Phenix K2 715C: Aldebaran 50HG or 13 Metanium HG/XG

[Fishinfanatic115]

Hey guys, a local rod builder I know is building a Phenix K2 715C for me, and I was wondering which reel I should put on it. Going to load it up with #15 Tatsu, and use it mostly for 3/8oz Keitech casting jigs and lighter (3/16 or 1/4oz bullet weight) Texas Rigs in light to moderate cover. I already have a Met 13 HG on the Recon2 version of this rod, and I love it, but the Alde looks appealing due to the 1.5oz weight savings. Opinions are appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[DavidSA]

Have not fished the Aldebaran but recently got the Met HG. I've had Met XG's for a while. I prefer the MetXG over the HG. It has a longer handle and bigger knobs. It got the HG for both plastics and moving baits. For dedicated jig, worm, or frog reels I like the XG speed in a big way.

[phatbass]

I considered the alderbaran 50 for a short time ,but after actually holding one,I felt I would rather get another met13 hg instead and never regretted it,plus I don't like finesse fishing anyway.

[Okiekev]

I have both and love both! The Aldebaran is the lightest reel I have ever used and feels amazing on a light weight rod and I find myself reaching for it more than any other. That being said, the met just feels like a more solid reel and I use it for any heavier applications.

While I don't have the Phoenix rods yet, I can give you my preference for these reels on my NRXs. The Aldebaran is great with the 853 and the met is on my 854 and 873 CRR. I have heard the 854 and K2 715 are in similar class if that helps at all.

[DavidSA]

your point of view is what I thought might happen if I bought an alde. I like it but does not feel as solid as Met. That would lead me to the Met for many applications. The other thing that got me to buy more mets was that spools interchangeable including deep and finesse backup spools.

[Fishinfanatic115]

Thanks for the input, guys! Looks like a Met XG is the best bet for the applications I'm looking to fish. Appreciate all the help!

[Okiekev]

Good choice, but you couldn't have gone wrong either way!

[Fishinfanatic115]

Good choice, but you couldn't have gone wrong either way!

Haha, that's the impression I got, but I'd rather have the extra oomph the Met has. I just took mine out the other day for the first time for this season, and I'd forgotten how much I love it! That also helped make up my mind. Maybe I'll shoot for an Alde next season!

[DavidSA]

The met is nice in that it is on the edge of finesse weight wise and profile wise but performs as a stout full sized rig

[Okiekev]

Good choice, but you couldn't have gone wrong either way!

Haha, that's the impression I got, but I'd rather have the extra oomph the Met has. I just took mine out the other day for the first time for this season, and I'd forgotten how much I love it! That also helped make up my mind. Maybe I'll shoot for an Alde next season!

Lighter weight rod, where weight is the priority or the edge of a BFS set up, the alde would be the way to go. The met is probably the better all around...

[TahoeDust]

I put a Microcast shallow spool in my Met and really feel like I have the best of both worlds...just something to think about.

[Fishinfanatic115]

I put a Microcast shallow spool in my Met and really feel like I have the best of both worlds...just something to think about.

That's a good thought, I honestly didn't think of that. I wasn't as concerned with the casting weight, since my Recon2 version of the rod bottoms out at about 1/4oz, but more of the physical weight.

Anyone see this yet? Think it's a viable option? That XG gear ration paired with that super light weight (5.2oz!) and 102mm handle looks dynamite!
http://japantackle.com/casting-reels/sh ... stile.html

[DavidSA]

not seen it and it looks great!

I like the length of the handle and weight. Don't like 84mm handles on anything new. Cost me $40 to upgrade a new Met HG.

[Okiekev]

I put a Microcast shallow spool in my Met and really feel like I have the best of both worlds...just something to think about.

That's a good thought, I honestly didn't think of that. I wasn't as concerned with the casting weight, since my Recon2 version of the rod bottoms out at about 1/4oz, but more of the physical weight.

Anyone see this yet? Think it's a viable option? That XG gear ration paired with that super light weight (5.2oz!) and 102mm handle looks dynamite!
http://japantackle.com/casting-reels/sh ... stile.html

What does that Stile compare to in the US market?

[Fishinfanatic115]

I put a Microcast shallow spool in my Met and really feel like I have the best of both worlds...just something to think about.

That's a good thought, I honestly didn't think of that. I wasn't as concerned with the casting weight, since my Recon2 version of the rod bottoms out at about 1/4oz, but more of the physical weight.

Anyone see this yet? Think it's a viable option? That XG gear ration paired with that super light weight (5.2oz!) and 102mm handle looks dynamite!
http://japantackle.com/casting-reels/sh ... stile.html

What does that Stile compare to in the US market?

I would think the Alde, due to the weight. It's denoted as a "100" size, however, which threw me off a bit.