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To start off I’m a stats nerd in spinning reels. I tend to fish more saltwater so I know all about what each spinning reel is designed for. However I started bass fishing for bass recently and was wondering if some expert here could help me understand what each of the following reels are meant for? Also how do the different models (I/k) affect the performance. Chronarch Aldebaran Bantam Metanium Antares Exsence Scorpion Also any recommendations y’all prefer? Looking for a long casting, fast retrieve/hg, 150 sized reel as a do everything rod. Hoping to find a used one for under $200. I won’t be throwing large swim baits so most of the stuff will be from 1/8 to 7/8. Would an MGL be too lightweight based? Shimano or Daiwa would be preferred. Thanks

I received few days ago the gift I bought myself, the Shimano Aldebaran 51HG, it is so light that I fought the box was empty so I opened it before sign in front of the courier, really! I was looking for a little reel with shallow spool to use with thin line and light jerkbaits to pair with my ST Croix 6'8 M-XF. I originally ordered the SLX 70MGL online but after a few days the shop called me saying that was out of stock till April, so I ask for a discount in case I'll switch for an expensive reel for the same application. Short story, I paid 80euro less than the original price that here in Europe is 400euro ($490usd) with free shipping. The reel is solid, it is just built solid, no vibration during the retrieve, no side to side movement near the handle (my Chronarch has a little of), not noisy, little and light and it casts very well light lures 1/2oz and below. I know and see Alde is a hot topic in this forum and in general I really think is an high end machine as I expected, but for the right application. The spool is super shallow, Shimano supplies JDM version here in Europe so I suppose, as I read here in other threads, that the US version is not that shallow (more line capacity). The specs on the box indicates 90yds / 20lbs Power Pro, so I can't imagine how shallow it's the 30size Alde version. Since I'm using very thin braid (8lbs Daiwa J) I was able to put almost 100+yds, so it will work for my applications. I read lot of comments about the poor drag power of the Alde, but I want to remember that is built for finesse fishing, it is a superb reel for light fishing, ned rig, drop shot, jerks, balsa minnows...and it can cast them a mile ....but for sure it's not the right tool for big and deep crankbaits, spinnerbaits and heavy punch and flipping techniques and all sorts of heavy app. It can handle but it's not the right reel for that, that's it! Heavy line, especially braid, can also damage the Alde ported light MGL spool IMO. There are other high end reels by Shimano for that: Bantam, Curado, Metanium.... If some of you want to share opinions, advices or anything related to that reel it's welcome. Happy New year to all of you!

Hey guys, new to the group. I joined specifically to get input on a reel decision. I recently purchased a 6'8" MH Favorite Summit for a fantastic price and want to pair it with a decent reel. I've narrowed it down to a Lew's Pro Ti, Shimano 18 Aldebaran 30 MGL and a 13 Fishing Concept C. I will be using it mostly for small-med jigs, small swimbaits, T-rigs, ned rigs, etc around medium-medium heavy cover in small natural lakes. My current arsenal consists of: - 6'6" MH Shimano Convergence w/ Shimano Curado 201 Bantam Reel (6.2:1) - 7' MH Lews speed stick TP1 w/ BPS JM CarbonLite 2.0 (8.3:1) - 6'10" MH Daiwa Tatula Bass rod w/ Shimano Curado DC (7.4:1) - 7'3" MH Favorite Emperor w/ Daiwa Tatula SV TWS (8.1:1) Anyone with experience with 2 or more of the reels especially, please give me your input! Thank you - Zack

I've been a big Daiwa fan since the release of the Tatula SV and have been primarily fishing Daiwa since. Still however there is this affinity with shiny things lol! So who has the best high end baitcasters? Daiwa or Shimano? Talking specifically USDM not JDM. I currently own: 3xTatula SVs: 6:3:1, 7:3:1, 8:1:1 Zillion SV 6:3:1 Curado 70 7:2:1 I'd like to hear from everyone who reads this.

Hi BASSRESOURCE Members, I am able to get my hands on one of the two reels listed below... Shimano JDM 15 Aldebaran BFS XG Limited Japan model 2015 Shimano JDM 15 Aldebaran Japan model 2015 What would you pick? Thanks Drunkentigerrr

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

Japan Angler now has them in stock for $286.52 if anyone is interested. Shipping is $12.64 thru EMS The 50 (rh) version is also in stock, but us lefty reel users have been waiting

So I pretty recently got a Lew's Team Lite reel in the 7.5:1. At first I loved the reel, but now I'm not so sure. The sideplates are graphite, which basically is overrated plastic IMO, I don't like the EVA grips' feel, and it isn't quite as smooth as I thought a $240 reel would be. The pros to this reel, though, are the 5.7 oz. weight, the carbon fiber handle, and the aesthetics are pretty nice. Now, for the controversy...I only have two Lew's reels (my only two baitcasting reels ATM), and I've been looking at the higher end Shimano reels. To me, they look much nicer. I felt a Curado I at a Cabela's I live by, and it seems great. Should I make the switch to Shimano before I invest too much into Lew's? I know Speed Spools are probably better than Caenans, but are Scorpions, Curado I's, and Chronarchs better than the Team Lites? Please give me some insight, thanks!