Chronarch mgl vs bantam mgl 2024
Pipewrench reply :
Thinking about getting an mgl reel , looking at the Chronarch mgl or the bantam mgl( bantam probably jdl for the price) anyone fished/ have both have any input? Like the met To but out of my budget.
onenutinthewater reply :
I have both and love them both although the Chronarch went back for new main and pinion after less than 2 years. Both are currently boxed up and going back to shimano for repairs- chronarch AR bearing works sporadically in cold temps and the bantam clutch does not depress easily. Was looking into the Scorpion MGL next but come to think of it I have never had to send in a Daiwa and may just stick with them from now on.............
fishballer06 reply :
I own 4 of one and 3 of the other and I love both of them. What are you primarily looking to use the reel for?
bwjay reply :
Hey, welcome to BassResource!
I own two Bantams as a result of owning the HG, then trying a Chronarch MGL XG, and returned it for a Bantam XG. The Bantam is SUCH a solid reel with a beautifully smooth and rigid retrieve. It takes a little more work to cast as far as the Chronarch MGL, which looks great and casts great, but unfortunately the Chronarch felt hollow to me, like I was gonna break it by squeezing it while fighting a fish. I know that that won't actually happen, but I didn't like that. On top of the breakable feeling, there was a geariness to the retrieve. I could actually feel gears turning. I knew it could be an issue going into it, and it turned out that that specific reel just had too much geariness for me. It's the reason I haven't gone for a Metanium yet. The brass gears in the Bantam give it more smoothness for sure. So... I bit the bullet and just got another Bantam, and surprise surprise, I love it just the same. It gets out of the way and just lets you fish with confidence. I wanted to love the Chronarch, and maybe I could if it had brass gears, but I didn't want to mod one. I'm hoping Shimano puts out an updated Metanium MGL with brass gears in JDM or USDM, or both, in 2020. My wallet is hoping they don't. 
Ooh, dark gunmetal too while we're daydreaming.
I hope this helps. Though the Bantam is more expensive, and heavier, it balances out my tip-heavy rods, and is a dream to fish, and I don't regret owning two of them. I'm hesitant to buy a third, as I just don't need that many expensive reels, but boy do I sure want another!
jbsoonerfan reply :
On 11/6/2019 at 11:47 PM, bwjay said:Hey, welcome to BassResource!
I own two Bantams as a result of owning the HG, then trying a Chronarch MGL XG, and returned it for a Bantam XG. The Bantam is SUCH a solid reel with a beautifully smooth and rigid retrieve. It takes a little more work to cast as far as the Chronarch MGL, which looks great and casts great, but unfortunately the Chronarch felt hollow to me, like I was gonna break it by squeezing it while fighting a fish. I know that that won't actually happen, but I didn't like that. On top of the breakable feeling, there was a geariness to the retrieve. I could actually feel gears turning. I knew it could be an issue going into it, and it turned out that that specific reel just had too much geariness for me. It's the reason I haven't gone for a Metanium yet. The brass gears in the Bantam give it more smoothness for sure. So... I bit the bullet and just got another Bantam, and surprise surprise, I love it just the same. It gets out of the way and just lets you fish with confidence. I wanted to love the Chronarch, and maybe I could if it had brass gears, but I didn't want to mod one. I'm hoping Shimano puts out an updated Metanium MGL with brass gears in JDM or USDM, or both, in 2020. My wallet is hoping they don't.
I hope this helps. Though the Bantam is more expensive, and heavier, it balances out my tip-heavy rods, and is a dream to fish, and I don't regret owning two of them. I'm hesitant to buy a third, as I just don't need that many expensive reels, but boy do I sure want another!
Ummmm, all good information aside from the fact that the Chronarch MGL does indeed have brass gears. I haven't received mine yet so I can't form an opinion on "geariness" but the fact that you say you could love it if it had brass gears makes me wonder about your experience with it. I'm not saying it didn't feel hollow or you didn't feel like you were going to break it, but don't knock it for not having brass gears when it does.
bwjay reply :
On 11/7/2019 at 1:16 AM, jbsoonerfan said:Ummmm, all good information aside from the fact that the Chronarch MGL does indeed have brass gears. I haven't received mine yet so I can't form an opinion on "geariness" but the fact that you say you could love it if it had brass gears makes me wonder about your experience with it. I'm not saying it didn't feel hollow or you didn't feel like you were going to break it, but don't knock it for not having brass gears when it does.
