Without getting into the Shimano Aldabaren price range, are there any tiny baitcasters (50 size or so) that are worth having and using for a travel setup? I want an ultra compact baitcaster to throw in the back of the car/lugage when traveling. Ultimately I’m looking for the smallest knock around reel that is cheap enough I wouldn’t feel bad losing/breaking/etc. 
 

I’ve got a profishiency tiny but mighty reel…but that’s about as good as you’d expect. 
 

 

There is a negligible difference in size between a 50 and a 70 when it comes to packing them up.  In that case, a SLX 70 would be where I’d start.  

^^This^^

 

I have not tried the newer model SLX 70, but I am a BIG fan of the previous SLX 70 MGL. I prefer lefties, so mine are the SLX 71 MGL, but I have around 6 of them.

 

Had a couple of them I REALLY liked, so when people were discounting them to $99 or lower when the newer models came out, I bought like 4 more.

 

In my opinion, they fish WAY above their price point!! I like them every bit as much as my Curado 71 and 151 MGLs!

Tatula 80 from Japan or China via Aliexpress.  Daiwa US is out of their mind with pricing.

As others have mentioned above, the SLX is a d**n good reel.

 

I bought the 24 version last year. Around $128 shipped from Japan.

 

I don't think you can find a better reel for the money.

 

Slings my jerkbaits out there perfect.

 

I've had more problems with my +$450 Steez. SMH

 

 

I'm not sure exactly what the size the Metanium Shallow Edition is but $270 from digitaka is hard to beat (even harder when they were $230 before the tariffs)  I use one on my jerkbait rod and it's a joy to fish with.