Shimano casting reels 2025
WPCfishing reply :
Way back in the late 80s I had 6 of the Bantam reels set up on Shimano Rods. Wish I had held on to them. That aside over the last 5 years or so I’ve been sold on Lews. Aside from the Super Duty G I’ve been happy with them.
A month or so ago I bought 2 Ks. Been using them mostly for top water in heavy cover. Darn it, I love the reels. Just ordered a Bantam 18 XG lefty. It’s supposed to arrive Friday from Japan. I read that the reel is 7.9oz, something I didn’t want was heavy. But I went for the perceived quality. Tell me if I made a mistake!
FishTank reply :
I have the Bantam HG and love it so far. It is heavy but it's smooth as silk. Think of a 200 size Calcutta in a low profile reel.
I also have a K and a DC. Both reels are awesome. I do however like the DC better than the K. I would think they would be similar in feel but after a season of use I can definitely feel there is a difference between the two besides casting.
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/24/2019 at 11:03 AM, FishTank said:I have the Bantam HG and love it so far. It is heavy but it's smooth as silk. Think of a 200 size Calcutta in a low profile reel.
I also have a K and a DC. Both reel are awesome. I do however like the DC better than the K. I would think the would be similar in feel but after a season of use I can definitely feel there is a difference between the two besides casting.
So your saying you like the feel better and it’s become noticeable and the Bantam does cast nicer than the K and DC?
I avoided the DC because of the noise I’ve heard so much about. I like quiet.
FishTank reply :
On 9/24/2019 at 11:18 AM, WPCfishing said:So your saying you like the feel better and it’s become noticeable and the Bantam does cast nicer than the K and DC?
I avoided the DC because of the noise I’ve heard so much about. I like quite.
The DC to me casts slightly better than the Bantam but the Bantam is the better overall reel. The solid frame makes the reel sort of sensitive in hand. Also, the Bantam is fun to fish.
The noise of the DC takes some getting use to but if you are casting into the wind like I was yesterday, it's a life saver.
I think if I had to choose one reel to add to an arsenal, the Bantam is the clear choice. If I was choosing a group of reels to tournament fish, it would be Curado K's and DC's.
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/24/2019 at 11:38 AM, FishTank said:
The DC to me casts slightly better than the Bantam but the Bantam is the better overall reel. The solid frame makes the reel sort of sensitive in hand. Also, the Bantam is fun to fish.
The noise of the DC takes some getting use to but if you are casting into the wind like I was yesterday, it's a life saver.
I think if I had to choose one reel to add to an arsenal, the Bantam is the clear choice. If I was choosing a group of reels to tournament fish, it would be Curado K's and DC's.
Well that’s a bit disappointing to hear. I expected the Bantam to cast further than my K reels. Do you have braid on yours? I was planning on 65# power pro for the reel.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 9/24/2019 at 2:30 PM, WPCfishing said:Well that’s a bit disappointing to hear. I expected the Bantam to cast further than my K reels. Do you have braid on yours? I was planning on 65# power pro for the reel.
Now it depends on what you plan to use bantam for? Curado K cast way better than bantam even bantam got MGL spool in medium to heavy weight department, but bantam is way smoother can compare to those super smooth daiwa. Regarding heavy weight if you match with the right rod you won’t feel heavy at all for Jig/Texas rig, pitching/flipping or casting. Did I mention beautiful reel? So much that I hardly use it lol.
On 9/24/2019 at 11:03 AM, FishTank said:I have the Bantam HG and love it so far. It is heavy but it's smooth as silk. Think of a 200 size Calcutta in a low profile reel.
Or CQ 50 on steroids.
The Maestro reply :
Once you start to use your Bantam I really doubt you'll regret buying it. I have one and the only equipment purchases I plan on making during this off season are 2 more Bantams to go on my best/favorite jig rods.
bwjay reply :
I've got 2 Bantams and love them, both the HG and XG. They are just butter smooth and super rigid. They are just plain fun to fish. They aren't going to win distance contests but they make up for it with everything else IMO. I read a LOT about reel modding, adding more bearings, re-greasing, swapping out gears, handles, spools, and on and on... the Bantam is one reel that I haven't read about any "required" Day 1 modding. It is just great as it is out of the box. You could re-grease it and throw a longer handle on there and be done. The XG has a longer handle though so you might be good there; depends on personal preference.
You're gonna love it. 
johnD. reply :
Not much difference in weight between the curado k and bantam..if anything it will make your combo feel more balanced.
gilkeybr reply :
Another ringing endorsement for the Bantam. Of the Shimano reels I own, its the best bang for the buck IMO
FishTank reply :
On 9/24/2019 at 2:30 PM, WPCfishing said:Well that’s a bit disappointing to hear. I expected the Bantam to cast further than my K reels. Do you have braid on yours? I was planning on 65# power pro for the reel.