So sorry!! I thought it was both the Chronarch MGL and Metanium MGL that had aluminum gears, guess it's just the Metanium. I wonder why the Chronarch has the same geary feeling, then...
Yumeya reply :
I would choose the Bantam.
Nuff said
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
On 11/6/2019 at 11:47 PM, bwjay said:Hey, welcome to BassResource!
I own two Bantams as a result of owning the HG, then trying a Chronarch MGL XG, and returned it for a Bantam XG. The Bantam is SUCH a solid reel with a beautifully smooth and rigid retrieve. It takes a little more work to cast as far as the Chronarch MGL, which looks great and casts great, but unfortunately the Chronarch felt hollow to me, like I was gonna break it by squeezing it while fighting a fish. I know that that won't actually happen, but I didn't like that. On top of the breakable feeling, there was a geariness to the retrieve. I could actually feel gears turning. I knew it could be an issue going into it, and it turned out that that specific reel just had too much geariness for me. It's the reason I haven't gone for a Metanium yet. The brass gears in the Bantam give it more smoothness for sure. So... I bit the bullet and just got another Bantam, and surprise surprise, I love it just the same. It gets out of the way and just lets you fish with confidence. I wanted to love the Chronarch, and maybe I could if it had brass gears, but I didn't want to mod one. I'm hoping Shimano puts out an updated Metanium MGL with brass gears in JDM or USDM, or both, in 2020. My wallet is hoping they don't.
I hope this helps. Though the Bantam is more expensive, and heavier, it balances out my tip-heavy rods, and is a dream to fish, and I don't regret owning two of them. I'm hesitant to buy a third, as I just don't need that many expensive reels, but boy do I sure want another!
The difference in feel is due to weight. The light weight reels tend to transmit any vibration in the reel. There’s nothing wrong with it, just a trait you may not care for. The Bantam is smooth partly because it’s a heavy, rigid reel comparatively. Similar to the D series Curado etc. Gear material is just another contributing factor with the alloy gears being lighter but perfectly durable.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
I feel like the chronarch does feel hollow. It is extremely smooth, but it lacks the solidity of the curado platform, for the reasons DVT states above.
Pipewrench reply :
On 11/6/2019 at 10:15 PM, fishballer06 said:I own 4 of one and 3 of the other and I love both of them. What are you primarily looking to use the reel for?
Jigs and Senkos
FishTank reply :
I don't think you can go wrong either way. If going for a light weight set up then I would go with the Chronarch. If a more solid feel is what you are after then the Bantam. I have only held the Chronarch but I do own the Bantam. Having owned a few of the older Chronarch, I decided I wanted the Bantam. I like the sort of round reel feel it has.
onenutinthewater reply :
2 different reels- The Chronarch just fits in my hand so well and is a dream to cast BUT you can feel the hollowness in your hand which you do not in the Bantam. Bantam just feels solid and takes more effort casting for me. Bantam has handled 18 # salmon no problem while the chronarch MGL went geary after 20+- steelhead and went in for new gears.
jbsoonerfan reply :
I was finally able to put both reels to the test this past weekend and here are my thoughts (and only my thoughts) and opinions. I use these reels for two entirely different techniques so this isn't so much as a head to head comparison. I was using my Bantam in a 6:1 ratio to throw jerkbaits and squarebills. The wind on Saturday was pretty brutal and I was trying to find some fish off the main lake points. Only was able to find one fish in this area but this reel performed FLAWLESSLY. Not once did I get a backlash or even think I was going to get one. This was casting into, across and with the wind. The reel palms incredibly well and despite the small amount more that it weighs, I wasn't able to tell a difference when fishing it. I was using the Chronarch in a 7:1 ratio to throw 1/8 oz T-Rigged 3" Senko for the first part of Saurday and it handled it better than I had anticipated. On Sunday I switched to a 3/16 oz T-Rigged sweet beaver and this is where this reel shined. It pitched and handled great. This reel is a bit longer but seems to palm as well as the Bantam. I don't get the hollow feeling that people claim but maybe it's because I wasn't using it for moving baits. Overall, these are both great reels and I don't think you can go wrong with either. If I were buying again, I would buy the one that I could get the best deal on. I paid $260 for my Bantam and $190 for my Chronarch and I don't think the Bantam is $70 better if money is an issue. If money is no problem, get them BOTH. 
