The newer Bantam is a beast of a reel for sure. The most amazing thing about it is Shimano managed to get a tiny reel to feel both substantial and powerful.
I like the new look for this year. I can't wait until you start doing the live shows again. You used to get a package and do an unboxing like a little kid getting a new toy. Keep them coming 👊😎👍
Love using my Bantam for Magdrafts and smaller swimbaits like the Megabass Gorham 147f. Absolutely monster reel especially with an added longer handle.
First off that camera angle is awesome. Reel looks sick, I’d love to see you put it up against the new hupermag in cast battle and overall feature show down. Great review!
Love those Shimano reels and was hooked on em for a long time. They had some great rods, too. I don't work for a utility, anymore, so affordability is a must for me, now.🤷♂️
Thank's for the informative video. I love fishing Spinnerbaits but it's hard to find a 7 speed reel with enough power to handle an easy retrieve. This reel solves that problem.
Been thinking about pairing this reel up with the Megabass Mark 56 rod for swim baits, rats, etc….I’ve used only shimano reels for the past 30 years. On a side note….I 👊🏻 that like button!!!!
Between the Zillion, this new Bantam and the Metanium, is one significantly better as far as casting distance or resistance to backlashing? Or better for a particular technique? Maybe you could do a comparison video since you like them all. I already have a Zillion but Christmas is coming.
I do prefer the Shimano reels for working the bottom as I feel they are more sensitive and I like the Daiwa reels for my reaction baits as I feel they are more compact and comfortable in hand while cranking and whatnot. As far as control goes, I'd have to give the edge to the zillion...that braking system is easy to dial in and just works! 👊💪
@@TackleJunky81 I'm in the market for another baitcaster and I see online that you can get the Zillion from Amazon and other sites for only $217. From my research they could be from Japan (JDM) and the only difference is an aluminum gear vs bronze..At that price, I'll get 2, one for the wife
The new bantam even cast better and farther than the old one...I have 3 of the new models in and it actually cast myn 2-4 oz. swimbaits without any problem. Another good video Jim.
Long time Shimano guy here, i recently bought 3 Daiwa Zillions and have really enjoyed them. How do you like the Bantam A vs the 21 Zillion SV TW? I know you praised the zillion in your prior video. Thanks!
I own the Zillion and the Bantam. I use my Zillion for light-med. sized baits with light to med. resistance. If you're throwing heavier resistance baits like 1/2 Spinnerbaits or power fishing in the weeds then the Bantam is a better choice. Both great reels!
@@dustinm5667 just remember, the Bantam is significantly heavier than the Zillion. Just keep that in mind before purchasing it. It's not a reel I use for all day use and you're going to have to use a longer rod to balance out the combo.
@@Fishin4ever4life that rod is 420 dollars in the us market. If you can find it from Japan it’s 270. It’s a super sick rod though I have one I got last year.
The ALX Skipper is also a great option that is USA made including the blank. 6'9" MH+ It's H power rod with a MH tip section for casting accuracy. The Skipper is a shorter version of their Toadface, which is a 7'2" rod with the same MH+ design.
I like the Shimano Reels but they are Reel expensive lol and I do like the lower speeds and never thought much about it when I was Catfishing but my Old Abu 5500 was in the high 4’s I think and worked well for bringing in huge Flatheads. Don’t let it sit on shelf we gotta see it zinging some Lures, a Topwater Frog maybe…
@@blind_eye_fishingpretty good speed for crankbaits. I liked my old Quantum Crank'n Reel for that. 3.8:1 retrieve speed. First cast on Seminole, after moving here, caught a 6lb 6 oz. Lgm on an old school crankbait, not made anymore, in fire craw.
Someone told me that reel ran under 299$ 😂 i said nope not even its a 350$ reel at minimum and some places had it listed at 399$ but looks like its came down across the board. Ill have one some day lol
@@helotaxi nope wrong on both of the newest models. 269$ on the bantam and just over 300$ on the metanium. That's the cheapest listings I found 2 hours ago lol. US pricing has the bantam 359$ and up. The metanium is over 400 and up to almost 500$. I'm constantly looking at gear and lures lol.
Shimano4Life guy here, and I love my Bantam MGL and MGL A and use them more than my Metaniums, but I love them all💯 glad you got yours 😊
Right on brother! 👊💪
The newer Bantam is a beast of a reel for sure. The most amazing thing about it is Shimano managed to get a tiny reel to feel both substantial and powerful.