For me, the DC casts further than the Bantam but it does cast further than the K. As far as braid goes, I have not been a fan unless I use it for topwater (especially frogs). I think the Bantam would be a great frog reel though. I currently have my Bantam spooled with 15lb CXX and mounted to a St. Croix Legend Elite 7' MH Fast. I use it for heavier Texas Rigged plastic and jigs.
Chief250 reply :
The DC casts car but it's an inferior reel to both the K and Bantam. The dc doesn't have micro module gears if I remember correctly. My bantams are butter but don't case as far. My DC feels sloppy but will send a 1/2 Oz plug a country mile.
Maico1 reply :
Two Smoothies.......
WPCfishing reply :
Well, The Bantam arrived today.. happy about that, wasn’t due until Friday. I’m going out with it today. I’m going to try 50% power pro on it. See if I can get the distance I want with a gambler toad with a Stanley double hook. I’ll tell ya, my first impression was Wow? Then I held the reel and turned the handle. It was an OMG moment. As you all said it is buttery. Feels absolutely outstanding in my hand..
I’ll report back later today.. I’ll be out casting for a linker or two all day!
Junger reply :
On 9/25/2019 at 12:56 PM, Cheif250 said:The DC casts car but it's an inferior reel to both the K and Bantam. The dc doesn't have micro module gears if I remember correctly. My bantams are butter but don't case as far. My DC feels sloppy but will send a 1/2 Oz plug a country mile.
It does have micro gears. How is it inferior to the K?
Fishingmickey reply :
Whatever ya do WPC... Don't try the Scorpion 150XG MGL. I haven't fished mine yet. Came in yesterday. Took it out of the box, spun it, played with the cast control and brakes. I was very impressed. It was a "Wow" moment.
FM
WPCfishing reply :
Well here we go.. The reel is outstanding in every way. I couldn’t be happier. It’s all that you guys have mentioned. My distance casting was further then I get with my K reels. I had 2 brakes set with the dial on 3.
In minutes I trusted the reel. It works with the rod, not against it. The extra weight compared to my Lews Mag was negated by all the perfection designed and machined into the reel.
I put 30# braid on it which spooled on extremely level and tight.
To say I’m all in with MiJ reels would be an understatement. Happy!
One thing I really like about it was the line guide on the worm shaft. Super solid mounted. Not plastic wobbling around.
The Bassman reply :
Funny how everyone comments on the weight of the Bantam. We forget that the E series weighed the same and were wider. No one ever mentioned how heavy they were but thinks they were the best Shimanos ever. Guys are trying to sell mint Curado E's for about the same as a JDM Bantam (mid 200.00's).
new2BC4bass reply :
On 9/27/2019 at 5:29 PM, The Bassman said:Funny how everyone comments on the weight of the Bantam. We forget that the E series weighed the same and were wider. No one ever mentioned how heavy they were but thinks they were the best Shimanos ever. Guys are trying to sell mint Curado E's for about the same as a JDM Bantam (mid 200.00's).
Yeah. Today if a reel weighs more than 6 oz., then it is one heavy mother Love my Curado E, but then my OG Zillion (50th Anniversary) is one of my favorite reels. At my age I don't know how much longer I will be able to carry either...much less fish them. 
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/27/2019 at 9:28 PM, new2BC4bass said:Yeah. Today if a reel weighs more than 6 oz., then it is one heavy mother Love my Curado E, but then my OG Zillion (50th Anniversary) is one of my favorite reels. At my age I don't know how much longer I will be able to carry either...much less fish them.
I was more interested in quality than weight. An oz or so is insignificant. In fact the Bantam felt better on my Helios 7’6” rod then the 6oz reel it replaced. Now I’m looking at a smaller reel for lighter baits.
Looks like one of the 3 will work for me. I can’t decide.. need more info.
Tell me what you think.. want to order today.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 9/27/2019 at 11:58 AM, WPCfishing said:Well here we go.. The reel is outstanding in every way. I couldn’t be happier. It’s all that you guys have mentioned. My distance casting was further then I get with my K reels. I had 2 brakes set with the dial on 3.
In minutes I trusted the reel. It works with the rod, not against it. The extra weight compared to my Lews Mag was negated by all the perfection designed and machined into the reel.
I put 30# braid on it which spooled on extremely level and tight.
To say I’m all in with MiJ reels would be an understatement. Happy!
One thing I really like about it was the line guide on the worm shaft. Super solid mounted. Not plastic wobbling around.
Try all four brakes on & set the dial to 2.5 then adjust the dial as needed.
Hulkster reply :
when i started hardcore fishing i bought a chronarch 100A back in 1998 and it was 7.9 oz and people were raving about how light it was.