Pipewrench reply :
I’ve red several people saying their Chronarch mgl reels feeling geary on this post and others , anyone ever experience that with the bantam mgl? As far as durability aren’t they the same gears used in both? Possibly the lighter frame and smaller knobs allowing for the Geary feeling to be felt more if that makes since? Or has anyone found out if switching the knobs on the Chronarch mgl to the larger ones like on the Curado k resolves this issue?
mrpao reply :
The lighter frame of CI4 material makes them feel more geary because it transmits more vibrations. It also makes the CI4 material a good choice for bottom contact techniques due to it been more sensitive.
The same goes for magnesium framed reels. Lighter but you'll feel more through the reel.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 11/7/2019 at 11:21 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:The difference in feel is due to weight. The light weight reels tend to transmit any vibration in the reel. There’s nothing wrong with it, just a trait you may not care for. The Bantam is smooth partly because it’s a heavy, rigid reel comparatively. Similar to the D series Curado etc. Gear material is just another contributing factor with the alloy gears being lighter but perfectly durable.
As Mike has mentioned the Bantam is a very rigid reel due to its 3 piece design of the outer shell. All the other Shimano reels are 5 piece design. The elimination of those extra two pieces makes for a more rigid & closer tolerances of the basic platform. Hence the extra smoothness & feeling of overall quality when reeling.
Pipewrench reply :
Anyone have experience using Japan lure shop? Decent price on the bantam think I’m leaning that way ,if anything is wrong with the real are you out of luck having gotten from over seas or does Shimano still take care of warranty/service issues ? Never had Any problems with my other Shimano or Daiwa reels I have with abu but won’t be buying anything from them again even though they did take care of the problem (side plate flew off during a cast and of course into deep water).
fishballer06 reply :
On 11/18/2019 at 9:17 AM, Pipewrench said:Anyone have experience using Japan lure shop? Decent price on the bantam think I’m leaning that way ,if anything is wrong with the real are you out of luck having gotten from over seas or does Shimano still take care of warranty/service issues ? Never had Any problems with my other Shimano or Daiwa reels I have with abu but won’t be buying anything from them again even though they did take care of the problem.
I've ordered from them a few dozen times...
JDM reels carry no warranty in the US. So if you need a part, you'll have to buy the part. It's kind of the offset for saving money with the currency exchange rate.
bunz559 reply :
Japan Lures can be trusted. I have ordered several from them. Also, I've gotten a Megabass 110 with each order thrown in. ????
As for the Chronarch and Bantum, I hands down love the Bantum more. The Chronarch is a nice reel, but feel, casting, durability, and longevity, the Bantum is really nice. While my Chronarch still fishes fine, it's not nearly as nice and smooth as it was 3 years ago. My Bantums aren't as old, but I fish them much harder than the Chronarch and they remain as smooth as new.
FrankN209 reply :
Another vote for JapanLure. I've order about 5 reels from them now. Always comes with a nice lure also.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Digitaka is a good place to purchase plus it has free shipping usually less than Japan Lure Shop where you are charged a fair amount for shipping around $18.
BaitFinesse reply :
On 11/7/2019 at 5:15 AM, bwjay said:So sorry!! I thought it was both the Chronarch MGL and Metanium MGL that had aluminum gears, guess it's just the Metanium. I wonder why the Chronarch has the same geary feeling, then...
Because it's plastic.
Pipewrench reply :
just checked digitaka and the metatanium mgl is only 26$ more than the bantam any thoughts? I like the bantam But I’ve heard the met is a nice real , would be for jigs and weightless plastics.
