SHIMANO Bantam 22 Reel – Low Profile Baitcaster for Bass Fishing
Description
SHIMANO 22 Bantam Baitcasting Reel – One-Piece Power and Precision for Hardcore Bass Anglers
The SHIMANO 22 Bantam is a premium low-profile baitcasting reel that blends rock-solid strength with finesse-level control. Built with Shimano’s one-piece CoreSolid Body and upgraded MGL Spool III, it delivers exceptional rigidity, smooth casting, and ultimate control—ideal for demanding bass anglers who fish both heavy cover and technical structure.
Key Features
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Weight: Approx. 215g (7.6 oz) – Well-balanced for all-day comfort
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Gear Ratios:
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6.2:1 (HG) – Perfect for crankbaits and steady retrieves
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7.1:1 (HG) – Versatile for jigs, worms, and balanced presentations
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8.1:1 (XG) – Ultra-fast for pitching, flipping, and topwater fishing
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Max Drag: 5.5kg ≈ 12lbs – Smooth, consistent drag for fighting bass in heavy cover
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Body Material: CoreSolid one-piece aluminum – Exceptional rigidity and gear alignment
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Spool: MGL Spool III – Reduced spool inertia for longer, smoother casts
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Brake System: SVS Infinity – External dial for fine-tuned casting control
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Line Capacity: 12lb – 100m / 14lb – 90m – Ideal for standard bass fishing lines
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Ergonomics: Compact profile with extended handle for added cranking power
Available Variants (Gear Ratio × Handle Side)
Model | Gear Ratio | Retrieve Side | Best For |
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XG Right | 8.1:1 | Right-hand | Fast topwater, flipping, rapid line pick-up |
HG Left | 7.1:1 | Left-hand | Versatile control for soft plastics and jigs |
HG Right | 7.1:1 | Right-hand | All-around bass fishing applications |
XG Left | 8.1:1 | Left-hand | Aggressive fishing in heavy cover |
Left | 6.2:1 | Left-hand | Cranking, swimbaits, slow presentations |
Right | 6.2:1 | Right-hand | Steady retrieves, deep cranking |
✅ Choose based on your dominant hand and preferred retrieve speed. Left-hand models are ideal for right-handed anglers who cast with their right and reel with their left.
Built for American Bass Anglers
From punching mats in Florida to flipping laydowns in Texas or working jerkbaits in the Midwest, the 22 Bantam delivers across all bass techniques. It’s a favorite among U.S. anglers who demand rock-solid rigidity, refined casting control, and no compromise in performance.
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Built tough for U.S. freshwater and light inshore applications
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Tournament-grade precision and power
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Ships fast across the U.S. with full English-language support