Anyone use this one? Im thinking about gifting one for my birthday for my 6 inch senkos and Ikas. Probably 12/14 lbs test flourocarbon. Any reviews would be greatly appreciated.

I've got one. Great reel. Casts a long way. I have it on an NRX+ 883C BJR. Really fun set up.

I have three. Great reels have the same precision build as the Bantam but lighter in weight.

What Dwight said. I have three. I also have a pair of bantams and 3 Zillions. All excellent, just pick the one that you like the feel of.

12 hours ago, bassheel said:

Anyone use this one? Im thinking about gifting one for my birthday for my 6 inch senkos and Ikas. Probably 12/14 lbs test flourocarbon. Any reviews would be greatly appreciated.

Used the 2020 Mets for about a season. Ended up selling 6 of them because they are a pain in the ass to dial in compared to a Zillion. I fished from a kayak and each rod would be required to run multiple baits. If switched a bait that ran more than 1/4oz different than the previous lure on my met and didn’t throw a couple test casts I ended up with too many backlashes.

If you’re going to be using the same bait over and over each time you’re out, you’ll love them. They are silky smooth and feel bulletproof. If you’ll be swapping out lures often I’d look at a Zill HD.

22 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

Used the 2020 Mets for about a season. Ended up selling 6 of them because they are a pain in the ass to dial in compared to a Zillion.

You're not the only one on this site over the years with this criticism, and whom reached the same ultimate solution.

I have a JDM Metanium. Excellent casting and very smooth. I apply it to smaller Swimbaits. Great investment.

The 2nd generation or current model met is much easier to get dialed in than the previous model.

I own 2 and they are great wouldn't hesitate grabbing another

I have 3 and wish all my reels were Mets.

I have three different 70 Metaniums (all JDM) and a Met 100, as well as a Zillion SV TW. Throw a blanket over them, reach underneath and grab one. They're all excellent. I think I'd pick the 100 for the OP's favored technique.

Yes I purchased the jdm metanium 100 a couple years ago, of course it's super light and high quality. I really enjoy the smaller 70 and 150 size reels, so this 100 size fit nicely for me. you won't go wrong if you get one

I love my met 100. Probably my farthest casting reel. Once you get it dialed in you can absolutely send baits. I use it to throw the majority of my single hooked moving baits on 30lb braid to 15lb tatsu.

I like it more than my zillion G 100%, that may be an unpopular opinion on here though.

7 minutes ago, 10,000 lakes Bassin said:

I like it more than my zillion G 100%, that may be an unpopular opinion on here though.

😄 That depends on whose posting, tho. Both brands have fanatics. I like to spread my reel love around.

3 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

😄 That depends on whose posting, tho. Both brands have fanatics. I like to spread my reel love around.

I think it’s fair if like I said before if you use the same weight and wind resistance style baits. The number of comments that roughly say “ once you get it dialed in” should explain the matter. If it’s a solo bait reel, it’s amazing. If you’re changing baits regularly, it’s nothing but a hassle at best and a birds nest every outing at worst.

9 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

I think it’s fair if like I said before if you use the same weight and wind resistance style baits. The number of comments that roughly say “ once you get it dialed in” should explain the matter. If it’s a solo bait reel, it’s amazing. If you’re changing baits regularly, it’s nothing but a hassle at best and a birds nest every outing at worst.

I don’t seem to have this issue too much. I regularly throw stuff from 3/8oz to 1 1/4oz. Thumbing the spool obviously but I’d be doing that on any reel for max casting distance.

13 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

I think it’s fair if like I said before if you use the same weight and wind resistance style baits. The number of comments that roughly say “ once you get it dialed in” should explain the matter. If it’s a solo bait reel, it’s amazing. If you’re changing baits regularly, it’s nothing but a hassle at best and a birds nest every outing at worst.

Sorry for not being clear enough in that post. I was referring to brand loyalty rather than the Met 100. Wasn't doubting your experience. I also know that not every reel sold in a line is perfect. Everyone was posting about how great the SV105 performed but mine was very easy to backlash until I sent it out for some work. Now it lives up to its previous hype.

EDIT: To clarify. By no means am I inferring that sending your reels out for tuning would eliminate the problem you have with the reels.