FrankN209 reply :
On 11/21/2019 at 10:55 AM, Pipewrench said:just checked digitaka and the metatanium mgl is only 26$ more than the bantam any thoughts? I like the bantam But I’ve heard the met is a nice real , would be for jigs and weightless plastics.
I've heard the met has aluminum gears. the bantam has brass.
jbsoonerfan reply :
I just got my Met today. I got it in an XG and I will put it through the paces on Sunday. I plan on throwing a T-Rig with it and maybe a jig. I will try to compare it with similar baits with my Bantam and Chronarch as well. It already "feels" like the Chronarch and it will fell the same on the water. I am guessing I will end up using my Bantam for moving baits like a spinnerbait and chatterbait and end up using the Met and Chronarch for bottom contact just based off the way they feel.
fishballer06 reply :
On 11/21/2019 at 11:01 AM, FrankN209 said:I've heard the met has aluminum gears. the bantam has brass.
The Metanium MGL does have aluminum gears. The Bantam MGL is brass.
You can upgrade the Metanium to the Curado K brass gears for around $30.
FrankN209 reply :
On 11/21/2019 at 10:13 PM, fishballer06 said:The Metanium MGL does have aluminum gears. The Bantam MGL is brass.
You can upgrade the Metanium to the Curado K brass gears for around $30.
That's actually good to know, thanks. I wanted to buy the Met MGL, but hesitated because of the gears. I prefer the brass, even if it adds a little more weight.
bunz559 reply :
The Metanium MGL is a pretty sweet reel. I have 2 and absolutely love them. It's a slightly bulkier reel but it's super light. Probably why Shimano put aluminum gears vs brass. But none the less, it's quite the workhorse as well. I have my Metaniums on my jig rods and they perform wonderfully.
fishballer06 reply :
It's not uncommon for manufacturers to put aluminum gears in their higher end reels these days in order to save weight. Even Diawa puts aluminum gears and pinions in their Steez models.
bwjay reply :
On 11/22/2019 at 4:03 AM, fishballer06 said:It's not uncommon for manufacturers to put aluminum gears in their higher end reels these days in order to save weight. Even Diawa puts aluminum gears and pinions in their Steez models.
That's what's a bummer about it. It's not uncommon. The level of smoothness (overall, including tightness of handle, geariness, all that) of my Bantam was, in no small way, superior to the Chronarch MGL I had, and definitely the Metanium MGL I tried at the store (which I'm sure has been thoroughly "used"). And obviously my SLX and SLX XT (which I still like). I wish it was more common not to compromise on higher end reels when it comes to feel. I get that weight savings are good, but... brass gears can't add more than what, 0.1-0.25oz of weight, right? I know weight adds up quick and if they made exceptions everywhere, it would add an ounce to the reel, but it would be nice if brass gears were more common in higher end reels.
fishballer06 reply :
At this point, with the popularity of the DC reels and Bantam, that there's proof that people care more about a longer lasting, smoother reel, rather than having a featherweight, as long as the reel is still in that sub 8oz category.
bwjay reply :
On 11/22/2019 at 5:23 AM, fishballer06 said:At this point, with the popularity of the DC reels and Bantam, that there's proof that people care more about a longer lasting, smoother reel, rather than having a featherweight, as long as the reel is still in that sub 8oz category.
I think so too. My fingers are crossed in hopes that Shimano releases a new Metanium MGL with brass gears and a dark gunmetal color... or a new product entirely that is still lighter than a Bantam but is almost as smooth as one, with brass gears. Just no DC... I generally don't like hearing "machines" when I'm out in nature (especially on a wilderness canoe trip with almost no technology).
BaitFinesse reply :
Not to Daiwa it up too much here but they too appear to have learned and are going back to aluminum handle side plates as a premium feature with the Tatula Elites and Zillion 10.
The Maestro reply :
On 11/22/2019 at 5:23 AM, fishballer06 said:At this point, with the popularity of the DC reels and Bantam, that there's proof that people care more about a longer lasting, smoother reel, rather than having a featherweight, as long as the reel is still in that sub 8oz category.
