New Bantam baitcaster 2024

Dwight Hottle reply :

The new shimano bantam has been released & according to Bantam1 feels like a conquest in a low profile design. Looks like shimano hit a home run with this one.

http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=77478

Jelvas reply :

No PG version.... in that case i´m gonna pass on this one.

kschultz76 reply :

Looks like an interesting reel. Would like to see a magnesium version for weight savings.

Maico1 reply :

On 1/20/2018 at 8:37 AM, Jelvas said:

No PG version.... in that case i´m gonna pass on this one.

Yes there is JDM.......

Spec table

Part number	Gear ratio	Maximum drag force (kg)	Own weight (g)	Spool size (Diameter mm / width mm)	Nylon thread wound amount (lb - m)	Maximum winding length (cm / 1 turn of handle)	Handle length (mm)	Number of bearings BB / Roller	Main unit price (yen)	Product code
MGL PG RIGHT	5.5	5.0	215	34/22	12-130, 14-110 16-100	59	42	8/1	39,000	03855 5
MGL PG LEFT	5.5	5.0	215	34/22	12-130, 14-110 16-100	59	42	8/1	39,000	03856 2
MGL RIGHT	6.2	5.0	215	34/22	12-130, 14-110 16-100	66	42	8/1	39,000	03853 1
MGL LEFT	6.2	5.0	215	34/22	12-130, 14-110 16-100	66	42	8/1	39,000	03854 8
MGL HG RIGHT	7.1	5.0	220	34/22	12-130, 14-110 16-100	76	42	8/1	39,000	03857 9
MGL HG LEFT	7.1	5.0	220	34/22	12-130, 14-110 16-100	76	42	8/1	39,000	03858 6
MGL XG RIGHT	8.1	5.0	225	34/22	12-130, 14-110 16-100	86	45	8/1	39,000	03859 3
MGL XG LEFT	8.1	5.0	225	34/22	12-130, 14-110 16-100	86	45	8/1	39,000	03860 9

* PG is a power gear specification, HG is a high gear specification, XG is an extra high gear specification.

Jelvas reply :

On 1/20/2018 at 9:18 PM, Maico1 said:

Yes there is JDM.......

Spec table

Part number Gear ratio Maximum drag force
(kg) Own weight
(g) Spool size
(Diameter mm / width mm) Nylon thread wound amount
(lb - m) Maximum winding length
(cm / 1 turn of handle) Handle length
(mm) Number of bearings
BB / Roller Main unit price (yen) Product code

MGL PG
RIGHT 5.5 5.0 215 34/22 12-130, 14-110
16-100 59 42 8/1 39,000 03855 5

MGL PG
LEFT 5.5 5.0 215 34/22 12-130, 14-110
16-100 59 42 8/1 39,000 03856 2

MGL RIGHT 6.2 5.0 215 34/22 12-130, 14-110
16-100 66 42 8/1 39,000 03853 1

MGL LEFT 6.2 5.0 215 34/22 12-130, 14-110
16-100 66 42 8/1 39,000 03854 8

MGL HG
RIGHT 7.1 5.0 220 34/22 12-130, 14-110
16-100 76 42 8/1 39,000 03857 9

MGL HG
LEFT 7.1 5.0 220 34/22 12-130, 14-110
16-100 76 42 8/1 39,000 03858 6

MGL XG
RIGHT 8.1 5.0 225 34/22 12-130, 14-110
16-100 86 45 8/1 39,000 03859 3

MGL XG
LEFT 8.1 5.0 225 34/22 12-130, 14-110
16-100 86 45 8/1 39,000 03860 9

* PG is a power gear specification, HG is a high gear specification, XG is an extra high gear specification.

This pi###s me of! Why not make all versions available worldwide is something i´ll never understand...

Stephen B reply :

I couldn't agree more. For a reel to MSRP at $350, I think they could have done magnesium. I am interested in the upgrades to the Stella. I can't wait to see these upgrades trickle into other models.

The new Micro Module II provides a new ideal gear design and gear teeth surface for amazing smoothness and nearly twice the strength of Shimano’s already unmatched gear durability.

X-Protect makes the new Stella up to five times more resistant to the long term damaging effects of water than the previous model, so every turn of the handle is sure to feel as good as new even after years of use.