💯 brother! 👊
Looking forward to seeing it in action. Thanks TJ. Good as always
Appreciate you watching!
I like the new look for this year. I can't wait until you start doing the live shows again. You used to get a package and do an unboxing like a little kid getting a new toy. Keep them coming 👊😎👍
Right on brother! Won't be long! 👊💪
Love using my Bantam for Magdrafts and smaller swimbaits like the Megabass Gorham 147f. Absolutely monster reel especially with an added longer handle.
💯
I agree. One of mine is on an Expride 7’7” Heavy. Awesome 6” Magdraft setup
First off that camera angle is awesome. Reel looks sick, I’d love to see you put it up against the new hupermag in cast battle and overall feature show down. Great review!
Right on brother! Appreciate you! 👊💪
Your tackle room looks like a great place to shop!
💯
Nice reel review Jim, really like the camera angle in this video, opens up the room.
Appreciate the feedback brother! 👊
Love those Shimano reels and was hooked on em for a long time. They had some great rods, too. I don't work for a utility, anymore, so affordability is a must for me, now.🤷♂️
Right on brother! 👊💪
Thank's for the informative video. I love fishing Spinnerbaits but it's hard to find a 7 speed reel with enough power to handle an easy retrieve. This reel solves that problem.
💯 brother! 👊💪
Just got mine delivered 30 min ago. Excited to try it out.
You'll dig it! 👊💪
Replaced all mine with these! Amazing reel. Of course I kept my Lews PS-1s for the crank bait rods
Right on! 👊💪
More great content TJ! Thanks for sharing this buddy!
Appreciate you watching brother! 👊
Awesome breakdown! Great reel
Appreciate you watching! 👊💪
Been thinking about pairing this reel up with the Megabass Mark 56 rod for swim baits, rats, etc….I’ve used only shimano reels for the past 30 years.
On a side note….I 👊🏻 that like button!!!!
Great choice! Appreciate you! 👊💪
I've been running that same combo for several months now. I love it!
Between the Zillion, this new Bantam and the Metanium, is one significantly better as far as casting distance or resistance to backlashing? Or better for a particular technique? Maybe you could do a comparison video since you like them all. I already have a Zillion but Christmas is coming.
I do prefer the Shimano reels for working the bottom as I feel they are more sensitive and I like the Daiwa reels for my reaction baits as I feel they are more compact and comfortable in hand while cranking and whatnot. As far as control goes, I'd have to give the edge to the zillion...that braking system is easy to dial in and just works! 👊💪
@@TackleJunky81 I'm in the market for another baitcaster and I see online that you can get the Zillion from Amazon and other sites for only $217. From my research they could be from Japan (JDM) and the only difference is an aluminum gear vs bronze..At that price, I'll get 2, one for the wife
The new bantam even cast better and farther than the old one...I have 3 of the new models in and it actually cast myn 2-4 oz. swimbaits without any problem. Another good video Jim.
Right on brother! Appreciate you watching! 👊
Good review Jim 👍
Thanks man! 👊
Nice reel. Thanks for the review. ✌️😎🎣
Appreciate you watching brother! 👊💪
Nice reel , room looking great 👊💪
Thanks man! 👊💪
Ordered the SLX XT end of June for $33.90 ($130 normally) hasn't shown up yet. Guess it's on the slow boat from China.
😂😂 that was a knockoff for sure
That's one heck of a deal!
Long time Shimano guy here, i recently bought 3 Daiwa Zillions and have really enjoyed them. How do you like the Bantam A vs the 21 Zillion SV TW? I know you praised the zillion in your prior video. Thanks!
Man, that's a tough one, but it's gonna come down to what I'm doing with the reel.
I own the Zillion and the Bantam. I use my Zillion for light-med. sized baits with light to med. resistance. If you're throwing heavier resistance baits like 1/2 Spinnerbaits or power fishing in the weeds then the Bantam is a better choice. Both great reels!
@@philipfalco7304 Awesome, thanks for the reply! Looks like I better pick up a Bantam after all
@@dustinm5667 just remember, the Bantam is significantly heavier than the Zillion. Just keep that in mind before purchasing it. It's not a reel I use for all day use and you're going to have to use a longer rod to balance out the combo.