I remember having this conversation with an employee at Bass Pro a few years ago. Eventually they would reach a limit on how light they could go. Then they would switch from talking about how light their reels are to talking about *insert latest industry trend here*.
In all fairness though. The Bantam is to me at least the nicest reel I've ever handled. I wonder if they'll be coming out with an updated version soon. If they do I just hope they don't make any stupid changes just for the sake of change. I especially hope they don't make it lighter.
fishballer06 reply :
On 11/22/2019 at 5:47 AM, BaitFinesse said:Not to Daiwa it up too much here but they too appear to have learned and are going back to aluminum handle side plates as a premium feature with the Tatula Elites and Zillion 10.
The aluminum sideplates on the Tatula Elite feel SOOOO nice. I'm very impressed with mine.
On 11/22/2019 at 5:47 AM, bwjay said:My fingers are crossed in hopes that Shimano releases a new Metanium MGL with brass gears and a dark gunmetal color... or a new product entirely that is still lighter than a Bantam but is almost as smooth as one, with brass gears.
On 11/22/2019 at 5:50 AM, The Maestro said:In all fairness though. The Bantam is to me at least the nicest reel I've ever handled. I wonder if they'll be coming out with an updated version soon. If they do I just hope they don't make any stupid changes just for the sake of change. I especially hope they don't make it lighter.
The Bantam came out in 2018, so I doubt we'll see an updated version at least for another year or two. If they do update it, I think all they need to do is lengthen the reel a little bit to move the line guide a little further away from the spool.
The Metanium MGL however hasn't been updated since 2016, so we might see a new Met next season (fingers crossed).
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
I find the Chronarch to be a great caster, but it feels kind of hollow to me. My next reel purchases will be an XG Bantum and and XG Met(when the new one drops).
Mikeltee reply :
Hmm... OP wants a light jig and senko reel an no one had mentioned the Alderbaran. I just picked up a 50 for $175. There isnt much difference between the 50 and the 30. For under $500, the Alderbarans are hard to beat for light weights. Granted I dont get the warranty but I can buy 2 off ebay for the price of 1 with a warranty.
BaitFinesse reply :
The Metanium aluminum micro mod main gear is a thin and particularly fragile thing. The upgrade to a Curado K main gear is almost mandatory. Reports of them failing to the point of losing teeth are well documented. The Tackle Trap will hook you up with a Curado K main gear and drag upgrade for those interested. This applies to the 13 Met as well.
Not all aluminum main gears are as problematic as the Metanium. The Daiwa Steez reels have a really good track record but even then brass main gear upgrades are common. I've owned a number of them I bought used that did not have the smoothness I desire and upgraded them to brass.
Chief250 reply :
On 11/22/2019 at 5:47 AM, bwjay said:I think so too. My fingers are crossed in hopes that Shimano releases a new Metanium MGL with brass gears and a dark gunmetal color... or a new product entirely that is still lighter than a Bantam but is almost as smooth as one, with brass gears. Just no DC... I generally don't like hearing "machines" when I'm out in nature (especially on a wilderness canoe trip with almost no technology).
While I too would love a newer met mgl in a different color I wonder how they can make it better? If you want brass we can put brass in but it's a different reel with different weight and it might not cast as far? I have all of the mgl reels and the met is just special, especially the jdm met
bwjay reply :
On 11/24/2019 at 2:09 PM, Chief250 said:While I too would love a newer met mgl in a different color I wonder how they can make it better? If you want brass we can put brass in but it's a different reel with different weight and it might not cast as far? I have all of the mgl reels and the met is just special, especially the jdm met
I wish I knew more about reels so I could suggest how they could make it better. I really don't! If they put in brass gears and gave it a new sexy paint job, that'd be enough for me. Especially since I'd like to have such a reel under warranty, and if I buy JDM (way cheaper) and swap in brass gears, I have the reel I want, but I'm now entirely responsible for fixing any problems that come up, or I sell a problematic reel at a big loss to someone who wants to put in the time to fix it. So... just offering a brass gear Met in USDM for the same price the Met is right now would probably get me to buy one, just one. They're too expensive for me to ever justify buying more than that. Of course, I have a third Bantam on the way, but I got it on a discount so get off my back OK?? ????
