Which one would you choose?  Both are close in price and weight but I never fished the Metanium.

I say flip a coin on that one dude.  Part of me says the Abu because it's new and has a mother of a drag.  The other part of me says the Shimano because of known reliability.  That's a tough one.

All this coming from a Daiwa fanatic.   :  Get both as Raul would say.

I'm having the same debate.  I had a problem with the premier but i think it's only an isolated incident and Abu is swapping it out with no problem.  

I have a Metanium MG. It is much lighter than the Calais, but in terms of performance, quite comparable. There is nothing about this reel "not to like". If this is the reel you choose, you will NOT be disappointed!

I'm having the same debate. I had a problem with the premier but i think it's only an isolated incident and Abu is swapping it out with no problem.

I had same "isolated problem" I have both exact reels and would give the nod to ....drum roll please............SHIMANO

I would go with the ABU if you fish in brackish or salt water. Magnesium does not do well around salt water. Shimano says they have a coating to protect the reel from the salt but if you happen to scratch it you would have a problem. Why take a chance? For your info I am a Shimano type of guy but I thought I would mention that in case you did not know.

Have a good New Year.

I don't own any, but buy trying them a few times HANDSDOWN metanium with low weight it has strong gears a good drag and has the reliability of a honda

I say flip a coin on that one dude. Part of me says the Abu because it's new and has a mother of a drag. The other part of me says the Shimano because of known reliability. That's a tough one.

All this coming from a Daiwa fanatic. : Get both as Raul would say.

Who ? me ? nahhhh.  

If it was my money, I'd buy the Premier.

If I had Fivebass' money, I'd buy the Premier, too.  Whatever the problem with the drag, it seems to be spotty at most.  And Abu's service is second to none.