I still do not think 7.9 oz is a heavy reel, you are going to put it on a 7 or 7.5 foot rod. it needs to balance correctly.
too light and it wont. 7.9 oz sounds perfect to be honest.
The Bassman reply :
On 9/27/2019 at 11:37 PM, Dwight Hottle said:Try all four brakes on & set the dial to 2.5 then adjust the dial as needed.
This. ^^These second gen. SVS reels are actually designed to use all four brakes and focus adjusting from the dial.
Matt_3479 reply :
On 9/27/2019 at 11:58 AM, WPCfishing said:Well here we go.. The reel is outstanding in every way. I couldn’t be happier. It’s all that you guys have mentioned. My distance casting was further then I get with my K reels. I had 2 brakes set with the dial on 3.
In minutes I trusted the reel. It works with the rod, not against it. The extra weight compared to my Lews Mag was negated by all the perfection designed and machined into the reel.
I put 30# braid on it which spooled on extremely level and tight.
To say I’m all in with MiJ reels would be an understatement. Happy!
One thing I really like about it was the line guide on the worm shaft. Super solid mounted. Not plastic wobbling around.
Congrats on your new reel! I got my bantam early this year and fell in love right away. I lost a little casting distance but not a ton. The reels ergonomics and buttery smooth retrieve out weighs it’s lost in casting distance and weight for me. It doesn’t cast as far compared to the chronarch mgl. I couldn’t tell you about the curado k as it would be unfair comparison since I didn’t have them on the same rod but I’d say there pretty close in casting distance. The K casted further for me but it’s on a longer rod so that’s why it’s unfair.
On 9/27/2019 at 11:37 PM, Dwight Hottle said:Try all four brakes on & set the dial to 2.5 then adjust the dial as needed.
Why add more brakes if he is casting fine with good distance and control? Adding more brakes and backing off .5 on the dial would most likely cause a loss in distance. I run my K, chronarch mgl’s, and my bantam all the same. 2 brakes off, 2 on the dial.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 9/28/2019 at 3:26 AM, Matt_3479 said:
Why add more brakes if he is casting fine with good distance and control? Adding more brakes and backing off .5 on the dial would most likely cause a loss in distance. I run my K, chronarch mgl’s, and my bantam all the same. 2 brakes off, 2 on the dial.
I gave my advice to help him out. Maybe you should try it before questioning the reasoning.
Matt_3479 reply :
On 9/28/2019 at 4:34 AM, Dwight Hottle said:I gave my advice to help him out. Maybe you should try it before questioning the reasoning.
I wasn’t trying to be rude I was simply asking a question. With 5 Shimano’s in my arsenal it’s always nice to know. I was told when I bought my first one 2 on, 2 off and adjust from there and I just got lucky right off the bat and that’s the reason for asking.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 9/28/2019 at 5:29 AM, Matt_3479 said:I wasn’t trying to be rude I was simply asking a question. With 5 Shimano’s in my arsenal it’s always nice to know. I was told when I bought my first one 2 on, 2 off and adjust from there and I just got lucky right off the bat and that’s the reason for asking.
I have been using shimano's for at least 40 years. I always started off with two brakes on & two off then adjusted accordingly just like you. But with the current generation of braking especially with the bantam the best setting is with all four brakes on & setting the dial at 2.5 then adjusting it accordingly. A lot of guys bought bantams & then shortly thereafter had them up for sale. We both know they weren't disappointed with the quality of the reel. I figured out it had to be disappointment with the casting distance/experience. I talked to a highly regarded reel tech and he told me the bantam cast the best with all four brakes deployed & starting with the adjustment set at 2.5. I took his advice & have advised others to try it. The guy knows his reels. I just got a jdm bantam pg this week & surprise, surprise when I checked the brake setting all four brakes were deployed from the factory. This was the first one of the six I own to come that way.
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/28/2019 at 4:34 AM, Dwight Hottle said:I gave my advice to help him out. Maybe you should try it before questioning the reasoning.
I appreciate advice from both of you.
I was out fishing today.. I’m definitely comfortable with 2 off and set to 3.
Ill wait for a less windy day to check different settings. Thank you both for offering your choices.
I want another Bantam and 2 smaller MiJ spool reels. Not sure which to buy yet. Post suggestions.. thx!
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 9/29/2019 at 11:14 AM, WPCfishing said:I appreciate advice from both of you.
I was out fishing today.. I’m definitely comfortable with 2 off and set to 3.
Ill wait for a less windy day to check different settings. Thank you both for offering your choices.
I want another Bantam and 2 smaller MiJ spool reels. Not sure which to buy yet. Post suggestions.. thx!
Use whatever setting you are comfortable with, there is no set rule, that why shimano offering 4 brake shoe and fine tune dial. It is gonna be hard to find anything smaller than Bantam, May be 19 Antares.
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