It is that time of the year to welcome back the Shimano Metanium Series. Shimano has released another newly improved casting reel, which is the Metanium MGL series.
Manufacturers compete with one another, and they go the extra mile to design a one-of-a-kind product. Indeed, the Shimano Metanium series has outshone other brands.
There has been an ongoing debate about whether products designed for the Japanese market are better than those for the US market. From then on, buyers have opted to purchase directly from Japan through the internet. Well, not anymore, because the Shimano America Corporation has finally released its latest Metanium reels in the US.
Below, you will find all the information you need to know about the Shimano Metanium MGL reel. It offers various product types, each with distinct functionalities. But before anything else, let us refresh our minds with what a Fishing Reel is all about.
Casting Reel Overview
A fishing reel is a casting device that comes in a cylindrical shape and is attached to a fishing rod. Nowadays, numerous factors must be considered when selecting or fitting a fishing reel. Casting range, accuracy, and the retrieving line are essential elements for picking the perfect fishing reel.
Fishing reels can also be classified into two parts: Reel Mechanisms and Drag Mechanisms. Both mechanisms can also be broken down into smaller parts.
Reel Mechanisms consist of the Direct-drive reel and the Anti-reverse reel. The Direct-drive revolution is designed with the spool and handles being directly coupled. On the other hand, the Anti-reverse Reel can cast out a spool while the handle stays still.
Drag Mechanism is when pressure is applied to the fishing spool to give off abrasion to the brake that counters the spool. This ensures that the spool does not break upon catching a fish.
There are various types of fishing reels, each with distinct functions. Commonly known and used fishing reels are the Fly reel, Baitcasting reel, Spinning reel, and Spin-cast reel.
How To Choose A Casting Reel?
Choosing the perfect reel is a challenge, especially if you want to ensure a high-quality performing reel. Before deciding to buy one, you need to check a few things. Many factors contribute to a reliable and impressive reel.
- The Frame
- This is the foundation of the reel. It is already self-explanatory that choosing a bad frame will then result in a wrong reel.
- Bearings
- The number of bearings is essential to determine for your reel. An average of three bearings can be adequate to ensure a smooth operation. It can be as many as 11 bearings. One key point to remember is always to choose quality over quantity.
- Spool
- This is the fishing line that you are going to cast to catch a fish. There are a few variations of fishing spools. This will depend on the fishing reel and rod you are using.
- Brakes
- This is one of the most important factors to determine a good casting reel. An effective braking system makes casting even more convenient than regular casting.
Now that I have given you the guide on how to choose a casting reel. Let me introduce you to one of the most high-end and popular casting reels used by anglers, the Shimano Metanium series.
The Shimano Inc.
Shimano Inc. is a Japanese company that supplies cycling parts, fishing tackle, and rowing equipment. The company is renowned worldwide, particularly among outdoor enthusiasts.
The company was founded in 1921 in Japan. It expanded and began to establish itself in Europe, other parts of Asia, and the United States through the years.
Meanwhile, Shimano has been renowned for producing high-quality spinning and baitcasting reels for many years.
It was first introduced to the spinning reels in 1971, with the DUX series. The company has developed its products over the years and garnered awards from the authorities.
Then in 2014, it introduced the Micro Module Gear System. This innovation features precisely produced gear teeth. It also enables both smooth reeling plus excellent power transmission.
One of their best reels is the Metanium MGL series.
Introducing The Shimano Metanium Series
The Metanium MGL has been the ultimate choice of professional anglers and average fishermen. It has now been improved to be 10% lighter and 20% longer than its predecessor. The brakes cover a wide range of casting conditions as well.
It is a bait-casting reel that stands out in terms of versatility and lightness. Metanium MGL performs with a low moment of inertia. Hence, improving the casting distance by 20% and enhancing the handle’s turning to a light and smooth feel.
The product is built with high-end features, including Micro-Module Gearing, X-Ship, and SVS Infinity breaking. It comes with three different gear ratio classifications: 6.2:1, 7.4:1, and 8.5:1
Product Specifications and Features Of The Shimano Metanium Series
Shimano Metanium MGL Regular
The Metanium Regular has a line retriever of 26 inches per crank. It is available in a 6.2:1 gear ratio and a maximum drag of 11 pounds.
The Mono Line Capacity of the Metanium MGL regular is available in 10/120, 12/110, and 14/90 line tests per yard.
Meanwhile, the PowerPro Line Capacity test/yard is 20/150, 30/135, and 40/105.
Finally, its overall weight is 6.2 oz, and it features a ball bearing of 10+1, allowing for right-handed retrieval.
