I received few days ago the gift I bought myself, the Shimano Aldebaran 51HG, it is so light that I fought the box was empty so I opened it before sign in front of the courier, really!
I was looking for a little reel with shallow spool to use with thin line and light jerkbaits to pair with my ST Croix 6'8 M-XF.
I originally ordered the SLX 70MGL online but after a few days the shop called me saying that was out of stock till April, so I ask for a discount in case I'll switch for an expensive reel for the same application.
Short story, I paid 80euro less than the original price that here in Europe is 400euro ($490usd) with free shipping.
The reel is solid, it is just built solid, no vibration during the retrieve, no side to side movement near the handle (my Chronarch has a little of), not noisy, little and light and it casts very well light lures 1/2oz and below.
I know and see Alde is a hot topic in this forum and in general I really think is an high end machine as I expected, but for the right application.
The spool is super shallow, Shimano  supplies JDM version here in Europe so I suppose, as I read here in other threads, that the US version is not that shallow (more line capacity).
The specs on the box indicates 90yds /  20lbs Power Pro, so I can't imagine how shallow it's the 30size Alde version.
Since I'm using very thin braid (8lbs Daiwa J) I was able to put almost 100+yds, so it will work for my applications.
I read  lot of comments about the poor drag power of the Alde, but I want to remember that is built for finesse fishing, it is a superb reel for light fishing, ned rig, drop shot, jerks, balsa minnows...and it can cast them a mile ....but for sure it's not the right tool for big and deep crankbaits, spinnerbaits and heavy punch and flipping techniques and all sorts of heavy app.
It can handle but it's not the right reel for that, that's it! Heavy line, especially braid, can also damage the Alde ported light MGL spool IMO.
There are other high end reels by Shimano for that: Bantam, Curado, Metanium....

If some of you want to share opinions, advices or anything related to that reel it's welcome.

Happy New year to all of you!

I have two, with the handle on the "correct" side. This is a perfect for medium weight lures.

 

Ah ah ah ....got the 51 'cause I've the right hand on the wrong side! 

I too have two with the handle on the correct side. No offense and I understand you're excited about the reel but you seem to be drawing conclusions about its capability when you just purchased it. I, as well as some others have found the aldebaran to be quite durable. I specifically fish one of mine on my main jackhammer setup (7'3 mh posion adrena) and regularly throw 40lb smackdown to 16lb leader on a 3/8oz jackhammer and cowboy which weigh. 0. 83oz. I also have a Metanium 90mm handle on it. I've never heard anything about bending the spool shaft. As far as drag, it's got plenty of drag unless you're flipping Florida mats. Just my opinions of the last three years fishing them.

Hi Bandersnatch,

for sure it is just my impressions, good to know it works fine for heavier app as well with no issues.

I've just reported what some people complain about.