2015 Aldebaran 51Hg (Lefty) 2024
Diggy reply :
Japan Angler now has them in stock for $286.52 if anyone is interested. Shipping is $12.64 thru EMS
The 50 (rh) version is also in stock, but us lefty reel users have been waiting
thehooligan reply :
Got my order in at Japan lure shop on sat for a 51hg. They were literally in stock for a few minutes, lol
S Hovanec reply :
Yea. I watched them in stock for like 2 days. When I went to order, they were gone! 
bass1980 reply :
I got a RH Aldebaran sent to me accidentally when JLS messed my order up. Got rid of it only because I'm a LH user. I must say the new Aldebaran could possibly be Shimano's best reel yet. It looks amazing with the dark charcoal color and the chrome accents. Palms amazing and super smooth but I did not get to use it with line n lure. I just don't have room for it in my lineup at the moment or else I'd order a few.
fisherrw reply :
I think that's a screaming deal!!
Diggy reply :
Ebay has them if anyone is looking
FishTank reply :
Awesome deal. They are out of the 51 but they have an Antares for $385 in a left hand model. This web site appears to have some great prices. Are they legit?
JeziHogg reply :
They're very legit. If my Shimano buddy doesn't have anything in stock, JLS is my next stop.
JeziHogg reply :
FYI anyone looking for a sub $200 reel, they got 2009 Aldebarans (Cores) for $189USD on JLS.
fishballer06 reply :
Not any more, I bought the very last one.
thehooligan reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 10:40 AM, JeziHogg said:FYI anyone looking for a sub $200 reel, they got 2009 Aldebarans (Cores) for $189USD on JLS.
I almost grabbed a lefty mg while waiting for my new alde hg to come in today, lol
Talk about a smokin deal. Anyway, I went to the lake and by the time I got back they were sold out, haha
masterbass reply :
Someone please give a review.
thehooligan reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 4:53 AM, masterbass said:Someone please give a review.
I'll get ya one in the morning.
Crankinstein reply :
Great deal. If I could ever stop buying JDM lures I could save some cash and get one. Right now Duo Realis holds all my money!
bootytrain reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 4:53 AM, masterbass said:Someone please give a review.
I had mine out last weekend and caught 7 bass and a couple of crappie. The biggest bass were about 3. I was using MS-X 6'8 L BFS reel and threw mostly Pointer 65s. This combo threw the pointers very well and very far. The reel is so compact you can actually use one hand to fish jerk baits. With a fish on the line the retrieve is VERY smooth. The X ship gives you that loose drag feeling where you think your drag is off because its so smooth. The fish couldn't pull any drag so I cant comment there. The weekend before it was throwing a true 1/8 oz rapala UL minnow a really good distance, shocking really considering I own 2 other true BFS reels. I had the brakes set to 2 on and 1 on the dial and only turned the dial to 2 a couple of times when the wind kicked up. Its my new favorite reel its so fun to fish.
thehooligan reply :
My hg came in nice and early in the morning. Had plenty of time to look it over and give it a quick clean. Threw some hedgehog airs in, and put a zpi carbon handle on. Actually got this thing down to 128grams/4.5oz, lol. Ridiculously light...
Ive been using 6-8lb hybrid lately, but i ended up spooling it with 20lb power pro. Mounted it on my 6'5L expride and threw pop-xs, flickshakes, 1/4oz spinnerbaits, and a few other smaller topwaters.
First off, its palms awesome, just as good or better then the core 50/bfs xg. Very smooth due to the x-ship, love the knobs. Probally the most comfortable factory knob ive used so far. I honestly think it feels like a smaller metanium without the micro gears. I was getting major distance with 1/4oz hardbaits. Wasnt getting great distance with finesse baits though, but im so used to using finesse spools in core/alde mg7's.
I kept it at 2 brakes on, and the exterior dial off or it seems to look like its at 1 when off. Definitely starts to cut some serious distance off your cast even it setting 2 on the dial. I honestly dont like exterior brake dials. Im a minimalist, i like setting 2 brakes on the spool and using my cast control knob. Thats why ive always liked the shimano 50 series platform, set 2 brakes and forget it.
Positives -
1. Love the silver parts, dragstar, factory handle nut can be reused with aftermarket handles.
2. Very smooth
3. Super light
4. Palms awesome
5. Love the knobs
Negatives -
1. I honestly think the silent tune thing is a gimmick, theres absolutely no need for a spring behind the bearings, especially the spool mounted bearing. I'm probally going to remove the spool spring when i get a chance.
2. Id prefer a regular sideplate like the core 50 with no exterior brake dial. I dont need the extra braking.
3. I noticed when taking off the cast control knob that theres no aluminum threaded insert like the core 50/alde mg/mg7/bfs xg. Its actually the frame material (ci4+?) Just doesnt seem as smooth when adjusting the cast control, but i suppose thats weight savings...