On 1/20/2018 at 9:05 AM, kschultz76 said:

Looks like an interesting reel. Would like to see a magnesium version for weight savings.

Yumeya reply :

I will take one....asap

That PG model would be one awesome crankbait reel

Big-Bass reply :

On 1/21/2018 at 2:24 AM, Stephen B said:

I couldn't agree more. For a reel to MSRP at $350, I think they could have done magnesium. I am interested in the upgrades to the Stella. I can't wait to see these upgrades trickle into other models.

The new Micro Module II provides a new ideal gear design and gear teeth surface for amazing smoothness and nearly twice the strength of Shimano’s already unmatched gear durability.

X-Protect makes the new Stella up to five times more resistant to the long term damaging effects of water than the previous model, so every turn of the handle is sure to feel as good as new even after years of use.

The point of this reel not being magnesium is they have the Metanium at $419 for that purpose and the if you didn't want magnesium but wanted Ci4+, the Chronarch MGL or G fits that bill just under $300. The Bantam is a made in Japan all aluminum reel that is what many Shimano fans have been asking for since the Chronarch D7. I think they made a smart move using aluminum especially with the micro module gearing as it will translate to butter smooth retrieves and built like a tank performance. To save an ounce and use magnesium would be redundant to the lineup not to mention hurt the sales of the Metanium. For many who have felt these reels already at the Japanese shows, they are essentially as smooth as a Conquest only low profile. And the Conquest is the smoothest reel I have ever had in my hands. I have owned Metanium MGLs and Chronarch MGLs and I am excited to see and try the Bantam. Hopefully, it will offer the same build quality and performance of the Calcutta TE, Calais 100A, and Chronarch SF reels.

J Francho reply :

^ all that, plus 7 oz. reels aren't for the limp wristed, I guess!

kschultz76 reply :

On 1/24/2018 at 9:54 PM, Big-Bass said:

The point of this reel not being magnesium is they have the Metanium at $419 for that purpose and the if you didn't want magnesium but wanted Ci4+, the Chronarch MGL or G fits that bill just under $300. The Bantam is a made in Japan all aluminum reel that is what many Shimano fans have been asking for since the Chronarch D7. I think they made a smart move using aluminum especially with the micro module gearing as it will translate to butter smooth retrieves and built like a tank performance. To save an ounce and use magnesium would be redundant to the lineup not to mention hurt the sales of the Metanium. For many who have felt these reels already at the Japanese shows, they are essentially as smooth as a Conquest only low profile. And the Conquest is the smoothest reel I have ever had in my hands. I have owned Metanium MGLs and Chronarch MGLs and I am excited to see and try the Bantam. Hopefully, it will offer the same build quality and performance of the Calcutta TE, Calais 100A, and Chronarch SF reels.

While that all may be your opinion and maybe valid, I’d like to see this new frame construction and features in a magnesium package as well as the aluminum version. I would expect it to be priced higher, and maybe come to the next revision of the Metanium. For my needs and fishing style reels getting heavier doesn’t excite me.

On 1/24/2018 at 10:08 PM, J Francho said:

^ all that, plus 7 oz. reels aren't for the limp wristed, I guess!

Yep all of us who prefer lighter reels for various reasons are weak limp wristed, etc. the fact is I had a wrist injury a whole lot years ago and in the past several years I’m having problems with that wrist. The reel close to 8 oz, an oz heavier then a Chronarch MGL or a Metanium in the higher gear ratios. Doesn’t seem like a lot of weight but it’s a difference you can feel. Not saying the reel won’t be amazing or a game changer. I’d just like to see a lighter version.

I’ll add this, the design and construction look amazing and innovative, it is an exciting advancement. Also the weight is probably lower then you would expect for such a robust aluminum frame. Hopefully the design philosophy finds its way into other reels in the future.

J Francho reply :

I have shoulder and elbow issues. Do a search for the two-handed cast thread. Lots of good tips in there. Just a few years ago, 8 oz. was considered light.

Florida Cracker2 reply :

Last one I purchased is 7.3 oz. and I still cain't get over how light it is. But I'm used to my old school bantam 200, 1000, and a Ambassador 5000c.

