High end reel advice

[versus158]

Hi everyone,

I'm scoping around looking for a new reel.

It would go on a 166M expride (rated 1/4 to 3/4oz), would mostly use it for texas rigging in sparse cover. I'm from France so most of the baits that I throw tend to be smaller, mostly 4.5 to 6 inch worms with a 3/16th or 1/4 sinker.
No boat so distance is a factor, centrifugal brakes, preferably lightweight (6.5oz and under) and pretty small. Not really concerned by line capacity, the cover around here is far from thick so no need for heavy line.

I've narrowed down the selection a bit and would really appreciate some of your input :

Abu Mgxtreme2
Abu MGX 2
Shimano aldebaran 51
Shimano chronarch MGL
Shimano metanium MGL

Thanks a lot !

[fffishing]

Aldebaran 51 good enough for that.Great reel!

[cortman]

Either the Aldebaran or the Metanium MGL. I have the Met; it's an incredible reel.

[papabassin]

Of the options listed, I would choose the Met MGL.

[MardukFIN]

Steez SV

[lmbfisherman]

Met MGL or Chronarch MGL if you aren't getting the jdm Met MGL.

[Dalleinf]

Met MGL (JDM version)

[cndbasshunter]

Aldebaran 51hg

[DavidSA]

I fish worms with weights you list on my Met MGL all the time. Distance is excellent. I recommend the XG version.

One item you did not mention is type of line. I use 30# PowerPro braid. I feel the Met MGL performs better with braid then FC line. I am able to be more aggressive with brake settings with braided line.

[versus158]

Thanks for the input guys.

For the line it'll mostly be 10 to 12 pounds fluorocarbon, will take a better look at the metanium MGL.

Could who has fished the aldebaran and the mat mgl give me a quick comparison ?

[Dalleinf]

I have both the Alde 51 and a Met MGL JDM. I am very happy with both reels with a slight preference for the Met. Both are centrifugal brake Shimanos in the same price range, and IMO they fish much the same. The Alde is very light. Almost too light for some rods and in my hands it feels a little hollow compared too the Met.
For sub 3/8 oz lures fished on a short and light rod, I would lean towards the Alde.
On a rod rated 1/4-3/4 oz and for lures mainly above 1/4 oz, the Met MgL would be my choice.

I should say that I also have the MGXtreme, albeit vs1 and not vs2 that you consider, and I am also happy with that reel - it is just not as great as the alde or the met.

[Hennessy]

I had the mgx 2, sold it. Even then purchased the mgxtreme2, even paying $250 i was dissapointed and sold it. Just not in the same league as daiwa/shimano. I tend to fish my heavier baits and combos with longer rods on my metanium mgls. For my shorter more light weight combos, i either use the aldebaran 50 or steez sv tw. For the price around $300 at japan lure shop, the aldebaran 50hg is hard to beat.

[Dalleinf]

[quote="Hennessy"]For the price around $300 at japan lure shop, the aldebaran 50hg is hard to beat.

... in stiff competition with the Met MGL for $ 290 incl shipping at Digitaka

[versus158]

Well it looks like something helped me make my choice. Got a deal on an almost brand new aldebaran for 200€...

Will see how it goes but it should be perfect for a lightweight setup, won't really be casting anything over 1/2oz with it so it should do fine.

[new2BC4bass]

I opened this thread not to give advice, but to see if there were any other new reels I needed to be dreaming about.

Right away the "High end" eliminated any advice from me.

I can tell you two reels in what I consider "high end", but mid-tier for everyone else, that get good distance for me. However, neither are in the Shimano/Daiwa camp, so guess I had better remain silent.