Either way, i think the reel is great. Ill be using it for 1/8oz and heavier plastics and 3/8-1/2oz moving baits. Really hoping yumeya makes a finesse spool for it.
Cgrinder reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 10:48 PM, thehooligan said:My hg came in nice and early in the morning. Had plenty of time to look it over and give it a quick clean. Threw some hedgehog airs in, and put a zpi carbon handle on. Actually got this thing down to 128grams/4.5oz, lol. Ridiculously light...
Ive been using 6-8lb hybrid lately, but i ended up spooling it with 20lb power pro. Mounted it on my 6'5L expride and threw pop-xs, flickshakes, 1/4oz spinnerbaits, and a few other smaller topwaters.
First off, its palms awesome, just as good or better then the core 50/bfs xg. Very smooth due to the x-ship, love the knobs. Probally the most comfortable factory knob ive used so far. I honestly think it feels like a smaller metanium without the micro gears. I was getting major distance with 1/4oz hardbaits. Wasnt getting great distance with finesse baits though, but im so used to using finesse spools in core/alde mg7's.
I kept it at 2 brakes on, and the exterior dial off or it seems to look like its at 1 when off. Definitely starts to cut some serious distance off your cast even it setting 2 on the dial. I honestly dont like exterior brake dials. Im a minimalist, i like setting 2 brakes on the spool and using my cast control knob. Thats why ive always liked the shimano 50 series platform, set 2 brakes and forget it.
Positives -
1. Love the silver parts, dragstar, factory handle nut can be reused with aftermarket handles.
2. Very smooth
3. Super light
4. Palms awesome
5. Love the knobs
Negatives -
1. I honestly think the silent tune thing is a gimmick, theres absolutely no need for a spring behind the bearings, especially the spool mounted bearing. I'm probally going to remove the spool spring when i get a chance.
2. Id prefer a regular sideplate like the core 50 with no exterior brake dial. I dont need the extra braking.
3. I noticed when taking off the cast control knob that theres no aluminum threaded insert like the core 50/alde mg/mg7/bfs xg. Its actually the frame material (ci4+?) Just doesnt seem as smooth when adjusting the cast control, but i suppose thats weight savings...
Either way, i think the reel is great. Ill be using it for 1/8oz and heavier plastics and 3/8-1/2oz moving baits. Really hoping yumeya makes a finesse spool for it.
Nice review Matt. It's still ugly. 
thehooligan reply :
Master Bait'r reply :
OP why must you toy with my emotions so??!?
Diggy reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 11:43 PM, Master Bait said:OP why must you toy with my emotions so??!?
You arrived fashionably late to the aldebaran buffet, but now theres no more food
Master Bait'r reply :
On 4/24/2015 at 7:44 AM, Diggy said:You arrived fashionably late to the aldebaran buffet, but now theres no more food
Thankfully! I have been drooling on the windows for a while but now that there's no cake left I can come sit down and hang out without feeling like I have to have a piece lol
dam0007 reply :
If anyone catches a deal on these again please shoot me the link! Looking for a high speed lefty.
Hooligan: very nice!
JeziHogg reply :
On 4/24/2015 at 10:35 AM, dam0007 said:If anyone catches a deal on these again please shoot me the link! Looking for a high speed lefty.
Hooligan: very nice!
Check fleebay, just grabbed one for $319 w/ free shipping from Japan.
dwong reply :
Thehooligan what size are the bearings that you put in? Hedgehog says they're both 3x10x4 but I took out the bearing under the cast control knob and it looks thinner than the other bearing.
thehooligan reply :
On 4/24/2015 at 11:13 PM, dwong said:Thehooligan what size are the bearings that you put in? Hedgehog says they're both 3x10x4 but I took out the bearing under the cast control knob and it looks thinner than the other bearing.
I replaced the spool bearing and sideplate bearing with 3X10X4 hedgehog airs, didnt touch the bearing behind the cast control knob.
masterbass reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 10:48 PM, thehooligan said:My hg came in nice and early in the morning. Had plenty of time to look it over and give it a quick clean. Threw some hedgehog airs in, and put a zpi carbon handle on. Actually got this thing down to 128grams/4.5oz, lol. Ridiculously light...
Ive been using 6-8lb hybrid lately, but i ended up spooling it with 20lb power pro. Mounted it on my 6'5L expride and threw pop-xs, flickshakes, 1/4oz spinnerbaits, and a few other smaller topwaters.
