Any suggestions for 8 pound test mono.    Shimano has one 4.9 oz.  aber something?    But it’s $420

i like Shimano products but if it doesn’t work out take what I can

For $260 there is a JDM Daiwa Alpha CT SV that weighs 5.4 oz.  Can find on digitaka web site.  

5 hours ago, blanked said:

Any suggestions for 8 pound test mono.    Shimano has one 4.9 oz.  aber something?    But it’s $420

i like Shimano products but if it doesn’t work out take what I can

Sounds like the Aldebaran 50 MGL. I know you asked for UL baitcaster but unless you have the budget and the patience, I'd go with spinning for UL. If you insist on UL baitcaster, the Aldebaran is probably among the best. As for the $420, this is what you get into with light baitcasters. If you go cheaper, you'll probably get what you pay for, which could be frustrating. Welcome to the rabbit hole of ultralight baitcasters.

 

 

 

Ultralight in term of reel weight, you would have to look for reel that the frame made of magnesium material, shimano aldebaran, Daiwa Steez, Daiwa Pixy. Second choice would be plastic frame. There are some aluminum frame reel that take advantage of aluminum gearing to save weight, Abu ALX or AL-F only 5.5oz.

   Lew's has a few reels that are light, although not extremely light. The Hyper Mag (magnesium), the Custom Pro SLP  and Team Lite (aluminum) and the  Custom Lite SLP (graphite) are fairly light. What I like about Lew's reels is the ergonomics. Admittedly, that isn't important to some people.

   OTOH, if you're talking about ultralight powers, as in BFS, then that's a whole 'nother ballgame.    jj

For 8lb mono, look around on ebay for a used Pixy or Alphas Finesse Custom, both can be found in great condition for under $200. 

13 hours ago, haggard said:

If you insist on UL baitcaster, the Aldebaran is probably among the best. As for the $420, this is what you get into with light baitcasters. If you go cheaper, you'll probably get what you pay for, which could be frustrating.

 

 

 

This.  Spot on.

Ryobi vmag 3...abu garcia  15001600 size round reels all used of course can get great deals on them.i have a 1600 abu with 6 lb line on a short handle 5 ft ugly stick i cast 1/16 oz really nice on calm days 30 40 yrds

Daiwa Alpha CT SV paired with a St Croix Legend Tournament 6ft10 ML XFast.

 

It's spooled with 6 lb line and can cast a 2.75 inch TRD with a 1/15 jig head a country mile, this reel doesn't need controlled or optimum conditions for casting distance.

 

I mostly throw a Trd Tube with a weedless 1/32 ewg jighead on it.

 

If most people go out to a football field and cast from the 50 yard line they would realize their yardage estimations are in need of a recalibration.

 

So if your looking for a bfs reel this one is it.

If you are a weight weenie (like me) your best bet is an Aldebaran, MGXtreme2 or Steez CT.  The first 2 can be had for $275 or less new, if you look around. The Steez will be close to double that. I’d get both of the other two before getting the Steez. 

Don't forget the new Lews custom lite SLP. 

I haven't tried it yet, but its around 4.9 oz.

On 3/15/2020 at 7:11 PM, CrankFate said:

If you are a weight weenie (like me) your best bet is an Aldebaran, MGXtreme2 or Steez CT.  The first 2 can be had for $275 or less new, if you look around. The Steez will be close to double that. I’d get both of the other two before getting the Steez. 

Where can I get a new aldebaran for $275

There is also the Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS. 

1 hour ago, blanked said:

Where can I get a new aldebaran for $275

Ebay....

 

This is the MGL 30.  It's even more finesse oriented.  

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-18-Aldebaran-MGL-30HG-Right-handle-From-Japan/133042854526?epid=27013900797&hash=item1ef9f8da7e:g:4FgAAOSwxy5ceJk5

Several years ago I bought a Abu Garcia Revo MGX it weighs only 5 oz. 