Poolshark reply :

On 1/24/2018 at 9:54 PM, Big-Bass said:

The point of this reel not being magnesium is they have the Metanium at $419 for that purpose and the if you didn't want magnesium but wanted Ci4+, the Chronarch MGL or G fits that bill just under $300. The Bantam is a made in Japan all aluminum reel that is what many Shimano fans have been asking for since the Chronarch D7. I think they made a smart move using aluminum especially with the micro module gearing as it will translate to butter smooth retrieves and built like a tank performance. To save an ounce and use magnesium would be redundant to the lineup not to mention hurt the sales of the Metanium. For many who have felt these reels already at the Japanese shows, they are essentially as smooth as a Conquest only low profile. And the Conquest is the smoothest reel I have ever had in my hands. I have owned Metanium MGLs and Chronarch MGLs and I am excited to see and try the Bantam. Hopefully, it will offer the same build quality and performance of the Calcutta TE, Calais 100A, and Chronarch SF reels.

^this. The chronarchs and metanium cover the lightweight reel spectrum. Many people have said they wanted shimano to build an affordable, high performance reel like a tank; as they did with some of the reels of old. I think this caters to them. I'm looking forward to fishing one.

Yumeya reply :

All I want is a shallow spool

But I'm sure HedgeHog studio will take care of that for me...

Maico1 reply :

On 1/25/2018 at 4:13 PM, Yumeya said:

All I want is a shallow spool

But I'm sure HedgeHog studio will take care of that for me...

http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/product/reel/5341

Yumeya reply :

On 1/25/2018 at 7:24 PM, Maico1 said:

http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/product/reel/5341

Well there goes my money...

fishballer06 reply :

Another interesting factoid about this reel that hasn't been brought up here yet is the fact that the palm side no longer has a side plate. It is threaded directly into the body, giving the frame a much more rigid design than previous designs.

J Francho reply :

Not just the palm plate, but the nose cone as well. It really is constructed like their round reels.

Maico1 reply :

On 1/26/2018 at 4:54 AM, J Francho said:

Not just the palm plate, but the nose cone as well. It really is constructed like their round reels.

Can you say Conquest.....

npl_texas reply :

I've read all of this stuff but I still don't understand where this reel really fits in and what it's purpose would be.

It seems like Chronarch MGL or Metanium MGL. I like shiny new things like everyone else but I don't get this one.

burrows reply :

Why is shimano making theses reels so heavy?

Big-Bass reply :

On 1/26/2018 at 6:07 AM, Burro said:

Why is shimano making theses reels so heavy?

What I said earlier:

burrows reply :

On 1/26/2018 at 7:15 AM, Big-Bass said:

What I said earlier:

The point of this reel not being magnesium is they have the Metanium at $419 for that purpose and the if you didn't want magnesium but wanted Ci4+, the Chronarch MGL or G fits that bill just under $300. The Bantam is a made in Japan all aluminum reel that is what many Shimano fans have been asking for since the Chronarch D7. I think they made a smart move using aluminum especially with the micro module gearing as it will translate to butter smooth retrieves and built like a tank performance. To save an ounce and use magnesium would be redundant to the lineup not to mention hurt the sales of the Metanium. For many who have felt these reels already at the Japanese shows, they are essentially as smooth as a Conquest only low profile. And the Conquest is the smoothest reel I have ever had in my hands. I have owned Metanium MGLs and Chronarch MGLs and I am excited to see and try the Bantam. Hopefully, it will offer the same build quality and performance of the Calcutta TE, Calais 100A, and Chronarch SF reels.

I understand what your saying, it makes sense but I still would like to see this reel in the 7.4 range.

Big-Bass reply :

On 1/26/2018 at 7:20 AM, Burro said:

I understand what your saying, it makes sense but I still would like to see this reel in the 7.4 range.

It weighs 7.6oz.!

http://fish.shimano.com/content/sac-fish/en/home/products/fishing-reels/baitcast/bantam-mgl.html

Yumeya reply :

Personally I think this would be good on longer rods 7+feet, it will balance them out a bit better with the

added weight of the reel.

This reel will be my go to for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and small swimbaits...

