It comes down to what you prefer, centrifugal or mag brakes...

 

<----- This crazy over here must have tried over 40-50 highend reels in the past few years to see what worked best. Cores, aldebarans, conquests, chronarchs, curados, alphas, ss air, pixys, fuegos, Numerous finesse spools with aftermarket brake systems

 

When its all said in done i need these two in my daily lineup...

 

1. aldebaran bfs 

2. Core 50/51 

 

Both smooth, light, strong drag, and palm great. You get the 8:0 and 7:0 gear ratios which cover everything but cranks. Thats what you get the new conquest for... 

 

Which leaves you the met xg 8:5 for frogs/buzzbaits/jigs. That will be my next reel.

 

Theres only one thing i like about daiwas, the external braking adjustment, but the good thing about shimanos are you set two brakes and never really have to open the reel. And with the newer models, you now have the external braking for that little bit of extra adjustment...

 

If your enjoying the bfs xg, the core is pretty much a slightly bigger reel, 1/2oz heavier, and 7:0 gear ratio. I wouldnt hesitate to pick one up...

Thanks! I really like the Aldebaran, so I'm kind of leaning towards the Core 51. My biggest concern is its ability, or lack of ability, to handle crankbaits. I'm not throwing any DT22's or anything, but definitely squarebills and mid range divers, like Wiggle Warts. Do you think that's too much for the 51? If it is I may opt for the Met101.

I can't speak to your cranking question with the Core, as I've never used mine for that.  I have used the Core 101 and 51, and the Steez 100 and 103.  I like the Steez, like other said, it's buttery smooth.  But I LOVE the Core 51.  I would trade one of my Steez for another Core 51.  Just something about that reel that feels good in my hand, and I also feel it casts better than the Steez.

Thanks! I really like the Aldebaran, so I'm kind of leaning towards the Core 51. My biggest concern is its ability, or lack of ability, to handle crankbaits. I'm not throwing any DT22's or anything, but definitely squarebills and mid range divers, like Wiggle Warts. Do you think that's too much for the 51? If it is I may opt for the Met101.

 

I wouldnt worry about it, aaron martens throws cranks on the 7:4 met...

 

But, if the reel is going to be for only cranks and spinnerbaits you might want to consider the 6:2 met.

Plat?

 

Plat is a japanese tackle shop.

 

Best pricing on most jdm reels is this place

 

http://japaneselure.gostorego.com/

Plat is a japanese tackle shop.

 

Best pricing on most jdm reels is this place

 

http://japaneselure.gostorego.com/

 

 

 

Shhhhhh!

The Core will handle wiggle warts and square bill just fine as long as you're ok when the fast ratio. Btw I got my Steez used too and it was the previous models. There is no way the Steez EX is worth the current pricing.

Now that I think about it, for $350 you should just buy a Conquest 51 and call it a day. 

Now that I think about it, for $350 you should just buy a Conquest 51 and call it a day. 

This will probably be my next reel now haha. I fish way more soft plastic type applications than hard baits and I really prefer a low profile for those. The more I'm reading about the Conquest though, the more I'm thinking that's going to be next on my list for mostly hardbaits. 

I've had 4 of the older 51 series and there just awesome reels. I was hesitant to get the new one but when I got my hands on it I was straight up amazed. That and the Antares are smooth as butter...

Got to play with my core today. Buy one, you won't regret it.

I have a Core 50 and a Metanium XG. Both are great. I love the small size of the 50. I use my Metanium for my jig rod (DX744) and really like it. It's smooth and cast the best out of all the other reels I have. Don't worry about the Core not being able to handle anything. I have used it for everything except deep cranking. It would be hard for me to pick one or the other. Just see what fits your hand and rod better. Or just buy both 

Love...love...love my Core

If you like the Steez, look into the SS SV. Similar performance with much better casting, and a lower price.

Have you given the Shimano Scorpion XT1000 any consideration? It is a 50 size, 6.4:1 and sweeeeeeeeeeeet! It comes with one bearing in each knob and a bushing so adding a bearing to each knob in no big deal. You can get it for around $200.00 tyd from Japan Lure Shop.

 

Tackle Tour thinks it's a better caster than it's Shimano JDM brother, the Aldebaran.

 

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewscorpion1001xt.html

 

This is my XT1000 with an Avail Handle, Star Drag and Power Grip II Knobs.