First off, its palms awesome, just as good or better then the core 50/bfs xg. Very smooth due to the x-ship, love the knobs. Probally the most comfortable factory knob ive used so far. I honestly think it feels like a smaller metanium without the micro gears. I was getting major distance with 1/4oz hardbaits. Wasnt getting great distance with finesse baits though, but im so used to using finesse spools in core/alde mg7's.
I kept it at 2 brakes on, and the exterior dial off or it seems to look like its at 1 when off. Definitely starts to cut some serious distance off your cast even it setting 2 on the dial. I honestly dont like exterior brake dials. Im a minimalist, i like setting 2 brakes on the spool and using my cast control knob. Thats why ive always liked the shimano 50 series platform, set 2 brakes and forget it.
Positives -
1. Love the silver parts, dragstar, factory handle nut can be reused with aftermarket handles.
2. Very smooth
3. Super light
4. Palms awesome
5. Love the knobs
Negatives -
1. I honestly think the silent tune thing is a gimmick, theres absolutely no need for a spring behind the bearings, especially the spool mounted bearing. I'm probally going to remove the spool spring when i get a chance.
2. Id prefer a regular sideplate like the core 50 with no exterior brake dial. I dont need the extra braking.
3. I noticed when taking off the cast control knob that theres no aluminum threaded insert like the core 50/alde mg/mg7/bfs xg. Its actually the frame material (ci4+?) Just doesnt seem as smooth when adjusting the cast control, but i suppose thats weight savings...
Either way, i think the reel is great. Ill be using it for 1/8oz and heavier plastics and 3/8-1/2oz moving baits. Really hoping yumeya makes a finesse spool for it.
Do you like it more than the older aldebaran?
thehooligan reply :
That's a tough call, I've only had it out for two short trips to the pond. I've been using Aldebaran mg7's & core 51's for almost 5 years now, lol
I need more time on the water but I will say its smoother due to the xship, and it's definitely a better looking reel.
Theres little things that I prefer on the older Aldebaran. Call me crazy, but I like an attached side plate. I've almost lost the side plate to my bfs xg and it sucks.
After using the yumeya shallow spool in the alde & core, I sometimes think to myself that I have it all figured out and I'm never buying another reel again, haha.
DelcoSol reply :
I agree with Matt. I had one for two weeks and sold it. It feels cheap to me and there wasn't anything special besides the weight and even with that it didn't balance on anything. It didn't feel like a high end reel. To me it feels like a small curado. If it were like $200 it would be nice. The core 50 to me is the best low profile shimano reel I have used. With a shallow spool its not even a comparison. The core kills it.
bootytrain reply :
I love this reel! I took it out again today and it was super windy. I only had one backlash casting directly into it. Then I adjusted the dial to in between 2-3 and threw it into the wind again.. No backlash. Was easily getting 100+ ft on a 3/16 oz jerk bait. The only negative and its probably just mine, is my external dial is stiff and hard to turn.
dwong reply :
My external dial is also pretty stiff, but I think I prefer it that way. Also, I noticed that the external brake settings actually do make a difference whereas on the Curado I can barely tell the difference. So far I'm loving this reel.
offsidewing reply :
I kinda feel the same way about mine. I have all Shimano spinning gear and a JDM 2015 Aldebaran 50HG was my first Shimano Bait caster. Out of the box my Lews reels felt better and casted better. It just feels "off." I sent mine off to DVT hoping all it needs is a good cleaning. I may have to jump on a full retail priced Core 50 before they are gone forever.On 4/26/2015 at 8:17 AM, DelcoSol said:I agree with Matt. I had one for two weeks and sold it. It feels cheap to me and there wasn't anything special besides the weight and even with that it didn't balance on anything. It didn't feel like a high end reel. To me it feels like a small curado. If it were like $200 it would be nice. The core 50 to me is the best low profile shimano reel I have used. With a shallow spool its not even a comparison. The core kills it.
BasserJim reply :
For those that are saying they sold theirs because it felt cheap, what are you comparing it to?????
And I know of a Tackle store that has both gear ratio 51s in stock - $336 shipped.
offsidewing reply :
On 4/27/2015 at 11:58 PM, BasserJim said:For those that are saying they sold theirs because it felt cheap, what are you comparing it to?????
Basser - I can't put my finger on it. Yes, it has less heft than any of my Lews Reels (Tourney and BB1 Pro) but that's not what feels cheap. No matter where the spool tension knob is set, there is resistance on the cast and retrieve. I've turned off all the brakes, set the external to brake setting to it's lowest setting. Spinning the spool it gets less than 2 seconds "free spool" time and when I flip the handle it won't make two rotations on it's own. The best way to describe it is like this - Have you ever taken apart a spin cast reel, then not screwed the front cover on correctly? When you reel it in, the bail rubs against the front cover and there is a grindy resistance. That's exactly what my Aldebaran feels like and it has that plastic on plastic grinding "woosh" on the retrieve. Something is going on. I've taken off the side plate, removed the excess grease off the gears and added some bantam oil. No improvement. I've sent it off for a proper cleaning down to the frame, so hopefully that solves the issue.
