The new Metanium 150
B
features a whole new
compact look and
feel
Impressions:
Early this year
Shimano was ready to
showcase the new
Metanium front and
center at the
Classic, but like
many well laid plans
the pandemic
impacted the public
introduction. This
didn't stop the
interest in the
product as Shimano
put the reels in
hands of their pros
and limited
inventory started
making their way to
retailers. The few
lucky anglers that
were able to get
their hands on reels
in February only
further stoked the
fires within
enthusiasts by
highlighting the new
reel's distinctive handling and
casting abilities.
The new Metanium
reel has a very
similar form factor
to the current
Bantam MGL, which is
no surprise given
the move to the
CoreSolid design.
What is new is that
this is the first
magnesium based
CoreSolid baitcaster
from Shimano
In many ways the new
Metanium is much
more like the Bantam
than the previous
generation Metanium
MGL. Though the
Metanium continues
the tradition of
using magnesium as
the basis for frame
it is the CoreSolid
design that is now the
most distinguishing
feature, followed by
the integration of
the 19mm MGLIII spool.
The form factor of
the new Metanium and
the Bantam are very
similar, and yet
they both have some
identifiable
signature elements. The Metanium has the
more stealthy
looking design, with
a darker painted
finish, series
branding, and familiar
handles, dials, and
knobs.
To further reduce
weight the drag star
is made out of CI4+
The drag star on the
Metanium is made out
of CI4+ to further
reduce weight, and
though it is a
composite it is
finished in a way
that it looks, and
feels, like it could
be crafted from aluminum. Overall
the Metanium looks
every bit like a
premium reel, and
though Shimano
focused on targeting
a lower
overall weight it
also didn't sacrifice
durability by
sticking
with brass MicroModule gearing
and shielded S A-RB
bearings throughout.
|
Shimano Metanium 150 B Casting Reel Series
Specifications |
|
Model |
Retrieve |
Ratio |
Weight |
Bearings |
Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
Price |
|
METMGL150B |
Right |
6.2:1 |
6.3 |
10S A-RB + 1S A-RB |
10/120, 12/110 |
$419.99 |
|
METMGL150HGB |
Right |
7.1:1 |
6.3 |
10S A-RB + 1S A-RB |
10/120, 12/110 |
$419.99 |
|
METMGL150XGB |
Right |
8.1:1 |
6.5 |
10S A-RB + 1S A-RB |
10/120, 12/110 |
$419.99 |
|
METMGL151B |
Left |
6.2:1 |
6.3 |
10S A-RB + 1S A-RB |
10/120, 12/110 |
$419.99 |
|
METMGL151HGB |
Left |
7.1:1 |
6.3 |
10S A-RB + 1S A-RB |
10/120, 12/110 |
$419.99 |
|
METMGL151XGB |
Left |
8.1:1 |
6.3 |
10S A-RB + 1S A-RB |
10/120, 12/110 |
$419.99 |
This latest Metanium shares
more in common with
the Bantam than the
previous generation
Metanium 150 MGL
Real World Tests:
We have one test
reel (METMGL150HGB)
which we purchased
from Tackle
Warehouse for all of
our tests. While we
would have liked to
test some of the
other retrieve
ratios, besides the
7.1:1 found on the
HGB, procuring
additional reels has
been a challenge due
to the demand and
availability. For our
tests we paired the
reel with high-end
rods from Shimano's
own GLoomis NRX line,
as well as the Dobyns Xtasy Series,
and targeted
largemouth bass
using a variety of
contact and moving
baits.
CoreSolid body
design integrates
the B-Side plate,
levelwind guard, and
frame into one solid
construction