Thinking GLX 893

BaitFinesse reply :

Magnesium framed reels are often geary feeling and noisy. The 'metanium buzz' is due to the aluminum alloy gears and magnesium frame. There is a deadening smoothness to an aluminum framed reel with brass gears that you just don't get from mag reels. I'll take buttery smooth over light and geary any day.

kschultz76 reply :

On 1/26/2018 at 10:27 AM, Yumeya said:

Personally I think this would be good on longer rods 7+feet, it will balance them out a bit better with the

added weight of the reel.

This reel will be my go to for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and small swimbaits...

Thinking GLX 893

The balancing is a good point.

Raul reply :

On 1/21/2018 at 12:18 AM, Jelvas said:

This pi###s me of! Why not make all versions available worldwide is something i´ll never understand...

Simple, you need to contribute to the economy of that primitive country called Japan.

burrows reply :

On 1/26/2018 at 8:37 AM, Big-Bass said:

It weighs 7.6oz.!

http://fish.shimano.com/content/sac-fish/en/home/products/fishing-reels/baitcast/bantam-mgl.html

Yeah I just seen that lol

I thought someone said 8 ounces.?

kschultz76 reply :

On 1/26/2018 at 11:56 AM, Burro said:

Yeah I just seen that lol

I thought someone said 8 ounces.?

8.1 ratio pushes the weight to 7.9 oz. Not awful, still light by comparison to many older designs. The 7.1 option is lighter then I thought so weight might not as much of an issue as I first thought.

lmbfisherman reply :

All I know is, I'm in. I was going to nab another Chronarch MGL but with Bantam MGL coming out...I'm in!

Maico1 reply :

Starting to see pricing 305.99 shipped (all models) from across the pond.....

burrows reply :

On 1/26/2018 at 8:43 PM, kschultz76 said:

8.1 ratio pushes the weight to 7.9 oz. Not awful, still light by comparison to many older designs. The 7.1 option is lighter then I thought so weight might not as much of an issue as I first thought.

So at 7.9 plus line your at 8.1 that's not heavy but most people are used to that 7.4 and under the curado I was a perfect weight for some ppl the difference between 7.4 and 7.8 is not a big deal but for me it's significant. I think there is no place for this reel in my arsenal to be honest it's more of a nostalgic buy I think I rather buy another chronarch mgl than go back to an 8 ounce reel if I had money to burn I would buy the bantam mgl to quench my nostalgia but I'll stick to the chronarch mgl's for now.

NHBull reply :

I will be holding off a season to see where the dust settles.

Just don't see the fit between the Met and cronarch, but may be wrong.

I would not be surprised to see the price of the cronarch drop on the secondary market.

kschultz76 reply :

On 1/27/2018 at 8:30 PM, Burro said:

So at 7.9 plus line your at 8.1 that's not heavy but most people are used to that 7.4 and under the curado I was a perfect weight for some ppl the difference between 7.4 and 7.8 is not a big deal but for me it's significant. I think there is no place for this reel in my arsenal to be honest it's more of a nostalgic buy I think I rather buy another chronarch mgl than go back to an 8 ounce reel if I had money to burn I would buy the bantam mgl to quench my nostalgia but I'll stick to the chronarch mgl's for now.

Burro I agree on the weight, by a lot of standards it’s not an awfully heavy reel by the specs. But compared to most any other bc reel in my rack it’s gonna be heavy enough that I’d notice the difference. That’s why I’d like to see the design concept for the frame make its way to other reels with other materials.

But I’m also going to wait and see how it’s reviewed once it’s released and how it does in the field for anglers here before I pass judgement.

With the 5.x:1 ratio available JDM in right and left retrieves it should be a killer option for a powerful cranking reel though.

burrows reply :

On 1/27/2018 at 11:49 PM, kschultz76 said:

With the 5.x:1 ratio available JDM in right and left retrieves it should be a killer option for a powerful cranking reel though.

Probably the absolute best option in the 5. Ratio for deep cranking bass.

dam0007 reply :

On 1/20/2018 at 8:37 AM, Jelvas said:

No PG version.... in that case i´m gonna pass on this one.

These are the type of reels companies can capitalize on 5:1 cranking models and once again shimano drops the ball. And even if they did a PG I bet they wouldn’t do a lefty model.

