Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Reels are the hottest topic for TackleTour. Everyone wants to know what the latest and greatest is and how they compare to the old guard. What's the best for light stuff, or what's your suggestion for heavy cover. Do we really need different retrieve ratios? It's all in here.
Ovidiu-Andrei
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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by Ovidiu-Andrei » Wed Feb 21, 2018 11:36 am

The Bantam has the weight of Antares but the features of Chronarch, and smaller in size that Antares.
If the handle was at least 90 mm like the Chronarch it could be better that the Chronarch.
I think the Chronarch MGL still is a better choice...weight, handle, brass...

Btw...the Bantam has brass gears? :roll:

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by DirtyD64 » Thu Feb 22, 2018 6:01 am

Ovidiu-Andrei wrote:The Bantam has the weight of Antares but the features of Chronarch, and smaller in size that Antares.
If the handle was at least 90 mm like the Chronarch it could be better that the Chronarch.
I think the Chronarch MGL still is a better choice...weight, handle, brass...

Btw...the Bantam has brass gears? :roll:
Brass gears 99% sure. With that weight it better... I am in a similar situation, will only need 1 more baitcaster for next season (adding to collection) and it probably will just be another Chronarch MGL. I have experienced zero flex or weakness from the frame and it is a perfectly smooth reel that casts light lures great... Don't see the justified price jump for a little more rigidity, a lot more weight, and a stubby 84mm handle. This being said, if I get a deal on an 8 gear Bantam and it DOES have the bearings like the Chronarch MGL, I will give one a try, why not.

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by Ajaxin » Thu Feb 22, 2018 8:24 am

Just got my hands on the Bantam MGL haven't opened the box yet. Anyone have any requests for photos?

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by ss30378 » Thu Feb 22, 2018 8:34 am

Ajaxin wrote:Just got my hands on the Bantam MGL haven't opened the box yet. Anyone have any requests for photos?
Do you have to ask???

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by Ajaxin » Thu Feb 22, 2018 8:44 am

Image

I took a photo of the reel schematics and posted it on imgur. Can't figure how to make it show up here.

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by Ovidiu-Andrei » Thu Feb 22, 2018 9:09 am

How does it feel in comp with the Chronarch MGL ?!? :big grin:

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by Ajaxin » Thu Feb 22, 2018 9:11 am

Image

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by Ajaxin » Thu Feb 22, 2018 9:52 am

Ovidiu-Andrei wrote:How does it feel in comp with the Chronarch MGL ?!? :big grin:

I don't have a Chronarch MGL to compare it to. Initial impressions is its built like an absolute tank. It has some noticeable heft to it for sure. Fit and finish is great. I'm really digging the side cover, its unique. As far as smoothness its feels like any other Shimano with Micro module gears. I have to wait and see how it feels under load. Overall very satisfied with the purchase.

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by DirtyD64 » Thu Feb 22, 2018 9:58 am

Ajaxin wrote:Image
You are the greatest!!! I saw one faintly on a youtube video and was pretty sure of what you posted, its just Shimano's new standard design. Now the only odd thing is why did all of the US retailers say it only has 8 total bearings??? Also the JDM catalogue with the Bantam MGL said 9 from the start so there is that.

They have done the same with the Tatula LT spinning reel, it has 7 total but everyone posted it as having 6.

Also any idea on spool weight for the Bantam yet???

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by Ajaxin » Thu Feb 22, 2018 10:09 am

DirtyD64 wrote:
Ajaxin wrote:Image
You are the greatest!!! I saw one faintly on a youtube video and was pretty sure of what you posted, its just Shimano's new standard design. Now the only odd thing is why did all of the US retailers say it only has 8 total bearings??? Also the JDM catalogue with the Bantam MGL said 9 from the start so there is that.

They have done the same with the Tatula LT spinning reel, it has 7 total but everyone posted it as having 6.

Also any idea on spool weight for the Bantam yet???
I can weigh the spool when I go home for a lunch break.

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by chreim20 » Thu Feb 22, 2018 10:55 am

DirtyD64 wrote:
Ajaxin wrote:Image
You are the greatest!!! I saw one faintly on a youtube video and was pretty sure of what you posted, its just Shimano's new standard design. Now the only odd thing is why did all of the US retailers say it only has 8 total bearings??? Also the JDM catalogue with the Bantam MGL said 9 from the start so there is that.

They have done the same with the Tatula LT spinning reel, it has 7 total but everyone posted it as having 6.

Also any idea on spool weight for the Bantam yet???
All is right with the world now that you see it has that bearing you were "worried" about, lol

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by Ajaxin » Thu Feb 22, 2018 11:28 am

Image
Metanium MGL Weight
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Bantam MGL Weight
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Metanium MGL Spool
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Bantam MGL Spool
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Bantam top Metanium bottom
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Bantam MGL drive gear
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Bantam MGL pinion
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Bantam MGL side plate
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Bantam MGL drive gear carbon drag washer
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Bantam MGL Dartainium drag washer
Image

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by LgMouthGambler » Thu Feb 22, 2018 11:30 am

Anybody else find it interesting that it looks like there is a screw at the end of the crankshaft and wormshaft? Did they do way with the C clips?
<")))><{

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by Ovidiu-Andrei » Thu Feb 22, 2018 12:16 pm

Great pics man...tks.
How does it feel then compared with the Metanium MGL?!? :big grin:

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Re: Bantam MGL Who has their hands on one?

Post by Ovidiu-Andrei » Thu Feb 22, 2018 12:17 pm

Great pics man...tks.
How does it feel then compared with the Metanium MGL?!? :big grin:

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