Shimano Bantam A delivers power, precision and performance

by Shimano 2 Oct 2022 09:23 PDT

Shimano Bantam A © Shimano

Shimano introduced the first Bantam reel more than 40 years ago and continues to fuel the fire of elite bass anglers with the release of the revamped Bantam A.

This low-profile baitcasting reel was precision engineered from concept to completion, delivering unrivaled power so anglers can target heavy cover with ease and efficiency. Equipped with features and technologies never seen on a low-profile baitcasting reel, the redesigned Bantam is the pinnacle of Shimano reel engineering.

The redesigned Bantam A provides anglers with unsurpassed cranking power with Shimano's Infinity Drive technology. Shimano engineers specifically designed the new Bantam to attack thick vegetation, flip jigs, burn spinnerbaits and scour the depths with large crankbaits. Thanks to Infinity Drive, Bantam A delivers decreased torque under load, making reeling easier when battling trophy fish or presenting big baits.

Shimano Bantam A - photo © Shimano

Shimano engineered the new Bantam A for the toughest angling assignments. Shimano's exclusive cold-forged HAGANE Gear is at the heart of every Bantam A, leveraging high-precision gears with micron tolerances to ensure an ultra-smooth feel and reliable functionality season after season. Bantam's CoreSolid Body integrates the B-Side Plate, levelwind guard and frame into a solid one-piece construction that delivers confidence and power through unparalleled rigidity and enhanced gear meshing. Furthering super smooth rotation of the spool and handle, MicroModule Gear delivers the perfect retrieve with an entirely new gear set that uses smaller teeth and more of them. This provides additional contact points between the pinion and drive gears for a more efficient gear train. Together, these celebrated Shimano gear technologies enable bass anglers to improve performance and increase efficiency for a stronger and more enjoyable experience.

Helping cast lures a county-mile, the Bantam now features Shimano's MGL III Spool to yield significantly reduced startup inertia, allowing anglers to reach distant targets while providing the added versatility to fish a variety of baits and presentations. The narrow spool design allows for accurate presentations of lightweight baits but also makes casting bigger baits better.

Shimano Bantam A - photo © Shimano

By applying slight pressure to the bearing holding the spool, SilentTune reduces the vibration of the bearing during high-speed rotation. This improves upon the reel's quietness while casting. Furthering the precision line management of the Bantam A, SVS Infinity provides easy-to-manage, consistent spool control, and brake force. With brake weights that use inner friction against the raceway, SVS Infinity allows for quick, precise adjustments when anglers need to adjust to new baits and changing conditions.

The new Bantam A is available in three models to suit every bass angler around the country, each with the capacity for 150 yards of 20-pound test PowerPro and up to 120 yards of 100-pound-test monofilament. Handling a variety of techniques and presentations, like working thick cover with a squarebill or launching shallow-running spinnerbaits to the horizon, the BANTAM150A features a 6.2:1 gear ratio and retrieves 27 inches per crank.

Shimano Bantam A - photo © Shimano

The Bantam BANTAM150HGA has a 7.1:1 gear ratio, retrieves 31 inches per crank, and is a perfect choice when fishing bottom contact baits like a jighead, Texas or Carolina rig. The BANTAM150XGA with its 8.1:1 gear ratio retrieves line at a blazing fast 35 inches per crank, which is a huge benefit when frogging, punching and pitching, and quickly picking up slack when enticing bass on topwater baits. Each model is finely tuned to present and retrieve baits with maximum efficiency and is available in left and right-hand retrieve.

A reel with a reputation for being super tough and powerful is now stronger and more versatile than ever before. Step up your game with the next generation of Bantam A reels available at authorized Shimano retailers, with MSRP of $349.99.