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Reel Review


 

A Masterpiece - Shimano's Metanium 150 B Baitcaster

 

Date: 6/24/20
Tackle Type: Reels
Manufacturer: Shimano
Reviewer: Zander





 

Total Score: 8.41 - EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD

 

Introduction: It wasn't long ago that the Shimano Metanium was a high-end series that needed to be imported into the U.S., but as Shimano has continued to unify their global portfolio domestic anglers now have multiple Metanium baitcasters to select from. The Metanium reels have always focused on a balance of both performance and weight, and for 2020 the reel has been redesigned with a never before seen Magnesium CoreSolid body.

 

Shimano Metanium 150 HGB casting Reel Specifications

Line Capacity (lb/yds) 10/120, 12/110
Gear Ratio 7.1:1 (6.2:1 and 8.1:1 also available)
Line retrieve per crank 30 inches 
Weight 6.3oz (6.5oz. on XGB model)
Bearings 10 A-RB + 1S A-RB
Additional Features Magnesium CoreSolid body, CI4+ components, Cross Carbon Drag, MGL III Spool, Micromodule gearing, S3D spool, SVS Infinity, X-Ship, Silent Tune
MSRP $419.99

 


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

Next Section: Casting like a Bantam or a Metanium?

 

   

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