Overview
Designed for the power game, the Shimano Bantam MGL A Casting Reel is packed full of Shimano’s most advanced technologies and delivers unsurpassed power, precision, and performance. Built upon a one-piece aluminum CoreSolid Body that houses Shimano’s Infinity Drive and MicroModule gearing system, the Shimano Bantam MGL A Casting Reel provides a solid in-hand feel and unbelievable reeling force to supply power without resistance or hesitation.
Offering added versatility, the Shimano Bantam MGL A Casting Reel features an all new MGL Spool III with decreased startup inertia that enables anglers to cast further while providing the ability to use a variety of lure weights and presentations. Backed by an ultra powerful Cross Carbon Drag to yank fish out of the thick stuff, the Shimano Bantam MGL A Casting Reel raises the bar for power fishing reels.
Features:
-Infinity Drive
-CoreSolid Body
-Cross Carbon Drag
-MGL Spool III
-HAGANE Body
-MicroModule
-S3D Spool
-SVS Infinity
-SilentTune
-Super Free Spool
Specifications
| Model | Retrieve | Gear Ratio | Weight | Line Cap. | Bearings | |
| BANTAM151A | Left | 6.2:1 | 7.6 | 12/110, 14/90 | 8BB + 1RB | Buy Now |
| BANTAM151HA | Left | 7.1:1 | 7.6 | 12/110, 14/90 | 8BB + 1RB | Buy Now |
| BANTAM150A | Right | 6.2:1 | 7.6 | 12/110, 14/90 | 8BB + 1RB | Buy Now |
| BANTAM150HGA | Right | 7.1:1 | 7.6 | 12/110, 14/90 | 8BB + 1RB | Buy Now |
| BANTAM150XGA | Right | 8.1:1 | 7.6 | 12/110, 14/90 | 8BB + 1RB | Buy Now |
| BANTAM151XGA | Left | 8.1:1 | 7.6 | 12/110, 14/90 | 8BB + 1RB | Buy Now |
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Customer Reviews
Awesome ReelThis reel is a gem. It's as smooth as butter, casts a mile, and solid as a rock. I prefer this over my Zillion and it's not really close. I have this paired up with an Expride 7'2 MH glass and it's a perfect match.
Bad a$$ reelWhat can I say? Shimano hit it out of the park again they make such phenomenal reels. I would definitely recommend that you get this real. I just recently purchased four of them.
I’m buying more.This reel is perfection. I didn’t know it was possible for a reel to be this smooth and refined (comparing to Curado mgl, revo sx, various lews speed spool models). I was shocked with the first cast. Yes it is somewhat heavy but feels great on my 7’7 Expride. The one piece design on this reel makes it feel like a tank. It absolutely bombs casts and has a lot of torque when reeling in big fish/heavy baits. I will have ordered two more by the time anyone reads this.
Nearly perfect deep cranking reelThis reel will BOMB deep cranks when paired with my Dobyns 805CB RM XP. It holds sufficient 12lb flouro for this application, but I'm not sure if it would hold enough 15-17lb+ flouro for distance casting applications. Casting is effortless without constantly fiddling with adjustments - which is a huge improvement compared to a 2020 metanium that I sold off... It also behaves predictably when brakes are set near the lower limits of a specific bait, which was not the case for my 2020 metanium. Only negatives are: It is very heavy (but this is a positive for long, tip heavy rods) and there is a small point that digs into my palm a bit. I only notice it when I first pick the reel up after not using it for a while, but it is not bad enough to bother me while fishing.
MarkFantastic reel. Just as good if not better than the Diawa Zillion. Power fishing is where it shines. Spoil yourself. Get one.
BantamBetter than my curados and my Metanuim dc by far will be ordering another one the only thing I have to say that is wrong with this reel is the drag slips fairly easy but I upgraded the drag gear so it is perfect now.
Workhorse 100%If you’re looking for that perfect reel you don’t need to look anywhere else, this has got that special juice! I’ve tired many different companies looking for that perfect one to do everything from jerkbaits to swimbaits! I now own (2) and they’re worth every penny! You can bomb cast a mile and rip them out of heavy cover! I have both of mine paired on 7’2” Heavy & 7’5” MH Shimano Zodias Rods and ohhhh my goodness they are very well balanced and comfortable in your hand! You can fish all day long without having to burning yourself out! I drop mine normally between 1-2 on the side adjustment and tune it to the bait, letting her rip with no problems whatsoever with back lash and don’t forget the Xfinity Drive It’s smooth as butter and allows you to reel in those HOG’s with EASE!!!!
A must have your arsenal,
Simple and CleanI've bought two of these reels. Coming from $200-300 price point Daiwas, there's not a whole lot I can say besides knit-picky details. At the end of the day, you're getting what you pay for which is a beautiful solid-made reel that's no fuss at all. It's my favorite to date. I use these reels for T-rigging and frogging.
Tough as nailsCasts like a dream, palms easily, durable. It may be "heavier" than similar priced reels but look at the weight of a curado (one of the most popular reels), its the same. I actually like it heavier so it balances out longer rods. Put one on a stick and give it a once over, you just might get 4.
Previous Feedback
Comments: Got this reel about two months ago. At first I was a little disappointed because it wasnt very smooth. After having it for about a week, it just got smoother and smoother. Performance on this reel is crazy. I use it on a Loomis GCX as a Texas Rig setup and it does the job very well. I would HIGHLY recommend the Bantam MGL to anyone.
From: Unknown: 8/13/23
Comments: I just bought this reel and it's FANTASTIC. This is a great all around reel not just a power fishing reel. It is so solid and so smooth. I think it is smoother than my metanium MGL. It's stupid smooth, I got goosebumps my first cast on some water. LOVE THIS REEL.
From: Tom: AZ 5/13/23
Comments: This is my first Bantam in over 25+ years and I have to say I'm impressed. It is just a little heavier than some of my other high end Shimano reels. But I did not buy this reel to be light, I bought it to be a workhorse! That is exactly what it is. I have it on a St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass (2022 version) in 7'3" Heavy Med. Fast.... its a do it all rod and this is my do it all reel. I have Sufix 131 in 30# on it and it casts like a dream. Chatter baits - check, large stick baits - check, swim bait - check, jig - check....Smooth, fits in the palm well and the more I use it the better/ smother it gets. If you are looking for a workhorse of a reel, you have found it. You will not be disappointed. My reel is the 7.1:1 right handed.
From: Jason: Oshkosh, WI 6/7/22