1)

I have a chance to get this exact Aldebaran Mg7 for $245 shipped to my door.

And while it's not really "new in box" anymore, since pictures needed to be taken, it's pretty much brand new.

 

I see some floating on ebay in "used" condition, pretty beat up with or without boxes for roughly $140-200 plus shipping, which is usually $20 on top of said price.

 

Is $245 a fair price for it? Would you pay this much for one if you were looking for one?

 

2)

I'm deciding on what rod to pair it with, right now I'm leaning towards G.Loomis, but the question is, which series?

IMX-PRO / GLX / NRX, not sure if I should just bite the bullet and get the top dog. What are some differences between these rods for those that own them?

 

I am a huge fan of the lifetime warranty, hence the reason why I'm leaning this way. Dobyns is also looking really good with their prices and warranty, but have heard mixed reviews for the most part, seems like a love or hate thing with them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's a great price for a now very rare (in that condition) reel. Lots of love here for that platform. I've owned several E 50's in the past. Actually still do with a JDM Brenious now. That said, for 245.00 there's newer technology that I believe beats the '09 Ald. You'll probably get lots of input on this thread. Can't speak for the rods. Others certainly will.

I sold mine used but in excellent shape for about 150-160. Even though Aldebaran MG7 is the same reel as Core MG7 but price is way different, much more on the core compare to aldebaran JDM.

I still like that reel and missed it from time to time. I used it for finesse, the weight is perfect for that technique. Will I pay for 245? Maybe not, not even for core. I’d add some more and get JDM 2020 Metanium. 
I only have one left Scorpion 1000XT (same platform) equipped with Yumeya for even more finesse techniques.