freelancer27 Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 Hi all! I am considering putting a new heavier swimbait combo together (rod would be the Destroyer TS King of Baccarat). I will choose on of the new Conquest MD but unsure which size to choose. Are the 300 and 400 size MDs sharing the same body and only differentiate in spool size? I had the 2018 CC in the 400 size as a reference. Is the 400 size MD of the same body size as the 2018? Planning to use #25 FC. Most likely straight FC, but might consider braid to FC (what # test for the braid should I consider?). Planning to throw anything from a deps 250 and up on this combo, with 9# being the max. Thanks all!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morph808 Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 I don't have the MD but do have the 2018 Conquest As. But from what I hear the MDs are smaller form factor vs. their predecessors. freelancer27 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
22RangerZ520R Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 The body of the 2023 is slightly different than the 2018. The bigger handle and paddles are what really stuck out to me along with how much smoother the MD is vs the 2018's. Based on what you've said you're using it for I'd go with the 400 size. I have 8 of the 400 MD's with 20lb and 25lb fluorocarbon on them, I prefer the wider 400 spool. Just like the 2018's, they have the S-compact body/side plate so they're easy to palm. Good luck with your decision. freelancer27 and Jim137a 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freelancer27 Posted January 10 Author Report Share Posted January 10 Thanks you two! Are there pics available that compare the 300 vs the 400 size MD? I was not able to find any.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass_blaster Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 Here’s the 200xg/300MD/400MD next to each other. 300 and 400 are same size around, but the 400 has wider spool (and thus wider frame). All of them are comfy to me. Jim137a, freelancer27, 22RangerZ520R and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freelancer27 Posted January 10 Author Report Share Posted January 10 Thanks a lot for the pics!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim137a Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 I have a few of the 2018’s and have been fishing the new 401 MD since it came out and as @22RangerZ520R stated it’s noticeably smoother that the 2018. The handle is 102 mm and has really nice easy to grip knobs so no need to update the handle IMO. The diameter of the “ palming side “ of the MD is almost identical to the 2018 BUT the big difference is the MD has a bit more of a radius on the edge and is definitely more comfortable in hand. Width - almost identical weight - the MD is about an ounce more than the 2018 . MD = 13.4 oz with a lined spool, my 2018 weights 13.3 but I do have a DRT 117 mm handle on it Biggest difference is the shape of the gear box and I’m assuming thats to accommodate the magnetic drive. The only slight issue I have with the reel is removing the spool - u need to have the side plate in a certain position and kinda “ finagle “ the spool out. It also seems to help if you remove the spool tension knob when removing the spool maine y yak, Jonnybass64, 22RangerZ520R and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim137a Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 Here’s a breakdown with some dimensions etc. https://www.tackletour.com/previewshimanocalcuttaconquest.html freelancer27 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freelancer27 Posted January 10 Author Report Share Posted January 10 2 hours ago, Bass_blaster said: Here’s the 200xg/300MD/400MD next to each other. 300 and 400 are same size around, but the 400 has wider spool (and thus wider frame). All of them are comfy to me. May I ask you when you use the 300 and when the 400 size? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass_blaster Posted January 11 Report Share Posted January 11 20 minutes ago, freelancer27 said: May I ask you when you use the 300 and when the 400 size? I use 300 for hard baits since I don’t long line them. I use 400 for soft baits because on occasion I’ll cast them out and then move away with my kayak/boat to have a longer cast. BigJimmyB, Morph808 and freelancer27 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freelancer27 Posted January 11 Author Report Share Posted January 11 24 minutes ago, Bass_blaster said: I use 300 for hard baits since I don’t long line them. I use 400 for soft baits because on occasion I’ll cast them out and then move away with my kayak/boat to have a longer cast. Thanks again! Looks like the 300 size should be plenty for any big bait fishing for bass. The 400 woul provide some better ipt at the end of the cast and some future proofing for bigger saltwater fishing. Morph808 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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