Features Of The Metanium MGL Regular:
- CI4
The CI4 is another lightweight carbon material in the Metanium MGL series. The use of this material has improved durability even under harsh fishing conditions. As a result, the weight and volume of the rotor and body have been reduced.
- Hagane Body
The MGL regular is made of highly rigid metals, which are magnesium and aluminum. The manufacturer has reduced the product's weight. Meanwhile, it has eliminated the reel flexure, warp, and distortion. As such, it allows smooth reeling without reducing the power loss.
- Micromodule Gear
The Micromodule Gear System has gear teeth that are refined to the limit. It enables seamless system engagement plus power transmission. With this, anglers can have smooth, effortless reeling.
- S-Arb
The S-Arb or the Shielded Anti-Rust Bearings are just like the A-RB. However, the company added more shields to unleash ultimate protection for the product.
- Super Free Spool
The Super Free Spool can eliminate friction on the spool shaft. With this, there is an increase in the free spool. Also, it produces a longer cast that requires less effort for the user.
- SVS Infinity
The SVS Infinity provides four to six settings on the product. It also features an adjustable brake dial that provides a broader and more precise range for total maximum control. Additionally, it offers consistent brake performance in all fishing conditions.
- X-Ship
The X-Ship is another feature of the Metanium that provides the user with a smooth reeling experience, even with heavy loads. The product's unique mechanism enables robust gear engagement.
It also provides an enlarged drive gear and optimum positioning of the pinion. Also, the bearings support the ends of the drive gears and the two-point support of the pinion gears.
Shimano Metanium MGL HG
Meanwhile, the Metanium MGL HG has a line retriever of 31 inches per crank. It is available in a 7.4:1 gear ratio and a maximum drag of 11 pounds.
The Mono Line Capacity of the Metanium MGL HG is available in 10/120, 12/110, and 14/90 line tests per yard.
The PowerPro Line Capacity test/yard is 20/150, 30/135, and 40/105.
Lastly, its overall weight is 6.2 oz, it has a ball bearing of 10+1, and it retrieves on the right.
Shimano Metanium MGL XG
Lastly, the Metanium MGL XG has a line retriever of 36 inches per crank. It is available in an 8.5:1 gear ratio and a maximum drag of 11 pounds.
The Mono Line Capacity of the Metanium MGL XG is available in 10/120, 12/110, and 14/90 line tests per yard.
The PowerPro Line Capacity test/yard is 20/150, 30/135, and 40/105.
Its overall weight is 6.2 oz, has a ball bearing of 10+1, and retrieves on the right.
Models Offered:
The Shimano Metanium is available in six model types.
The Metanium MGL 150, Metanium MGL 150 HG, Metanium MGL 150 XG, Metanium MGL 151, Metanium MGL 151 HG, and Metanium MGL 151 XG.
The product specifications of these various models are already mentioned above. The only difference is that the Metanium MGL 151 models are retrieved on the left.
The Construction And Quality
The Shimano Metanium series is magnesium-framed reels. It has a distinctive look with shades of gray as a motif. Its top plate is colored dark gray, and the remaining parts are colored light gray, approaching a silver color.
It has a perfect tolerance when it comes to the quality of its frame and side plate. Although there is a slight drawback with the handles when turning them back and forth, as well as in and out. Nonetheless, the knobs on the reels are snug against their handles.
The Shimano Metanium reels improved their gearing system by featuring a new micromodule. The teeth of the pinion and primary gears have doubled in number from the previous Shimano Reel. Because of this, it produces less noise when in gear. Additionally, it now offers improved performance in the handle.
Performance And Ability
It is time to consider its drag capabilities. The Shimano Metanium series underwent a minor alteration in its turns, offering a total range of two and a half. Although its maximum drag is 11 pounds, the average drag that it can sustain is 8.42 pounds.
It has been tested that the longer the line is cast out, the more each drag setting will increase. Rest assured, the Metanium series is designed to deliver high-quality and competent performance. The Shimano Metanium series promises a smooth and consistent lock-down drag.
Regarding the length of a millimeter handle, a standard Metanium reel with a 6.2:1 retrieve ratio measures 84 millimeters in length.
The Metanium HG, with a 7.4:1 retrieve ratio, has an 84-millimeter handle.
Lastly, the Metanium XG, featuring an 8.5:1 retrieve ratio, is equipped with a 96-millimeter handle.
Power, Brakes, And Casting Range
The Shimano Metanium series offers strong cranking power. Aaron Martens, BASS Elite Pro, can vouch for the extreme credibility of the Metanium series.
He uses the Metanium HG model, but they are all replicated from one another. Thus, you can expect the same power from the Metanium Regular and Metanium XG. They are also reliable for throwing deep diving crankbaits.
