio. Also one more thing, I'm sure it needs a little oil, but I noticed my Steez developed the slightest tick midcast. I know its the braking system, but for that kind of money I want it to be silent and the Antares is that. If you buy the Anatares you will be looking down to make sure the reel is taking up line. Its that smooth and that powerful. Just the ultimate reel period. I'm not a Shimano or Daiwa fan boy. I own a lot of each brand along with other brands. So this is not me being a Shimano fan boy. Just the truth on this one.

Interesting. Thank you for the explanation! So sounds like the Antares is a lot smoother and casts further than the steez in your opinion. How much bigger than the steez is it?

Prefer the Met DC by a lot. But the Steez A can handle large/heavy baits, and you won't have issues with it, while the Met is yet another micro module reel. All n all, if its for hard/rough use, get the Steez A, it will be far superior to the Met DC, and if its for not so heavy use (jerkbaits for example), get the Met, it palms better, casts slightly better, and looks better.

I have both reels, and think both are great. Smooth, ergonomic, durable, and great casters. I also agree with a lot of what has been said above. In particular, I’ll echo that the Met does NOT feel like most magnesium reels. Because of the DC module it weighs 6.2 Oz. The aluminum framed Steez is 6.7 Oz — which is an ounce lighter than the Antares, I believe, and really light for a reel in its class. For whatever that’s worth to you.

For cranking and rattle traps, I strongly prefer the Steez A based on (1) line capacity, (2) 90 mm handle length, and (3) durability. It really excels at slightly heavier lures from 1/2 oz up.

Since it’s a 70-sized reel, I run braid-to-leader on my Met. It’s also a phenomenal jerkbait reel, and the smaller handle is well-suited to that technique. If you’ve used the Metanium MGL, I believe it’s the same frame with a smaller spool.

On 2/6/2026 at 6:45 PM, CaughtMeABiggun said:

It just feels like a whole different level of reel. It cast farther and as smooth as the Steez is, the Antares is that much smoother. The first time I cast and retrieved on my Antares I think I said wow about 50 times as my lure came back to the boat. I bought my Antares after my Steez. The best way I can describe the Antares is that it's stupid good. Though the frame is a bit larger than the Steez, its very comfortable. Plus its all metal but not heavy. I bought the slower gear ratio, 5 something, because the spool diameter is large on the Antares so it has a higher IPT than other reels do with the same gear ratio. Also one more thing, I'm sure it needs a little oil, but I noticed my Steez developed the slightest tick midcast. I know its the braking system, but for that kind of money I want it to be silent and the Antares is that. If you buy the Anatares you will be looking down to make sure the reel is taking up line. Its that smooth and that powerful. Just the ultimate reel period. I'm not a Shimano or Daiwa fan boy. I own a lot of each brand along with other brands. So this is not me being a Shimano fan boy. Just the truth on this one.

How comfortable is the Antares to hold/palm? People say it large, but it looks about the size of the 2016-2019 Metaniums to me, which were comfortable.

21 hours ago, offsidewing said:

How comfortable is the Antares to hold/palm? People say it large, but it looks about the size of the 2016-2019 Metaniums to me, which were comfortable.

I think its extremely comfortable. It kind of reminds me of the long low Daiwa frames.

On 2/7/2026 at 6:56 PM, Micro Module Police said:

Prefer the Met DC by a lot. But the Steez A can handle large/heavy baits, and you won't have issues with it, while the Met is yet another micro module reel. All n all, if its for hard/rough use, get the Steez A, it will be far superior to the Met DC, and if its for not so heavy use (jerkbaits for example), get the Met, it palms better, casts slightly better, and looks better.

This is my view as well and I’ll add a few points.

I own both reels

Met DC XG

Steez A 6 speed.

Met DC will cast longer especially with braid or light line. I use it for jerk baits. Palms great and I would use for bottom contact as well but nothing too heavy.

The Steez is more solid of a reel. The mag breaks are very user friendly with fewer backlash issues. Also Palms low which is comfortable. Great for heavier moving baits. 1/2 and up would be great on this. Even some heavy-ish swim baits would work well, maybe below 2 oz soft baits.

Both are smooth on retrieve so hard to choose there.

Zillion is great and a bit cheaper. But also has material and paint that wears faster.

Antares 70 fishes great and is smoother and cast further, I have used it don’t own it. I can’t justify the added price as I don’t think the different is adding anything in my hands. Feels super solid though closer to steez than the MET.

@Magic_Man94 how heavy is your usual trap? Half oz might get you pretty low on the spool depending on how thick your line is?

If you’re lighter side like 1/4 or you’re fishing wind a lot. Or throwing that light crank more often Go met.

If you’re throwing heavier or those easy to cast traps. Go steez.

I also kinda like the T wing for those easy to cast lures like a trap. I just like how the line flows out more. Can’t say the performance is very different.