At the risk of focusing too much on the gear, there's something I really love about a raw aluminum low profile baitcasting reel, not flashy or anodized in color or finished with metal flake speckles, but something raw metal that will just show natural wear over time. Prefer quality but doesn't have to be over the top. What are my options?

 

The problem with aluminum that doesn't have any anodic or chemical film protection is corrosion from dissimilar metals like screws to hold the reel together, bearings, or any other metal besides aluminum.

Tom

2 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

Alphas Ito AI.  It's a limited production model of the Alphas with unpainted frame and handle side plate.  The palming plate is clear lexan.  Polishing the aluminum is a popular finish guys do to the reels. I picked up one myself to play with.

This is the only such reel I am familiar with.  Recently saw a picture of one someone had polished.  Looked very nice.  Can't remember if it still had the Lexan side plate.

 

I'm not positive, but I think the reel was only made in 2005.  Should you want to read a review of it type in "alphas ito ai review on tackletour" on Google.