Maico1 reply :

On 1/28/2018 at 12:51 AM, dam0007 said:

These are the type of reels companies can capitalize on 5:1 cranking models and once again shimano drops the ball. And even if they did a PG I bet they wouldn’t do a lefty model.

Sure is a PG model in both Right and Left Hand retrieve.......

kschultz76 reply :

On 1/28/2018 at 12:51 AM, dam0007 said:

These are the type of reels companies can capitalize on 5:1 cranking models and once again shimano drops the ball. And even if they did a PG I bet they wouldn’t do a lefty model.

If you don’t mind ordering JDM from some place Japan Lure Shop or JapanTackle you can get the 5 ration in RH or LH retrieve.

However it’s a 150size spool, so not sure it’s got the line capacity people want for the deepest plugs on the longest rods. I don’t deep crank enough to know or say for sure.

dam0007 reply :

On 1/28/2018 at 1:08 AM, kschultz76 said:

If you don’t mind ordering JDM from some place Japan Lure Shop or JapanTackle you can get the 5 ration in RH or LH retrieve.

However it’s a 150size spool, so not sure it’s got the line capacity people want for the deepest plugs on the longest rods. I don’t deep crank enough to know or say for sure.

I saw that they did JDM after I posted... Stupid, they should just release them stateside. Daiwa does the same s***.

kschultz76 reply :

On 1/28/2018 at 1:18 AM, dam0007 said:

I saw that they did JDM after I posted... Stupid, they should just release them stateside. Daiwa does the same s***.

That I can’t explain, but at least we have the option of easily and cheaply sourcing it from Japan. Not too many years ago that was a lot harder to impossible. But you’d think if they’re already building them and shipping them stateside from Japan it shouldn’t be a problem to ship em in all ratios.

dam0007 reply :

On 1/28/2018 at 1:30 AM, kschultz76 said:

That I can’t explain, but at least we have the option of easily and cheaply sourcing it from Japan. Not too many years ago that was a lot harder to impossible. But you’d think if they’re already building them and shipping them stateside from Japan it shouldn’t be a problem to ship em in all ratios.

Exactly.

Hulkster reply :

back when I got into baitcasting, I bought a Chronarch 101A which was the top of the line reel at the time for shimano (late 90s -98 if I recall). it weighed 7.9 oz and it was considered super light. I believe it had an aluminum frame and graphite side plates.

my how times change.

Fried Lemons reply :

I understand the concept behind the new frame and how it would make the reel more rigid. That being said, does anyone ever notice their other baitcasters flexing under load? I never have personally.

NHBull reply :

Presently I do not have a 5/1 cranking reel and this may be the solution! I am sure I could find another use for my 6/1

Mark Griffith reply :

If you do some searching on JDM websites these can be had for $284 on pre-order. You can also find metaniums for under $300. In stock reels are usually received faster then domestic sites. As much as I like to support shops here in the USA most high end reels from Japanese tackle sites can be had for over $100 off.

The Maestro reply :

On 1/28/2018 at 11:51 PM, Fried Lemons said:

I understand the concept behind the new frame and how it would make the reel more rigid. That being said, does anyone ever notice their other baitcasters flexing under load? I never have personally.

I've got an order in for an 8:1 Bantam. The weight isn't an issue for me. Tbh I'm not really a huge fan of the whole light weight craze. I like the feel of solid reel, at least on my jig rods and this will be going on my punching rod. Something like a jerkbait that involves a lot of aggressive rod action I definitely prefer a lighter reel though.

It's funny you mentioned reels flexing. I haven't noticed that myself. I actually took apart my Curado E to check the strength of the frame and I seriously think you would need to put it in a vice to bend it. It's that strong, so I don't know if the whole solid core thing is really just a marketing gimmick. But then these things are built to pretty tight tolerances so it could be that even the smallest, imperceptible amount of flex could cause the gears to misalign which could translate into excessive wear and a lack of smoothness. Either way I'm looking forward to getting it and finally fishing with it this summer.