Only reel brand I use shimano. My opinion best reel is metanium b 2020
👊💪
I'm a big Met. Fan. I own the U.S 2020, the JDM Shallow Edition 22' and the 23' JDM. Covers all my Bass fishing needs.
If you like shorter frog rods check out a Raid Gladiator “The Frogman”. Awesome stick at 6’7”
I’m actually looking for a frog rod and I’ll definitely be checking this raid rod out!
@@Fishin4ever4life that rod is 420 dollars in the us market. If you can find it from Japan it’s 270. It’s a super sick rod though I have one I got last year.
Right on! 👊💪
The ALX Skipper is also a great option that is USA made including the blank. 6'9" MH+ It's H power rod with a MH tip section for casting accuracy. The Skipper is a shorter version of their Toadface, which is a 7'2" rod with the same MH+ design.
i had the older bantam and fished it all day no problem, weight never concerns me
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In my opinion it's the same as the Aldeberran MGL( just changed the material) which a lot of people consider the best MGL ever
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New bantam mgl A spool III is the best for long cast than 18' MGL bantam?
I believe so.
@@TackleJunky81Bantam A is solid than old 18' version
I like the Shimano Reels but they are Reel expensive lol and I do like the lower speeds and never thought much about it when I was Catfishing but my Old Abu 5500 was in the high 4’s I think and worked well for bringing in huge Flatheads. Don’t let it sit on shelf we gotta see it zinging some Lures, a Topwater Frog maybe…
💯 brother! It's been slingin frogs going on 2 seasons now...just not catching too many! 😂
@@TackleJunky81 I think I’ve caught 2 Fish in as many months lol honestly.
With the ambassaduer 5500 the most common gear ratio after late 80s early 90s was a 5.3:1 I have two still and a 6.3:1 royal express.
@@blind_eye_fishingpretty good speed for crankbaits. I liked my old Quantum Crank'n Reel for that. 3.8:1 retrieve speed. First cast on Seminole, after moving here, caught a 6lb 6 oz. Lgm on an old school crankbait, not made anymore, in fire craw.
Storm Rattling Thin Fin. Came in 2nd in the tournament I was practicing for.
🔥 🔥 🔥
👊💪
What was your termanal rack brand again??
Mustad
Yes that's what I thaught
Stuck between this one or lews hyper mag
Hypermag is pretty awesome as well!
Mine has a click every time I reel and I sent it to Shimano to get it fixed and it’s still there
🤔
Damn ! I knew I shouldn’t had watch this video 😂😂! Put a hat on that dome 😂 j/k great video bro! Sweet looking reel man!
🤣🤣🤣
Love he unboxing videos!!!! Bantam looks nice but a little out of my price range!! Mayne when I make it to the pros!!!!🤣😂 Stay Safe & God Bless!!!! 🤠👍
😂 Appreciate you stopping by brother! Hope all is well! 👊💪
@@TackleJunky81 All is well!!! 🤠👍
Everyone should have this $400 reel in their arsenal
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It's not new? If I recall bantam was release 2018 and 2020 maybe 2022?
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The Bantam A was a 2022 release.
Someone told me that reel ran under 299$ 😂 i said nope not even its a 350$ reel at minimum and some places had it listed at 399$ but looks like its came down across the board. Ill have one some day lol
It's pretty dang awesome! 👊
$220 from Japan. Metanium is $250 from the same sites. We get shafted by Shimano USA and Daiwa USA on pricing here.
@@helotaxi nope wrong on both of the newest models. 269$ on the bantam and just over 300$ on the metanium. That's the cheapest listings I found 2 hours ago lol. US pricing has the bantam 359$ and up. The metanium is over 400 and up to almost 500$. I'm constantly looking at gear and lures lol.
@@blind_eye_fishing I just looked on the site I use - $238 for the Bantam and $287 for the Metanium with free shipping.
Looking at the previous comments, I’m far too ugly to be posting on your video lol
It’s outta control! I just report all as spam. Whether UA-cam does anything about it 🤷♂️
😂
If I can’t get the reel with a left hand crank, then I won’t buy one.
👊
Man, you got some of the biggest tackle junkies in the comments, lol!
😂 Dang bots!
@@TackleJunky81 maybe she likes UNBOXING videos 😂😂
Sorry, but no. you are bald because you shave.
😎