Drag: Shimano again ups the ante in this Metanium XT with a robust 7lbs of maximum drag pressure measured in our lab. With previous models, we were only able to achieve 5lbs of pressure on a full spool. Throw, on top of that, Shimano's Dartanium drag system and the precision and reassurance of a micro-click
adjustable drag, and you have performance nearing nirvana. As one would expect, on the water
operation in our test model was flawless.
|
|
|
The Metanium XT sports raised abrasion guards at the top of the reel
|
|
|
|
The rubberized thumbar of the Metanium XT is very comfortable to use
|
Ergonomics: Though not as sleek in appearance as the older models, the new Metanium XT is perfectly comfortable to palm. At just about 8.2 ounces without line, this reel is also at a comfortable weight. It's not the lightest aluminum framed reel on the market, but thankfully, it's also not the heaviest. There was one area of discontent we had was with this reel and that was the sideplate. As discussed earlier, in order to release the sideplate and gain access to the spool, one must flip a lever on the bottom back of the reel. This lever actually works very well. But what we discovered, perhaps due to this new design, is while palming the reel and retrieving our baits, the sideplate tended to move and shift under our palm from time to time giving us the impression that the sideplate was coming loose and was ready to open. It never did, but this kind of loose feeling is very uncharacteristic of Shimano and a rather large area of disappointment with us.
|
|
|
The very attractive cast control cap and forged handle of our Metanium XT
|
|
|
|
Another look at one of the reel's more impressive details
|
Design: As mentioned earlier in this article, the overall design of the reel, aesthetically, left something to be desired by our staff. However, that's not to say the reel is not without its positive points. The forged handle, gnurled cast control knob, polished aluminum highlights, to name a few, are all positive aspects of this reel. In addition, the rubberized thumb bar provides a very comfortable surface to press against during a full day and weekend of casting and pitching. Quality components and touches abound in this reel.
|
|
|
A closeup of the attractive nameplate on our Metanium XT
|
|
|
|
The Metanium XT's
coated levelwind
|
Zander's
take: It was
interesting to
fish the
Metanium after
fishing the
Chronarch 100B
for such a long
time. In
comparison the
Metanium does
feel lighter and
slightly more
refined, but the
Chronarch
definitely feels
more robust and
durable. The
Chronarch's
coating is much
more heavy-duty
and resistant to
abrasion than
the Metainum's
painted
exterior. This
reel bucked the
trend of having
all the reels
introduced in
Japan first, and
for US anglers
the Metanium is
not really a
step up from the
Chronarch. It is
different, and
it does have
that unique
refined feel to
it, but it is
hard to argue
that it is
actually
"better." This
of course won't
stop collectors,
nor should
it...the
Metanium XT is a
fine reel, and
one that is
vintage Shimano.
Now, whether or
not it will have
the enduring
enthusiast
appeal of the
previous
generation reel
remains to be
seen.
Ratings:
|
Shimano
Metanium XT Ratings (?/10)
|
| Construction/Quality |
Were it not for the loose sideplate on our test model and the backplay of the handle, we might have given this reel a
near perfect rating here. |
9.5 |
| Performance |
Our Metanium
XT lacked
nothing when it
came to actual
performance, but
the reel does
not have some of
the nicer
features of the
US version
including the
ION plated
finish |
9 |
| Price |
MSRP is quite high, but the reel can be had for much less if you shop around.
You also have to
consider the US
version is so
similar and
costs less |
7.5 |
| Features |
This reel is loaded with top notch features.
While it doesn't
have the ION
plated finish of
the US version
it does have
weight reduction
making it .8oz
lighter than the
US model |
8.5 |
| Design (Ergonomics) |
If they only maintained the old shape and provided a more lustrous finish.
Slightly more
ergonomic than
the US version
because of the
lighter
weight... but
you do sacrifice
some durability |
7.5 |
| Application |
Fresh and Saltwater safe.
This reel
doesn't have as
hardy gears as
the Chronarch B
but can be used
in both
environments |
9 |
|
Total Score
|
8.50 |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus Minus
|
| J Top notch performance |
L We'd have enjoyed a more attractive finish,
US version more
durable |
| J Stock 84mm handle |
L We preferred the shape of the old Metanium |
| J Smooth smooth smooth |
L A bit pricey considering the Antares AR is not much more |
| J Respectable weight |
|
|
|
|
As this 4lb largemouth bass discovered, Shimano produces another incredibly smooth performer in the '05 Metanium XT
|
Conclusion: Things did not start off well at all in our relationship with the 2005 Metanium XT. But approaching our tests with an open mind, we soon discovered that not all is as it seems when it comes to Shimano Japan. We still
miss the old profile, but there is no denying the stellar performance that is delivered by the reel's inner workings, and despite the reel's
bulky build, it is
surprisingly a very comfortable reel to palm. Purchased at MSRP, one could argue that for another $50 to $75 you can have Shimano Japan's flagship, Antares AR, so why bother? But this reel has come down in price at several of the online merchants and is now available at a price rivaling the pre-2005 Metanium XT's. At these prices, this reel is a serious player and very worthy of consideration. Is it a classic in the making? Only time will tell.
Support this site by purchasing from one of our online advertisers:
brooklynbillstackleshop.com
japantackle.com
Be sure to let them know you heard about them here.
