Is the Alphas F that much better than a Sol?  Yeah it's an obvious answer, but what it is that makes it so much nicer.  Just thinking about getting one.  I want a new light cranking reel.

The Alphas Type F is 1.2 ounces lighter and has two more bearings than the Sol.

What makes the Type F nicer:

1.2 ounces less

2 extra bearings ( 1 under each knob ) that makes it smoother

TDZ handle

What makes the Sol nicer:

The paint job

Funtionally both reels are equals, there 's no difference in performance however the finish on the Type F makes it dull, it 's just plain silver all over, not even a highlight.

Where does the weight savings come from?  Is the spool different?  Does the Alphas reel have the upgraded lightweight spool?  Would I be better off looking for another Sol?

Only reason for going with the Alphas right now is the paint.  Kind of like the dull look. 

Where does the weight savings come from? Is the spool different? Does the Alphas reel have the upgraded lightweight spool? Would I be better off looking for another Sol?

Only reason for going with the Alphas right now is the paint. Kind of like the dull look.

1.- Some brass gears ( Sol ) vs all aluminum gears ( Alphas ), stamped metal handle ( Sol ) vs cold forged handle ( Alphas )

2.- No, the spool is the same in both reels

3.- No, actually the ony difference between the upgrade spool available and the stock spool is color ( gold or red )

4.- It 's your money man, performance wise they are the same, looks Sol wins.

I have a Sol and an Alphas 103. Both are great reels, the Alphas has a higher gear ratio and better handle.  Other than that, the 103 is Purple.

Thanks guys, I think I may try an Alphas, 1.2 oz and the color is making me lean in that direction.

I have a Sol and an Alphas 103. Both are great reels, the Alphas has a higher gear ratio and better handle. Other than that, the 103 is Purple.

Not true, the gear ratio is the same for the Sol, Alphas, Alphas Itö, Alphas Type F and Alphas R Edition.

I have a Sol and an Alphas 103. Both are great reels, the Alphas has a higher gear ratio and better handle. Other than that, the 103 is Purple.

Not true, the gear ratio is the same for the Sol, Alphas, Alphas Itö, Alphas Type F and Alphas R Edition.

my mistake...for some reason I was thinking the gear ratio was 6:1.....either way both are great reels, I think you'll really like tge type f