I just bought the H20 "Mettle" bait caster reel from academy last night. It has a 10 bearing system at a cost of $49.00. Does anyone know anything about them?

I have 2 of the 8 bearing model. I think they're called Maraude. I picked them up when Academy had them on sale for $50. The guy at the counter talked me out of the 10 bearing one. The 8 bearing is the more expensive one and actually felt smoother. I've had them for about 6 months. Wasn't crazy about it at first. But I did some tweaking and I like them now. I think they're pretty good for the price.

i have the Maraude. How do you keep the handle from wanting to come off? Have messed with mine and still seems very loose. Has alot of back play.

I have several..one of my handles keeps coming off, i just took it back and they gave me a new one...

I have one. Haven't used it much, but I get a good, long cast with it and it's smooth. I've read several comments saying the Mettle is the best of the two.

Locktite should take care of the handle. I forgot that was one of the little things that bugged me. I also made sure I have the little tool in my box just in case.

If the handle is loose take it back, Academy will replace it.

+1
I have 3 they have worked fine. Just take in back to acadamy and they will replace it with no questions asked. I do feel like its a great real for the money

I have the same problems with mine, you just have to tighten them down real good with that little wrench that comes with them. They are awesome reels for the money.

I have 2 of the Academy reels and both of them now work great. Once you have secured the handle with Loctite and the little wrench that came with the reel, you will be happy with the reel.

I have a H2O Mettle and I love it. niceand smooth, long casts, very seldom backlash. It's a great reel for $50.00

I got tired of messing with Maraud's handles. Even used Loctite and it still didn't solve it longterm. I took them back and exchanged them for Mettles. Smooth reel, no issues, and no loose handles! I did notice their latest reel is a 7.1:1 and it uses the same handle setup as the Mettle.

Not the best reels available, but I believe the Mettle might be the best value in baitcasters available anywhere! IMHO

Had a Mettle but took it back after about 2 months as it started making a lot of "grinding" noises which I felt was going to greatly shorten the life of the reel. Took it back, got my money back and moved on.

I have a mettle, I love the hell out of that thing. Spent one day fine tuning it, and it outcasts any of my friends reels all day. I am deadly with that reel.