Shimano Japan 2015 Metanium DC Digital Cast Control i-DC5 Casting Reel Product Review

Enthusiast Review

Fulfill Your Destiny With Shimano's 2015 Metanium DC

Date:	8/14/16
Tackle Type:	Reel
Manufacturer:	Shimano Japan
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 8.68 - ULTIMATE ENTHUSIAST AWARD

Introduction: Once the buzz around the fishing industry, Shimano's DC cast control system has been really quiet as of late. Instead, the manufacturer's newer SVS Infinity braking system has taken center stage - and rightfully so. Still, in today's age of digital everything, it's difficult not to wonder if Shimano has abandoned the system all together or if their continuing to refine it. And of course, if they are continuing to refine it, where are the reels? We received an answer to that question in the middle of last year and now it's time to take a look. Introducing Shimano Japan's 2015, Metanium DC.

Shimano Japan 15 Metanium DC Specifications
Line Capacity - Rated	10lb / 130yds
Line Capacity - Spool Volume	11.9 cm³
Retrieve Ratio	6.2:1	7.4:1	8.5:1
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated	15-25	18-30	20-33
Weight	6.8 oz
Spool Weight	18 g
Handle Length	84 mm (96mm on the XG model)
Bearings	9+1
Bearings per Knob	2 bearings
Levelwind Bearings	None
Tested Max Drag	~13.8lbs
Origin	Made in Japan
MSRP	$399

Introducing Shimano's 2015 Metanium DC.

Quality/Construction: As the name suggests, the 2015 Metanium DC is the digital control (DC) version of the popular, and TackleTour Editor's Choice Award winning 2014 Metanium. This means it's a low profile casting reel featuring a magnesium frame with Ci4+ carbon sideplates. The finish of this reel is a solid, metallic grey with different colored cast control knobs to delineate the reel's gear ratio. Frame and sideplate tolerances on our test model were perfect with zero handle play and no play in the handle knobs either.

Quality Ratings for Shimano Japan 15 Metanium DC
Finish (1-5)	Frame & Sideplate Tolerance (1-5)	Handle Tolerance (1-5)	Knob Tolerance (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5	5	5	5	20	20	10.0

Spooled with and ready for some action.

Performance: I fished this reel on a number of different rods but found its perfect match with an Evergreen International Super Stallion Inspire. Mounting this reel on that rod was as if the two were made for each other. I mostly fished the reel while spooled with Maxima Ultragreen nylon monofilament.

The 84mm is standard for all but the XG reel which comes with a 96mm handle.

Retrieve: Our test model was the standard, 6.2:1 gear ratio reel. The Metanium DC's gears are made from aluminum so I expected to have that more connected sensation while turning the handle of this reel - like you get with most reels that have aluminum gears. But the Met DC benefits from Shimano's latest, Micro-Module Gear designs featuring smaller teeth for more constant contact and ultimately, buttery smooth operation.

Unlike other DC reels, the 2015 Met DC's braking system also engages when pitching.

Performance Ratings for Shimano Japan 15 Metanium DC
Retrieve (1-5)	Drag (1-5)	Power (1-5)	Casting Range (1-5)	Brakes (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5	5	4	5	5	24	25	9.6

A look at the Metanium DC's drag washers.

Next Section: Let's check out that drag