TackleTour

Hey guys, I have the opportunity to buy one of these reels. I understand that one is more of a finesse reel and about line capacity and weight of each. However, their are differences in the brakes, how the sideplate opens, and I'm sure how it palms. I just would like some personal ownwership feedback from anyone who has these reels and any input about what they like or dislike about the reels. I know both have great reviews and people are going to say you can't go wrong with either, but any user feedback would be great to hear. One example of what I'd like to hear is, is it pretty much two brakes on and using the exterior dial with both or do you have to get into the reel more with one than the other. Does one seem smoother than the other?

Thanks guys!

i have 6 mets and 3 aldebarans. depends on what you use them for and what rod.

my aldebarans are for jerkbaits, top water, and drop shot / finesse under 1/2oz. the mets are used for mostly bottom contact or baits over 1/4 oz. brakes and control are both very easy to use.

what about ergonomics, much difference how they palm? I have scorpion 70 on NRX 843 for bottom contact, thinking to put Aldebaran or Met instead...

I have both. You can't go wrong with either :-)

For me, it is two brakes on and external adjustment with both reels as you note. I have to use more external brake power (higher setting) with the MGL, which does not really matter.
Both reels cast really well - far and with very low risk of backlash.

The Aldebaran is very light as you know. It may feel slightly less solid and slightly less smooth when compared to the MGL - however, the difference is minimal. Becuase of the low weight, it balances well on fewer rods (fewer rods I own:-)).
Both reels look good, but the MGL is just stunning IMO.

Because I throw mostly 1/8-1/4 oz lures, I use the Aldebaran more than the MGL, but the MGL can handle aerodynamic 3/16 oz lures...

PBP wrote:what about ergonomics, much difference how they palm? I have scorpion 70 on NRX 843 for bottom contact, thinking to put Aldebaran or Met instead...

the aldebaran is the best palming reel i've ever used. mets not bad but the aldebaran is so compact and confortable.

I have both, if you are seeking ultimate performance with great ergonomics get the Metanium. If you are seeking awesome performance with the ultimate in ergonomics with an edge in lighter lures, get the Aldebaran.

what rod and what weight ranges will you be throwing?

i have the Met13, MetDC and Aldebaran15 51HG and i would say that the Met is a better all around reel unless you plan on throwing lighter lures. I have a MetDC on a NRX843 and the Alde15 on a NRX842.

the Aldebaran considerably smaller and sits lower, i actually would not want a smaller reel and i have med-small hands.

the Met sits low for its size and is very comfortable to palm.

Thanks for all the input guys, decided on the aldebaran and I think I made the right choice. I do find it hard to turn the exterior brake Dial, but only when I turn the Dial from six to one. When I turn the Dial to apply more braking it turns very hard, anyone else have this?

I think you can slightly loosen the screw holding the dial.

Did it on my met without a problem.

chreim20 wrote:Thanks for all the input guys, decided on the aldebaran and I think I made the right choice. I do find it hard to turn the exterior brake Dial, but only when I turn the Dial from six to one. When I turn the Dial to apply more braking it turns very hard, anyone else have this?

Yeah mine does take some effort, it does loosen up slightly with use

My brother and I both had the same problem with the exterior dial. Some oil will help.

Okay, I guess I need to put this thing to use then. I guess it's better than being to loose and the dial moving when I don't want it to. Thanks again for all the input and help guys, I really appreciate it!

Christian

my external brake is stiff on my aldebaran, but not a big deal.. I set it to 2.5 and it seems to be fine for everything so far that I have thrown from very light t-rigs, senkos and jigs