How liking it?

Absolutely love it. Gotten out twice, and it was in my hand more than my Mets. Maybe just because it is brand new, but I love throwing it. Just as smooth as any reel I've ever used.

The only Con I've found so far, is the amount of grease packed into it. I fully get this is a common Shimano occurrence with reels from the factory, but this seemed a bit more than normal.
After a hour or two of heavy use, it loosened up and started slinging baits a mile. I never tied anything on it all that light, but I have no doubt it could toss smaller stuff significantly further than the previous model.


In conclusion, I will be buying a couple more.

I have 2 of the previous models and I’m not fond of them, doubt I’d be willing to buy the new model because of it. Kinda irritates to have spent that much on them and they borderline suck.

How much you want for them?

Curiosity got the best of me and I picked up a JDM new model Bantam. I already have 5 Bantams and wanted to see the difference. With the line guide moved out a few millimeters it definitely cast further. Has 6 brake pins vs. 4 on the old model for better finetuning. Outside of that it pretty much feels the same. I still prefer the Metaniums but like the Bantams for longer rods as they help with the balance and make them feel less tip heavy.

Do any of your bantams feel like they are catching on something during a long cast. For example, when I throw mine hard, if almost feels like it’s going smooth for a split second and then kinda rubs something for a spit second. I can feel this through out the entire rod. Just real jerky, I guess it could be the brake grabbing, I haven’t ever felt it in any other reels that I own. All my other Shimano series are smooth during the entire cast.

Curiosity got the best of me and I picked up a JDM new model Bantam. I already have 5 Bantams and wanted to see the difference. With the line guide moved out a few millimeters it definitely cast further. Has 6 brake pins vs. 4 on the old model for better finetuning. Outside of that it pretty much feels the same. I still prefer the Metaniums but like the Bantams for longer rods as they help with the balance and make them feel less tip heavy.

I have three different flavors of the Mets, and for the life of me I can't figure out the Hooplah. Don't get me wrong, they are fantastic reels but I don't believe they belong on the pedestal some people put them on.
The new Bantam is an absolute torque monster (the previous version was as well). Has become my new soft swimbait reel. The sensitivity makes it perfect for those big fish with subtle lips.
Throwing bigger baits on one and cranks on the other, I haven't found much of a flaw other than the weight.
Being a Shimano fanboy, there really isn't too many reels they've put out in the past 10-15 years that I wasn't a fan of. Well, with the exception of the SLX's. Burned through two of them in a matter of months. Maybe I just got a couple lemon's but I won't be spending the money on them again to find out.