The Bassman reply :

On 2/1/2019 at 9:11 AM, The Maestro said:

I've got an order in for an 8:1 Bantam. The weight isn't an issue for me. Tbh I'm not really a huge fan of the whole light weight craze. I like the feel of solid reel, at least on my jig rods and this will be going on my punching rod. Something like a jerkbait that involves a lot of aggressive rod action I definitely prefer a lighter reel though.

It's funny you mentioned reels flexing. I haven't noticed that myself. I actually took apart my Curado E to check the strength of the frame and I seriously think you would need to put it in a vice to bend it. It's that strong, so I don't know if the whole solid core thing is really just a marketing gimmick. But then these things are built to pretty tight tolerances so it could be that even the smallest, imperceptible amount of flex could cause the gears to misalign which could translate into excessive wear and a lack of smoothness. Either way I'm looking forward to getting it and finally fishing with it this summer.

Just wait until you feel how solid it is. I have an HG and it's so smooth I almost feel disconnected from the internals of the reel when I'm retrieving.

Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :

On 2/1/2019 at 9:19 AM, The Bassman said:

Just wait until you feel how solid it is. I have an HG and it's so smooth I almost feel disconnected from the internals of the reel when I'm retrieving.

And how beauty of this thing. Every time I fish with it I admire it so much that I’m afraid of using it.

Not_Here reply :

People sleep on the Bantams, it is an amazing reel...I may prefer Mets for certain things, but hands down for any heavy load workhorse stuff, the Bantam rocks!! Those that may have possibly made the decision not to get one due to the weight of it are truly missing out and selling themselves short on a special reel imo...

jbsoonerfan reply :

I simply cannot fathom arguing over 1-2oz. I have fished Chronarch 50mgs, Core 50mgs, Every Curado, Tatulas, Fuegos, Revo SX, and I have never really been able to tell much of a difference over an ounce or so. Some of you need to put your big boy pants on and quit whining over an ounce. Geez, it's like you never fished for 6 hours a day when you were 12 years old with a Zebco 33 walking 4-5 miles pond hopping. Well, most of you probably didn't.

The Maestro reply :

On 2/1/2019 at 12:43 PM, Frog Turds said:

People sleep on the Bantams, it is an amazing reel...I may prefer Mets for certain things, but hands down for any heavy load workhorse stuff, the Bantam rocks!! Those that may have possibly made the decision not to get one due to the weight of it are truly missing out and selling themselves short on a special reel imo...

You also have to consider the fact that the additional weight could (and often does) improve the balance of a rod which will actually make the whole setup feel lighter.

On 2/1/2019 at 1:33 PM, jbsoonerfan said:

I simply cannot fathom arguing over 1-2oz. I have fished Chronarch 50mgs, Core 50mgs, Every Curado, Tatulas, Fuegos, Revo SX, and I have never really been able to tell much of a difference over an ounce or so. Some of you need to put your big boy pants on and quit whining over an ounce. Geez, it's like you never fished for 6 hours a day when you were 12 years old with a Zebco 33 walking 4-5 miles pond hopping. Well, most of you probably didn't.

My thoughts exactly. Not to mention the outrageous price increases for these super light reels. Don't get me wrong I'm sure they have their applications where they really shine but I really like the solid strong feel and sound that comes from using denser materials vs. the "hollow" "airy" feel of the super light reels. I also have to wonder if the aluminum gears in those reels will last as long as brass gears.

J Francho reply :

On 2/1/2019 at 9:32 PM, The Maestro said:

I also have to wonder if the aluminum gears in those reels will last as long as brass gears.

Depends on the quality of aluminum and the reel. I have aluminum gears in reels that are nearly 20 years old, and they work as well as new.

The Maestro reply :

On 2/1/2019 at 1:33 PM, jbsoonerfan said:

I simply cannot fathom arguing over 1-2oz. I have fished Chronarch 50mgs, Core 50mgs, Every Curado, Tatulas, Fuegos, Revo SX, and I have never really been able to tell much of a difference over an ounce or so. Some of you need to put your big boy pants on and quit whining over an ounce. Geez, it's like you never fished for 6 hours a day when you were 12 years old with a Zebco 33 walking 4-5 miles pond hopping. Well, most of you probably didn't.

I've seen people arguing over fractions of an ounce on forums. We're talking grams. These people are a marketer's dream.

2388

New Bantam baitcaster 2024

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