• Super-lightweight one-piece X-Mag alloy frame
• Nine stainless steel HPCR bearings and one roller bearing for corrosion resistance
• Carbon Matrix drag system delivers smooth, consistent drag pressure
• Infinitely Variable Centrifugal Brake for precise brake adjustments
• Lube port for easy maintenance

Abu Garcia is another great reel. Like everyone said your going to have to pay. I spent $300 back several years ago and today it’s been my best investment. The reel works as if it’s new because I keep it maintained. I found lower end Revo baitcaster that was originally $445 and on sale for $218 on Walmart’s website. Prob from a 3rd party but very cheap.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Abu-Garcia-Revo-MGX-Low-Profile-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel/183456288?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=16783&adid=22222222228054343656&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=155012196377&wl4=aud-393207457166:pla-289410007674&wl5=9021974&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=133916802&wl11=online&wl12=183456288&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjcfzBRCHARIsAO-1_OqsoZF3-KVngddIxxwoYhvRJaat6Yxw9tPKEjJOpz28J7Xde0XT3F4aAgkNEALw_wcB

My 2 cents.

I had the Shimano Aldebaran BFS, the MGEXTreme 2 and I have basically all of the latest Steez:

I would recommend to go with the Alpha CT. I have the Steez CT and from what I am hearing the Alpha's performance is VERY close to the Steez for less than half of the cost. It is a bit heavier but that might be a fair trade off.

The Aldebaran BFS can cast a bit lighter lures (1/16th) but I am not sure I would buy it, when the CT platform provides more flexibility. I surely sold mine after having received the Steez CT.

The MGEXTREME 2 is an interesting candidate. One can throw lures from 1/8 to 1oz on this reel. A buddy of mine uses the reel for almost every technique and it still performs after 4(!) years. I had mine paired with a 852 NRX and it performed reasonably well with lighter lures. I just thought that it was a bit too finicky in less than ideal situations. Also never got used to the knobs. Hence I sold it.


Hope that helps a bit.

Cheers.

I have, and enjoy, Daiwa's PX Type R and Alphas SV.  I also have a trio of the budget Chinese BRS reels: the Tsuinoya XF-50, The Tsurinoya Spirit Fox, and the Fishband GH-100.

 

They're all fun, but the Daiwa reels are obviously much nicer.  And very likely much more durable and reliable; but that is yet to be proven.  My money is on the Daiwas...

On 3/16/2020 at 8:55 PM, blanked said:

Where can I get a new aldebaran for $275

 

On 3/16/2020 at 10:51 PM, FishTank said:

Ebay....

 

This is the MGL 30.  It's even more finesse oriented.  

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-18-Aldebaran-MGL-30HG-Right-handle-From-Japan/133042854526?epid=27013900797&hash=item1ef9f8da7e:g:4FgAAOSwxy5ceJk5

Yes, ebay. Also Amazon at times.

On 3/15/2020 at 11:47 AM, Maxximus Redneckus said:

Ryobi vmag 3...abu garcia  15001600 size round reels all used of course can get great deals on them.i have a 1600 abu with 6 lb line on a short handle 5 ft ugly stick i cast 1/16 oz really nice on calm days 30 40 yrds

V Mag 3 is a heck of a little reel. Mine throws tiny squarebills and shad raps on a 5'6" Speed stick. All told, I'm 60 bucks into the combo and it is a pleasure to use.

I have the vmags also a couple havent found a rod yet ..but hunting hard to believe  a small tiny 20$ reel with only bushings and so minimal in parts can cast so good ..cant wait to find the right rod for them..right now casting in my yard with med action pistol grips is easy wonder how a 6ft light action will work

Just now, Maxximus Redneckus said:

I have the vmags also a couple havent found a rod yet ..but hunting hard to believe  a small tiny 20$ reel with only bushings and so minimal in parts can cast so good ..cant wait to find the right rod for them..right now casting in my yard with med action pistol grips is easy wonder how a 6ft light action will work

Ive got 2 more coming as we speak i won on ebay these have aluminum spools ..the ones i have now have graphite ..wonder how diff they will cast

How did that happen?? Lol

2 minutes ago, Maxximus Redneckus said:

I have the vmags also a couple havent found a rod yet ..but hunting hard to believe  a small tiny 20$ reel with only bushings and so minimal in parts can cast so good ..cant wait to find the right rod for them..right now casting in my yard with med action pistol grips is easy wonder how a 6ft light action will work

It's really nice on my late 90s All Star 6'6" medium action.

Another option would be the Calcutta Conquest BSF.  Pricey but from what I can tell and yes, I don't own one, it's the best you can get.