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 11/25/2019 at 1:05 AM, bwjay said:I wish I knew more about reels so I could suggest how they could make it better. I really don't! If they put in brass gears and gave it a new sexy paint job, that'd be enough for me. Especially since I'd like to have such a reel under warranty, and if I buy JDM (way cheaper) and swap in brass gears, I have the reel I want, but I'm now entirely responsible for fixing any problems that come up, or I sell a problematic reel at a big loss to someone who wants to put in the time to fix it. So... just offering a brass gear Met in USDM for the same price the Met is right now would probably get me to buy one, just one. They're too expensive for me to ever justify buying more than that. Of course, I have a third Bantam on the way, but I got it on a discount so get off my back OK?? ????
The Met is only $70 more then the bantum
NHBull reply :
I have a couple of both and can tell you the Bantam gets the call when going in the weeds. The Chronarcs and Mets everywhere else.
I have wrist issues and paling the Chronarcs and Mets is just more comfortable.
I have one Geary Met, but performed well. Have since swapped out all gears and they are heavenly.
bwjay reply :
On 11/25/2019 at 1:16 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:The Met is only $70 more then the bantum
Right. 20% more money. And the Bantam is only $80 more than the Chronarch MGL, only 30% more money. You can keep making that argument... I already have a hard enough time justifying $350 for a reel (Bantam) before taxes. The JDM price for Mets is very attractive, but I don't have the tools or knowledge to replace the gears and I unfortunately have other things to spend my money and time on (but maybe someday I'll learn reel maintenance). If they just released a new Met with brass gears and ideally some other fancy new stuff, I'd probably drop the cash on it.
BTW, I keep seeing you type Bantum, but it's Bantam.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 11/25/2019 at 3:38 AM, bwjay said:Right. 20% more money. And the Bantam is only $80 more than the Chronarch MGL, only 30% more money. You can keep making that argument... I already have a hard enough time justifying $350 for a reel (Bantam) before taxes. The JDM price for Mets is very attractive, but I don't have the tools or knowledge to replace the gears and I unfortunately have other things to spend my money and time on (but maybe someday I'll learn reel maintenance). If they just released a new Met with brass gears and ideally some other fancy new stuff, I'd probably drop the cash on it.
BTW, I keep seeing you type Bantum, but it's Bantam.
Oh lol, wasn't aware of the spelling mistake. I see what you mean about the gears making it considerably more then that.
NHBull reply :
On 11/25/2019 at 3:38 AM, bwjay said:Right. 20% more money. And the Bantam is only $80 more than the Chronarch MGL, only 30% more money. You can keep making that argument... I already have a hard enough time justifying $350 for a reel (Bantam) before taxes. The JDM price for Mets is very attractive, but I don't have the tools or knowledge to replace the gears and I unfortunately have other things to spend my money and time on (but maybe someday I'll learn reel maintenance). If they just released a new Met with brass gears and ideally some other fancy new stuff, I'd probably drop the cash on it.
BTW, I keep seeing you type Bantum, but it's Bantam.
There is no wrong answer here. Having all 3, they all have a place.
If the $$$$ the chronarch wins, especially if you go JDM, ( and don't hesitate to do so). If you don't like it, sell it and make an informed decision. I would also loom at the classifieds here......there may be a few willing to sell one before the Black Friday sales hit
Pipewrench reply :
bassresource has classifieds ?
Pipewrench reply :
Well I ordered the bantam xg , thanks for all the advice!
8pt172 reply :
On 11/30/2019 at 8:28 AM, Pipewrench said:Well I ordered the bantam xg , thanks for all the advice!
American Legacy has the Metanium MGL for $299.99 for Black Friday
jbsoonerfan reply :
I decided I like the Bantams as well. I have two more on the way.
.ghoti. reply :
On 11/27/2019 at 10:49 AM, Pipewrench said:bassresource has classifieds ?
We call it the flea market
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