The reel palms easily and feels great in your hand. I love the look of it too.
I was going to buy a Core for jig work, then heard rumors of this reel and waited for it. I've only ever owned Lews and Abu Garcia baitcasters - this is my first shimano and first Magnesium framed reel. I can't imagine the feeling I've described is typical of lightweight baitcasters. The next closest by comparison that I've tried is the Quantum Tour Mg 100 - and (prepare for butt hurt) it mechanically felt better.
Maybe the silent tune feature on mine is putting too much pressure on the spool or something is up with the spool tension knob area.
BasserJim reply :
I haven't felt this at all. I was surprised at the lack of "free spool", but what does that equate to? - NOTHING. A spool can turn for a month but if the reel fishes crappy what does it achieve?
bootytrain reply :
To me it feels solid and smooth despite its weight. After fishing both generations of Aldebarans the new one is definitely an improvement. These things will balance best with rods under 6'10 and in the 3 oz range.
offsidewing reply :
On 4/28/2015 at 1:59 AM, BasserJim said:I haven't felt this at all. I was surprised at the lack of "free spool", but what does that equate to? - NOTHING. A spool can turn for a month but if the reel fishes crappy what does it achieve?
Didn't mean to hijack the OPs thread...
The free spool description was to illustrate the amount of friction obviously present in the mechanical function of the reel. Something is wrong with my reel, not the entire Aldebaran production run. I subsequently sent it off for a professional disassembly and cleaning - hopefully that's all it takes. I'm not Shimano bashing as I've fished Shimano spinning reels exclusively for 20 years. It would seem perhaps I got a bad reel and, as a JDM purchase, no warranty support. Thems the breaks with grey market items.
I've strapped this thing on a 7'1" MHXF and a 7'1" MM throwing 3/8 oz and it struggles to cast 45 feet with no wind. I've put it on a 6'6" MHF throwing 3/4 oz and same results. The "nylon rubbing on nylon' feel (and sound) during retrieve indicates something is amiss. It's not the 'smooth and consistent' retrieve so many others have noted in forum posts. I'm thinking something was over tightened on the reel in assembly. Or it could be something with the centrifugal braking system causing constant friction on the spool. I'm optimistic that stripping it to the frame, giving it a good cleaning, and proper reassembly will fix the issue.
thehooligan reply :
Little update:
Im used to having 2 brakes set with all my other shimanos. I was throwing a pop-x lastnight and realizing i wasnt getting nearly as far as my core 51 with the new aldebaran.
Decided to go down to 1 brake and now the reel is performing like it should. Maybe 2 brakes on the svs system is a little stonger then 2 on the vbs system...
DelcoSol reply :
On 4/28/2015 at 1:05 AM, offsidewing said:Basser - I can't put my finger on it. Yes, it has less heft than any of my Lews Reels (Tourney and BB1 Pro) but that's not what feels cheap. No matter where the spool tension knob is set, there is resistance on the cast and retrieve. I've turned off all the brakes, set the external to brake setting to it's lowest setting. Spinning the spool it gets less than 2 seconds "free spool" time and when I flip the handle it won't make two rotations on it's own. The best way to describe it is like this - Have you ever taken apart a spin cast reel, then not screwed the front cover on correctly? When you reel it in, the bail rubs against the front cover and there is a grindy resistance. That's exactly what my Aldebaran feels like and it has that plastic on plastic grinding "woosh" on the retrieve. Something is going on. I've taken off the side plate, removed the excess grease off the gears and added some bantam oil. No improvement. I've sent it off for a proper cleaning down to the frame, so hopefully that solves the issue.
The reel palms easily and feels great in your hand. I love the look of it too.
I was going to buy a Core for jig work, then heard rumors of this reel and waited for it. I've only ever owned Lews and Abu Garcia baitcasters - this is my first shimano and first Magnesium framed reel. I can't imagine the feeling I've described is typical of lightweight baitcasters. The next closest by comparison that I've tried is the Quantum Tour Mg 100 - and (prepare for butt hurt) it mechanically felt better.
Maybe the silent tune feature on mine is putting too much pressure on the spool or something is up with the spool tension knob area.
Buy yourself a Core. That and the Conquest are the two Shimanos that have the wow factor to me. I ended up replacing my Aldebaran HG with a Steez. Much smoother and further casting.
Diggy reply :
Japan Lure shop got them back in stock yesterday, the HG sold out though.
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