I'm torn between getting a Curado 70 or get my first Aldebaran.  It is going to be paired with either ML or Medium fast.  I was going to use it for drop shot, small jigs and plastics.  May use it for small cranks.  Which reel would you choose? All baits range from 3/16 oz to 3/8 oz

The price gap on those two is what $200 or something. I'm sure you know the specs and material differences. I think it comes down to what you prefer as far as weight, materials and looks. Me, I'd go curado 70. It may or may not cast "bsf" lures better. If that's what you want to do. I would think there might even be an aftermarket spool down the road. 

I'd like to recommend the Chronarch ci4. Somewhat in the middle of those prices, and I believe that reel was made for that rod. They are a match made in heaven.

Might we worth looking at the new Met MGL. From what I understand they are much more capable of casting light lures than the 13 model. I just received mine yesterday and plan on fishing it within the next few weeks. Price is right about $325 from Japan.

So I decided I'll just use the 70 XG that I bought earlier on the Medium Light.  I was going to pull the trigger on another Metanium but they had a core 100 mg in the corner all by itself on clearance.  Felt bad for it like an older puppy that gets ignored, so I picked it up instead. ? Will put that on my Medium Zodias.