Aldebaran Or Metanium

[FishingPA]

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

[bootytrain]

TW has them both for their demo program, you could try that route. I have both but I rarely jig fish. One thing to think about is that the handle side plate on the Met is magnesium instead of CI4 like the Aldebaran.

[mprestonSEK]

I would go for the Metanium XG. It is smooth and powerful, especially since the XG has a 96mm handle compared to the lower gear models. I use mine for all my bottom contact presentations and couldn't be happier. I own both the HG and XG models and if I could do it over again, I would get two XGs. That's just my opinion on the Metaniums. As for the Aldebaran, I don't have much experience with them. I have used one briefly and it is definitely as good as a Metanium, but it would not be my choice for heavier jigs (3/8 and up). 

[John G]

I would get the Metanium because it's heavier and for such a long rod, that is a plus IMHO. BTW, Yumeya makes a deep spool for the Metanium. It's $85 at Japan Tackle.

[ccr425]

This^^^^. I would go with the Metanium in your preferred flavor and put the optional deep spool in it. Both reels are super refined, but I reach for the Metaniums most of the time.

[thehooligan]

Id also go metanium, that nrx will be super tip heavy with that little alde on it...

[Cgrinder]

Met XG, always a good decision. I have an HG on an NRX 853c and it is a very nice combination.

 

I would consider the Chronarch Ci4+ as well. It's not flagship or anything, but it also sounds like you're not made of money. The Chronarch has a deeper spool, brass gears, and handles heavier lures very well.

 

Of course, it would also be fun to find an inexpensive '09 Aldebaran and drop Brenious gears in it.

[Dwight Hottle]

I would get the Metanium because it's heavier and for such a long rod, that is a plus IMHO. BTW, Yumeya makes a deep spool for the Metanium. It's $85 at Japan Tackle.

 

Same thing I was thinking. You could try each reel on the rod to help you decide which balances better.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

With the exception of palm ability and comfort the weight of a casting reel actually has little affect on the balance of the rod because the reel is right at the pivot point unless you grasp the foregrip ahead of the reel. I'd go with which ever feels best in hand and has the other features you prefer( line capacity etc)

[FishingPA]

Thanks for the insight guys!

I would get the Metanium because it's heavier and for such a long rod, that is a plus IMHO. BTW, Yumeya makes a deep spool for the Metanium. It's $85 at Japan Tackle.

I was looking at some deep spool options and figured if I ever ran into a capacity problem I would go that route.

but it also sounds like you're not made of money.

Amen my friend you should tell my girlfriend that! I have a couple of Ci4s I use for various techniques and they are honestly one of my favorite reels.

I was searching around last night and found the Met Xg on Amazon for like 289. I'm not sure if that would be the price considering it's in Japan but is says free shipping, but I imagine it's too good to be true.

Thanks again!

[John G]

I was searching around last night and found the Met Xg on Amazon for like 289. I'm not sure if that would be the price considering it's in Japan but is says free shipping, but I imagine it's too good to be true.

Thanks again!

Japan Lure Shop has the left handed XG in stock for under $270 + shipping. Everybody here loves Japan Lure Shop.

[mprestonSEK]

^^^^Japan Lure Shop is where I have bought all of my JDM reels so far. 

[JeziHogg]

Can't go wrong with either or, that being said I have 4 of each and I prefer my METS... until they come out with a BFS spool for the Aldebaran.

[FishingPA]

Japan Lure Shop has the left handed XG in stock for under $270 + shipping. Everybody here loves Japan Lure Shop.

I saw that but I have a 50$ Amazon card. I'll probably start buying Jdm stuff there though they have some good deals

[dam0007]

I would go for the Metanium XG. It is smooth and powerful, especially since the XG has a 94mm handle compared to the lower gear models. I use mine for all my bottom contact presentations and couldn't be happier. I own both the HG and XG models and if I could do it over again, I would get two XGs. That's just my opinion on the Metaniums. As for the Aldebaran, I don't have much experience with them. I have used one briefly and it is definitely as good as a Metanium, but it would not be my choice for heavier jigs (3/8 and up).

what's the length of the other handles? Japan lure shop says all of them are 48mm

[bootytrain]

what's the length of the other handles? Japan lure shop says all of them are 48mm

The xg has a 96mm handle and the others have 84mm. JapaN lists half the handle length

[Silas]

I have the Alde and the Metanium.

I prefer the Alde because it is so effortless on the NRX 893. Use it for Wacky worming.

I have the 13 Metanium on my IMX 893. Use it for finesse jigs.

[dam0007]

OP did you pick one up?

[jignfule]

Any up dates for this topic????  I had the same question and thought I would revive this thread instead of starting a new one.

[roadwarrior]

I have been fishing the Aldebaran for a couple of months. I don't have the Metanium to compare it to, but the reel is special!

 

[Goose52]

I have both - the Met is on an NRX 893C and the Alde on an NRX 852C.  The placement of the reels vs. rods really had to do with line capacity rather than balance. I run 14-16 lb test on the 893C and the Met has a bit more capacity for that than the Alde. I run 12 lb on the 852C and the Alde holds enough of that.

Both reels are fine, high-performing reels. The Met has micro-module gears that you can feel if you're really paying attention but it's not enough of a difference in feel to pick it over the Alde.  The Met strikes me as a more versatile reel, with 3 gear options vs. two on the Alde, and with that additional line capacity. The Alde is a fine choice if the line capacity limitation isn't a concern and the lightest possible weight is a goal.

As has probably already been said - get both...

[bigfruits]

I agree the Metanium is more versatile (Ive fished the HG). Aldebaran is a great reel but it didnt feel ideal for a 3/8oz jig + plastic. It can handle it all day, im just picky.

[new2BC4bass]

Tyler, does it have to be one of those 2 reels?  An Okuma Helios Air holds 12/130yds (.33mm), and it impressed me from the very first cast.  7.3:1 and 5.7 oz.  The Pinnacle Primmus Xi HS holds 10/140 (mm not given).  6.3:1 and 5.9 oz.  I love this reel.  Also own Chronarchs, Curados (including 51Es), TD-Zs, Zillions, Alphas, PXL to name a few....but no Aldebaran, Metanium or Core so I can't comment on those reels.

 

I can understand wanting to go light even though fishing my "heavy" Zillions doesn't bother me.  Both the Air and Primmus casting distance is excellent.  The Primmus is super smooth out of the box.