Best Reel for NRX 853c JWR

[TheGreatRedneckHope]

Hey everyone. First off I want to say I appreciate everyone’s input on this website. I have been reading the various information from this forum and others for about a year now, but have never posted here myself. So I guess you could say, “first time poster, long time reader”

 

I have over a few years of bass fishing  slowly become addicted to equipment and tackle. This prompted a purchase of an NRX 853c. I currently have a Diawa Tatula SV TW paired up on this combo, but I’m looking to upgrade my reel. 

 

I use this rod primarily for T-rigs, 3/8 oz and lighter jigs, small paddle tails, flukes, wacky rigged senkos etc. 

 

I am currently considering the Aldebaran MGL, Metanium MGL, and the Metanium DC. I understand the advantages/disadvantages of each of these reels, but I am having a hard time pulling the trigger on either one. 

 

Thanks to everyone in advance for the help, and I’ll follow up once the decision is made and let others know how it panned out. 

 

 

[Falkus]

Since I have the 803C and 873CCR with Shimano Core 50MG7.

 

Small profile and easy to palm on the rod/reel is why I went that direction.  

Aldebaran MGL 50 is my recommendation 

[Stephen B]

Met MGL

[Westcoast]

I use a jdm alderbaren mgl 30 on mine. Unbelievably light combo. 

[Kidflex]

Bantam mgl xg

concept c 

both look sexy and balance great with that rod 

[roadwarrior]

Aldebaran...

 

[freelancer27]

Consider a Steez. 

 

I have the new Steez CT scan tw in my bed 852c. Awesome combo. Super light and super versitale 

[EllisJuan]

Metanium.  I have one on a NRX 803c and they are perfect together.  One of the few combos I will not separate.

[gilkeybr]

I have a Antares 70 on my GLX 853.  I think having a slightly "heavier" reel is nice, as opposed to something extra compact.  I think the Bantam MGL would be a great choice (I have an XG and love it).  I don't have any metaniums, but I expect those would be solid candidates as well.

 

I personally wouldn't put my Aldebaran 30 on it.  But it is a great reel, so its not like you could go wrong anyway

[NathanDLTH]

Steez103XS or Steez SV TWS 7:1 or JDM 8:1:1

[TheGreatRedneckHope]

Thank you everyone for the input. I ended up going with the Metanium MGL in 8.5:1 gear ratio. I did this over the aldebaran for the line capacity and the Micromodule gear. 

 

For those who feel like taking that leap...

 

I feel like I’m having to re-learn how to throw a baitcaster. The spool spins super fast compared to my other reels, and it takes much less effort to get the distance I’m after. Because of this I’ve struggled at first to prevent backlashes (of which I had several professional overruns) 

 

The spool is also more narrow than I’m accustomed to from Curado K and Daiwa SV and I initially struggled to get my thumb in place during a cast. 

 

Aside from those few learning curve type things, the reel is noticeably lighter, smooth as butter, and definitely has a more refined “feel” overall than my other reels. The drag is very nice much like my Curado K. I feel like switching the reel definitely improved the sensitivity and the balance of my NRX as well. 

[freelancer27]

  On 5/29/2019 at 1:03 PM, TheGreatRedneckHope said:

Thank you everyone for the input. I ended up going with the Metanium MGL in 8.5:1 gear ratio. I did this over the aldebaran for the line capacity and the Micromodule gear. 

 

For those who feel like taking that leap...

 

I feel like I’m having to re-learn how to throw a baitcaster. The spool spins super fast compared to my other reels, and it takes much less effort to get the distance I’m after. Because of this I’ve struggled at first to prevent backlashes (of which I had several professional overruns) 

 

The spool is also more narrow than I’m accustomed to from Curado K and Daiwa SV and I initially struggled to get my thumb in place during a cast. 

 

Aside from those few learning curve type things, the reel is noticeably lighter, smooth as butter, and definitely has a more refined “feel” overall than my other reels. The drag is very nice much like my Curado K. I feel like switching the reel definitely improved the sensitivity and the balance of my NRX as well. 

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Congrats! The Metanium is a solid reel. I hope for you that it stays that smooth. Mine got grindy after 3 months of medium use (that's when I sold it)...