Some of you know that my gear was recently stolen and I'm currently shopping for some budget gear. I've heard many good things about the H20 mettle and just went to academy to check them out and they do feel pretty smooth and fit nicely in my hand however I couldn't help noticing the menace and wondering if they make a good reel for 50$ just how good is there 90$ reel? Anyone use these and know what the differences are besides gearing? I just read a thread on the mettle which sparked this and noticed the only real complaint was about the drag. Is the drag better on the menace, and is it worth the extra money? Thanks guys.

Id try the new us reels they have, smooth, light weight, great drag system

In my personal experience, the drag on the menace is a good bit better than the mettles. I use a 7.1:1 menace for flipping and pitching and haven't had a fish even pull drag (maybe that's because I haven't caught one over 5 pounds on it though) and I'm able to horse them in nicely with that reel.

The Menace is a better reel as the price suggests. It's tighter and seems better built. I actually put them on a level with my Curado Es for performance. I love my Curados and use them exclusively now. I've resorted my Menaces to visitor oufits. Needless to say, most people that join me and don't bring their own stuff can't believe I'm not using these outfits all the time.

Would you say the menace is at or above the quality of a citica? I love curodos but mine were stolen and I just can't replace them now. My plan was to buy a few mettles and possibly 1 or 2 citicas or menace. If the menace is comparible I'll save a few bucks and go with it.

I have both. I like the Menace better. The tolerances are tighter so it handles light line better. I think it casts further too. And the 7.1 is nice. But for the money, the Mettle is pretty good. I bought 10 Mettles on Black Friday for $25 each. I keep watching for a sale on Menace.

The menace was on sale for black Friday for 50. At least I bought mine for 50 then

they have a 5.1.1 gear ratio now too. i havnt used one but im sure there good reels

is there a 6.3-1 Menace ? if you are comparing them to even a cheap shimano the must be good to great for the money.

The manic and the menace are the same thing as the mettle as far as the design mold and set up. The only difference is one bearing and one gear and that is it. It is not worth the extra money.