Are this basically the same reels. I'm planning on getting one for finesse fishing and was wondering the difference between the two and also the difference between Alphas 103, 103 F and ITO.

thanks in advance

Yes, basically the same reels.  The Sol is USDM and the Alphas is JDM.  The Alphas 103 is a little lighter (6.4 oz.) than the Sol and has corrosion resistant ball bearings for saltwater use.  The Alphas F is lighter still (6.2 oz.) and has a four bearing handle like the TD-Z.  Freshwater only.  The Ito is lighter still at 6 oz., has a tuned R+ rotor for less braking, farther casting, and a lexan sideplate.

Differences:

Sol.-

Weight = 7.4 oz

Handle = Stamped metal

Finish = painted and clear coated shiny

Price = $250

Freshwater only

Alphas 103/103L

Weight = 6.4 oz

Handle = Cold forged

Bearings = CRBB 's ( Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings )

Finish = painted and clear coated shiny

Price = $250-$280

Salt/brackish water safe.

Alphas Type F

Weight = 6.2 oz

Handle = Cold forged with 2 extra bearings ( 1 for each knob )

Finish = painted and clear coated mattè

Price = $250-$270

Freshwater only

Alphas Itö

Weight = 6 oz

Handle = Cold Forged

Finish = polished aluminum

Spool = R+ type rotor

Price = $400 +

Freshwater only

Alphas R edition

Weight = 6 oz

Handle = carbon fiber/cork knobs/ 2 extra bearings ( 1 for each knob )

Finish = painted and clear coated shiny

Price = $300 +

Salt/brackish water safe.

It 's basically the same reel with variations in weight and/or features, same line capacity in all models.

There 's another model: Alphas 150, different reel

My Sols have brass main gears and drive shaft, but my Alphas Ito has aluminum.  Does anyone know what materials are used in the Type F, Type R, and vanilla Alphas?  I thought the Type F and vanilla were brass as well, but its been a while since I've had one open.

The Type F and R Edition have aluminum gears like the Itö.

The weight difference between the Type F and the Itö must be in the extra bearings in the knobs.

The weight parity between the R Edition and the Itö must come from the carbon fiber handle.

The Type F and R Edition have aluminum gears like the Itö.

The weight difference between the Type F and the Itö must be in the extra bearings in the knobs.

The weight parity between the R Edition and the Itö must come from the carbon fiber handle.

Thanks, and you answered my next question like you were reading my mind

Thanks, and you answered my next question like you were reading my mind

I don 't know from where I 'm getting the feeling a carbon handle is going to appear in a short term in one of those reels you got   :-?..... just guessing !  

Been pricing out Bassarts and I'ze's already!  Gotta clean a few more reels for those though

Black cabon fiber handle, cork knobs ........ on a SOL ----->  , everything combines with that beautiful color the reel has.  

My R had 2 bushings per knob...now bearings.