purchasing a new reel in less than a week but i cant choose between the two! if you guys had a choice between these two reels which one would you choose and why?

Raul posted it not too long ago. The alpha is cheaper bought in Japan. http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Daiwa-Casting-Reel-Alphas-103-Type-F-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ140058137698QQihZ004QQcategoryZ36146QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

 Ivan

Don't do anything until The Bait Monkey...oops! I mean Doctor Raul replies.  Raul is the Curator of the Mexican High End Japanese Reel Museum (currently maintained at his house). I am sure he can point you in the right direction.

The Alphas is a full ounce lighter, and holds a little more line.  I don't see a reason to choose the Sol over the type F.

I have been comparing the 2 as well.  It appears that with a little internet searching, you can find both of them new for around $190 (give or take a few either way).  I do like the fact that the Alphas is lighter and more line capacity....but....  I am worried about the fact that I wouldn't be able to send it to ReelMech for cleaning or maintenance  :-?  call me crazy, but I may go with the Sol....

I bought the sol, and wasn't really happy with it untill I upgraded the handle to the TD-Z handle (perfect fit)  It greatly added my enjoyment by removing all handle play and generally making for a smoother retrieve.

The issue of line capacity and weight were not factors form me because the sol is light enough and it's not a reel I use heaving crankbaits or anything requiring long casts.  Generally it's a great reel for tossing weightless senko's, and light jigs, but has the guts to handle pitching heavy weighted "mat busters" if needed.

I like it.  

I chose it over the Alphas for the same reason you are considering, but I admit to never having checked into reapairs here in the states.  I suspect reelmech will say it's not a big deal, but I would wait for his reply.

I bought the sol, and wasn't really happy with it untill I upgraded the handle to the TD-Z handle (perfect fit) It greatly added my enjoyment by removing all handle play and generally making for a smoother retrieve.

The issue of line capacity and weight were not factors form me because the sol is light enough and it's not a reel I use heaving crankbaits or anything requiring long casts. Generally it's a great reel for tossing weightless senko's, and light jigs, but has the guts to handle pitching heavy weighted "mat busters" if needed.

I like it.

I chose it over the Alphas for the same reason you are considering, but I admit to never having checked into reapairs here in the states. I suspect reelmech will say it's not a big deal, but I would wait for his reply.

Avid,

Does the TD-Z have a longer handle or just higher quality? I like the idea of that...one reason I am going with the SOL or Alphas is to get a feel similar to my TD-Z (the Chronarch 50 MG is still in the running too).

The Alphas is like the Sol but lighter and comes with TDZ cold forged aluminum handle not a stamped sheet of aluminum like the Sol. Also it comes with 2 extra bearings ( 1 in each knob ) which makes the reel silky smooth.

It 's a no brainer, you pay less, get a better handle, get a smoother reel, get a lighter reel and if something goes wrong the spare parts of the Sol are 100% compatible with the Alphas so you can have it repaired.

Wish I knew  

Shoulda known

Wish I knew

Shoulda known

Well, the BaitMonkey made you purchase a TDZ handle to upgrade your Sol, didn 't he ?  

Wow!!!! Curator of the Mexican high end Japanese Reel Museum. No wonder Raul has all the answers when it comes to the Japanese products.  Raul thanks for your help you do an excllent job with your answers to the many questions sent your way.

R/W I have to know if there is a tour of the Museum from one of the resorts down there?

I have the alpha and love it but, thought the same thing as "f"n doug" about getting it repaired, so I was looking to add a sol to my collection, because I thought the sol and alpha were the same weight.  The other thing the sol has that the alpha does not is the click setting drag.  Based on my new finding from "Raul" I think I will go with another alpha.