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Metanium DC vs SLX DC (JDM): Weight, Drag & Price Differences

In Shimano Japan's tables the SLX DC 70 is 25 g heavier with 0.5 kg more max drag than the Metanium DC 70. Both are 70-size Shimano DC baitcasters sold in Japan as 70, 70HG and 70XG. The figures show what the price gap buys on paper. Figures are copied from Shimano Japan's tables (checked 2026-10-13); differences are simple subtraction, ≈ values are our unit conversions.

The difference in numbers (SLX DC minus Metanium DC)

Each column subtracts the Metanium DC figure from the SLX DC figure for the paired size. A plus sign means the SLX DC is higher.

Item70 → 7070HG → 70HG70XG → 70XG
Weight+25 g (+0.9 oz)+25 g (+0.9 oz)+20 g (+0.7 oz)
Max drag+0.5 kg (+1.1 lb)+0.5 kg (+1.1 lb)Same (5 kg)
Gear ratio+0.1:1+0.1:1+0.1:1
Retrieve per crank−1 cm−1 cm−1 cm
Handle lengthSame (42 mm)Same (42 mm)Same (45 mm)
Spool34 mm dia. / 19 mm width → 33 mm dia. / 21 mm width34 mm dia. / 19 mm width → 33 mm dia. / 21 mm width34 mm dia. / 19 mm width → 33 mm dia. / 21 mm width
Japan list price−¥34,500−¥34,500−¥34,500

Metanium DC 70 vs SLX DC 70

ItemMetanium DC 70SLX DC 70
Gear ratio6.2:16.3:1
Weight175 g (≈ 6.2 oz)200 g (≈ 7.1 oz)
Max drag5 kg (≈ 11.0 lb)5.5 kg (≈ 12.1 lb)
Handle side (R/L)Right: 70 / Left: 71Right and left versions
Line capacity, nylon (lb-m)12-100, 14-90, 16-80, 20-6512-100, 14-90, 16-80, 20-65
Retrieve per crank66 cm (≈ 26.0 in)65 cm (≈ 25.6 in)
Spool34 mm dia. / 19 mm width33 mm dia. / 21 mm width
Bearings (ball/roller)10/16/1
Handle length42 mm42 mm
Japan list price¥62,000¥27,500
Sold in the US?No same-code US modelNo same-code US model

Metanium DC 70HG vs SLX DC 70HG

ItemMetanium DC 70HGSLX DC 70HG
Gear ratio7.1:17.2:1
Weight175 g (≈ 6.2 oz)200 g (≈ 7.1 oz)
Max drag5 kg (≈ 11.0 lb)5.5 kg (≈ 12.1 lb)
Handle side (R/L)Right: 70HG / Left: 71HGRight and left versions
Line capacity, nylon (lb-m)12-100, 14-90, 16-80, 20-6512-100, 14-90, 16-80, 20-65
Retrieve per crank76 cm (≈ 29.9 in)75 cm (≈ 29.5 in)
Spool34 mm dia. / 19 mm width33 mm dia. / 21 mm width
Bearings (ball/roller)10/16/1
Handle length42 mm42 mm
Japan list price¥62,000¥27,500
Sold in the US?Yes (METDC70HGA)No same-code US model

Metanium DC 70XG vs SLX DC 70XG

ItemMetanium DC 70XGSLX DC 70XG
Gear ratio8.1:18.2:1
Weight180 g (≈ 6.3 oz)200 g (≈ 7.1 oz)
Max drag5 kg (≈ 11.0 lb)5 kg (≈ 11.0 lb)
Handle side (R/L)Right: 70XG / Left: 71XGRight and left versions
Line capacity, nylon (lb-m)12-100, 14-90, 16-80, 20-6512-100, 14-90, 16-80, 20-65
Retrieve per crank86 cm (≈ 33.9 in)85 cm (≈ 33.5 in)
Spool34 mm dia. / 19 mm width33 mm dia. / 21 mm width
Bearings (ball/roller)10/16/1
Handle length45 mm45 mm
Japan list price¥62,000¥27,500
Sold in the US?Yes (METDC70XGA)No same-code US model

Prices: Japan list prices are the makers' base prices before consumption tax (Shimano "本体価格", marked 税別; Daiwa "メーカー希望本体価格", marked 税抜). US prices are Shimano North America and Daiwa USA MSRP, or for Shimano baitcasting reels the price on Shimano North America's official online store. Source dates are shown with each record (2026-10-11 or 2026-10-13). We do not convert currencies or add tax. Prices can change; check the current price on the official page. Shop prices and stock are not shown. About prices

Which should you pick?

We do not rank reels: casting feel, brake tuning and durability are not in a spec table. Use the gap above against what you need, for example whether the extra drag or line capacity is worth the added weight and price. Both series pages list every size:

All Metanium DC sizes → · All SLX DC sizes → · All JDM Shimano reels

Other baitcaster comparisons

Sources