Larger Lures on Alphas?

[BB144]

The Alphas R-edition or Ito are two of my choices for my next reel. But I wanted a little feedback on how they handle heavier lures. I know they'll handle the 1/4oz jigs and lighter plastics I'll be throwing, but what about 1/2oz jigs, 5", 6", 7" Senkos? I know it is designed for lighter lures, but will it handle casting those larger lures?

[Tokugawa]

Those will be fine. I use an Alphas 103 for TX rigging with a 1/4oz weight + the plastic. Sometimes the plastic is a 5" senko...

[froteur]

I've used my Alphas for everything short of punching. I'd actually use them for that too but I have a TD-Z dedicated to that. The only thing that kicked my butt recently with my Alphas was when I tried to use one for deep-cranking. Bad idea!!!!! Ended up having to track down a Shimano BPV.

Perry

[Pmedicbm]

I use mine mostly for spinnerbaits and shallow cranking but would feel fine going up on lure weight some. The only issue i have with mine is the slightly slower gear ratio. Its not the best choice if you need to move a lot of line quickly. They're awesome reels and actually one of my top two favorites next to my Steez...

[BB144]

Thanks guys, glad to know they will handle heavier lures ok.

The low gear ratio does kind of concern me, that's why my first choice was a Zillion 50th (that and I love the bright red!). I've been throwing these lures on a Viento with a 6.3:1 gear ratio and it's not bad, but I would have liked to go faster, not slower. I still want to add an Ito or an R-edition to my collection sometime though!