Aldebaran or Metanium for Palming

[William21]

How big is the Alderbaran MGL vs. 2020 Metanium MGL?  Is the Aldebaran easier to palm than the 2020 Metanium?  

[roadwarrior]

Well, the Aldebaran weighs 4.8 ounces, but is still strong as a mule. The reel is perfect

for light and medium weight presentations. The Metanium might be the better choice

for an all-around reel, the Aldebaran is more for "enthusiasts", I have two.

 

[mrpao]

Both are fairly small framed reels. I think the aldebaran is just a slightly smaller.

As stated above, way lighter though. 

Both reels palm pretty good.

[Bandersnatch]

I have both. The aldebaran is significantly smaller than the metanium b. With that said the metanium b still palms well. Think bantam but smaller and eaiser to palm. Both will throw light lures well. The aldebaran doesn't come in an XG ratio I'd you're dead set on that high of IPT. After there two factors are left. I typically like to only run an aldebaran on really light rods that are 7'3 or less due to balance. For anything that's typically a heavier rod or a high end Heavy powered rod I shift to the metanium. Line capacity is significantly less on the aldebaran. I run 40lb smackdown on all my reels with the exception of frogging because I like the line diameter. I find you can get close to Un spooling an aldebaran on a long cast with the right rod and lure. This hasn't been much of an issue but is if you have to cut line for a backlash. I'm sure many people will find they can enjoy throwing something in the size range of 30lb smackdown or smaller which would reduce /eliminate most line capacity concerns. The smaller line just doesn't work for me as I've found the thin line back lashs and dig in cause me to cut line. Both of the reels are fantastic but it's something special to use an aldebaran 

[jbrew73]

I would suggest trying both reel models( and others)  out to be sure that you want a small framed reel for palming.  One reason that I went away from Lews and switched to Daiwa is because Lews reels kept getting smaller and smaller until they were uncomfortable to me.  

 

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

The Met B sits a little higher on the reel seat then the Alde.  The Aldes' frame is slightly smaller then the Met B.  Both are really small and are easy to palm.  The biggest difference between them is what kind of role they are filling.  The Met B is more versatile IMO.  The Alde isn't as versatile as the Met B, but its an excellent reel for finesse and lighter duty techniques.  If you want a reel that can do a little bit of everything the Met B is the way to go.  If your specifically looking for a finesse reel the Alde may be the way to go.  Keep in mind that the Alde has been around for a few years, so there's a possibility that Shimano may rollout a new Alde in the next few years, 

[Tywithay]

The Metanium actually fit my hand better. I felt myself kind of grasping for the alde because it was maybe just too small for my hand size. It would give me a bit of a cramp over time. Both are ridiculously small compared to most baitcasters, like say a 200 shimano. 

[William21]

Thanks for all the replies!  I have one Metanium MGL B.  Haven't really been out fishing with it yet, but practice casting (new to bait casters), I can palm the reel.  I'm not comfortable palming my Chronarch, but it is for or crank and jerk baits anyway, so doesn't matter much.  Perhaps TW will open their reel try out before I'm ready purchase my next reel.