I started a second job working at my local Field & Stream exclusively to obtain a rod that I have been eyeing up forever. I recently purchased a G.Loomis NRX893c JWR and man WHAT A ROD! Among one of the lightest and most sensitive rods I have handled; truly amazing what can be done with modern materials. I, like most, use a jig to understnd the bottom structure and I plan on using it for draging jigs around points and normal football head jig stuff. I'll probably throw some Carolina rigs as well as some T-Rigs but I usually prefer a shorter rod.
Now the main topic, what to pair it up with. Considering it is such a light and sensitive rod I originally planned on pairing it with a Core 51mg7 and I still may but after a vacation to Florida and a day on Lake Okeechobee with a Aldebaran in my hand I think it will be the only 50 sized reel I would use for this combo. The lightweight would obviously help maintain sensitivity and reduce wear and tear throughout the day. The only problem: line capacity. I use 16#(0.33mm) Sunline Super FC Sniper for draging most stuff. According to TW the Aldebaran can hold 105yds of 10# and 85yds of 12#, according to Japan Tackle its 0.285mm(US10lb)-80m(90yds). I'm not so much concerned about the #test as much as the diameter, .285mm is the equivalent to 12# Super FC Sniper. 90yds isn't much and I won't be using 12# And 16# is around 16% thicker which would only give me 75 yards of line and some change. I'm not saying I'm a world record caster but it's pretty easy to sling a 3/4oz football head. Also I encounter the occasional small to medium sized pike/musky and If he's pulling drag and hasn't broken off I'm sure I've had some go farther that 75yds.
Conversely the Metanium is more of a beefed up version on the Aldebaran. More brake pins, more max drag, more line capacity, more weight... However it also include a 8.5:1 ratio (I will be referring to this model) which is extremely enticing and the flagship status without the flagship price. The line capacity isn't much better, Japan Tackle says 0.285mm(US10lb)-120m(130yds) and as I stated before the diameter is the kicker. However it just seems more suited for something like jig fishing where more is demanded of your equipment. I know it's all in my head but I can't get over the weight. By no means is it a heavy reel in fact it's super light, but just to think the Aldebaran is a whole 1.5oz lighter. For the most part I can't tell the difference in most of my reels that are .5 oz different unless I have them in both hands to compare, 1.5oz is significant to me and I will feel the difference.
My experience with both have been brief so I'm trying to do some research before I make such a purchase. I used the Aldebaran with some weightless plastics and some T-rigged worms around some grass at Okeechobee, a bit overkill for flukes and senkos. My only experience with the Metanium is when a man brought one into the store because he somehow stripped the gears and they gave it to me to change them, it was unreal smooth.
What I'm trying to get out of this is your opinions of both these reels and to see if any of my concerns with either is paranoia or is in fact a concern. Like I said I'm just trying to do some research because of the caliber of this combo but I've worked hard all summer and now I have the funds to explore this realm of fishing equipment or enthusiast equipment. I apologize for my rambling on of this subject, I tend to overthink so I never shut up. Thank you if you have read this far and haven't blocked me and still wish to leave your opinions, they are much appreciated!
Regards,
Tyler