The Infinity SVS brake system is the new design brake feature of the Shimano Company. Although it is not user-friendly and takes time to understand its maneuvering, it has one advantage. The brakes can be set on the inside of the reel and adjusted with a dial on the outside.
The brake’s outer adjustment dial is located at the bottom of the side plate with no handles. The braking force of the reel depends on the extent of its dial adjustment. The more it can turn as it extends the brakes, the stronger the braking force will be.
The Metanium series can best perform when using a 12-gram spool. Equipped with an Infinity SVS feature, the spools’ extreme light load can significantly improve the Metanium’s casting range. Generally speaking, the casting capabilities of the Metanium series are really first-rate.
The Basics Of Using The Baitcasting Reels
The baitcaster can help the anglers use heavy lures and heavy lines. With the help of these reels, users can achieve accuracy and measure distances in casting.
Again, the baitcaster sits above the rod, and the spool sits perpendicular to the length of the rod. With this design, the line will come off in line with the rod, helping to facilitate casting. Additionally, it enhances the drag efficiency and gearing of the reels with the spool.
Knowing The Parts
Also, you must be familiar with the essential parts of the bait caster. There are the side plates and the frame with the spool. In front of the spool is a level wind through which the line passes through an aperture.
When you cast and retrieve, the level wind will glide back and forth with the width of the spool, allowing it to lay the line back down evenly.
Apart from this, you also have the reel handle, often referred to as the double-arm model. The drag adjustment is often a star drag that can sit adjacent to the handle, between it and the reel’s side plate.
In addition, there is the thumb clutch located behind the spool and at the back of the reel, which is near you. Pressing the thumb clutch to disengage the spool will allow you to do the cast.
Casting: The Basics
Casting a baitcaster takes experience and time. Unlike a spinning reel, the spool of the baitcaster can rotate freely on the cast. This will help to cast the distance. However, it can be problematic during windy weather and when the lure hits the water.
The motion and the mechanics of the cast using a bait caster are also the same as those of any rod and reel. However, the intricacies that work on the spool differ dramatically.
Baitcasters are designed to use heavy lines, which makes casting easy. The light line on the spinning spool can be an excellent tool for eliminating backlashes.
Meanwhile, wind can be a hindrance, especially when using light lures. This is because the speed of the spool is greater than the speed of the lure. This causes the line to bunch up in the spool and form a bird's nest.
When starting the cast, the reel must be in the palm of your hand, and your thumb must have full access to the top of the reel.
To disengage the spool, press the clutch down with your thumb. Keep part of your thumb placed lightly above the spool to prevent the line from slipping out due to the weight of the lure.
Proceed with a standard overhead cast, and during the release point, reduce the pressure on the spool by using your thumb to guide the line out.
This will apply a significant amount of pressure to the spool using your thumb.
Although the brake system produces pressure, there is nothing more special than the manual thumb control of the spool.
As the lure reaches the surface of the water, ensure that you tighten the pressure using your thumb.
Casting: Spool Tension
The spool tension is another feature of the baitcaster, which is not properly utilized. It differs from the brake system, and it should not be used unless you wish to have quicker gear changes around the spool.
The spool tension is a physical force acting on the spool. You can use it to calibrate the spool according to the size of your lure. Make sure to turn off your brakes as you change the lures with varying weights.
You can disengage, loosen, or tighten it until the lure falls directly to the ground. If the spool is calibrated accordingly to the lure weight, there will be fewer backlashes, and casting will be much smoother.
Casting: Brake System
The braking systems used on baitcasters are often due to friction or a magnetic mechanism that places resistance to the spool spin throughout the case.
Although the brake system can significantly reduce the backlash amount, it is essential not to rely solely on it. You can always control the spool speed using your thumb.
You can adjust the brake system to have less or more resistance to the spool. The amount you need will depend on the lure weight and the water condition. You will need less brake on heavy lures. Meanwhile, you will need more brakes on lighter lures and windy conditions to prevent the spool from outrunning the lure.
Overall Review
The Shimano Metanium series is a bait-casting reel that is ultra-lightweight, impressively powerful, and features incredibly smooth operation. It is a combination of carbon, magnesium, and aluminum to further its performance and quality. It is not that user-friendly, but it is practical and easy to understand.
Due to its Micro Module gearing system incorporated with Shimano’s X-Ship feature, the Metanium series is now the smoothest and most stable baitcasting reel there is. Professional anglers popularly use it. This bait-casting reel promises a perfect catch.
Now that Shimano has made this gear available in the US, we can enjoy the satisfaction of an exceptional fishing experience. It is indeed a great investment!
