I fish the '15 Aldebaran 51 model and love it. Very similar to the Core 50s in size and maybe lighter. Mine has made about 8-10 wading trips and 2 drifting trips since I bought it 6-8 months ago, so the sample size is small, but it is holding up nicely. With stock bearings it casts as well as my CH101D7s with bocas. :brew:

 

I was told at the fishing show in March by the Shimano rep that they stopped making the Chronarch CI4+ because they were having corrosion issues that they couldn't resolve. I've been using mine regularly without any issues, but I've seen the issues on here that others are having.

The told me the Chronarch MGL was freshwater only, and the website confirms that. They told me the Aldebaran was the way to go on the high end. The website states, "This reel is equipped with our X-SHIP gearing system and is housed in an electro-coated magnesium frame allowing the reels to subdue bass in the heaviest cover - as well as redfish on the saltwater flats." I have no experience with either, just relaying what I was told by the rep.

 

The new Chronarch MGL is listed as freshwater only reel. The corrosion issue with the older Chronarch CI4+ was on the spool, but Shimano couldn't get it fixed.

Might want to wait until after ICAST this year and see what Shimano has up their sleeves. I sent a message to Bantam1 (Dan) and asked about the Chronarch MGL being a freshwater only reel and he said it was :headknock, but to be on the lookout for something new saltwater safe around ICAST. I guess we will see .

I do use a Core 50 Mg7, Core 100 and a 2013 Metanium reels, all Mg reels in the salt and are still going strong. I do take some steps before the reel hits the salt and then stay on top of keeping them cleaned after fishing the salt.

 

I have six ci-4's and they held up like **** in the salt. every generation of spool fell apart

 

The spool was the only part with the corrosion issue on that reel. It was one reason I didn't buy that Chronarch. Sad they could get that issue fixed. Good looking reels.

Didn't buy he Chronarch E reel as they were Curado E reels painted white/black and I already had those reels.

Other than those Chronarch reels, I've owed most models of the Chronarch reels (SF, B, D). Chronarch SF was my first expensive reel.

In about a month, we should know if Shimano has something salt safe for us. Not sure if it will be a Chronarch reel or not. Hope so, something special in that name "Chronarch".

 

Sean, have you looked at the Curado 7x series? Not as light as the MGs, but so far, sweet little reels if you use braid.

BTW, my brother bought some Krivoman feeders and I saw you on their website, monster **** deer.

 

I've fished 2 of the Aldebaran since they first released them...Both have held up very well. I will say this...My reels are broken down after every trip...dried and oiled before they are put up. I've had the Shimano 50Mg's and the Core 50's without any problems also.

Late,
Cox

 

I've fished 2 of the Aldebaran since they first released them...Both have held up very well. I will say this...My reels are broken down after every trip...dried and oiled before they are put up. I've had the Shimano 50Mg's and the Core 50's without any problems also.

Late,
Cox

I follow your cleaning plan minus what i highlighted

i usually just spray em with half windex and water and wipe em dry. need to pay attention to insides more

 

I have 2 aldebarans one of them was purchased when they first came out 2 years ago. Both reels have been used heavily in saltwater and I most say they are still in great shape


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Looks like Shimano (Dan = Bantam1) was right about a new Saltwater friendly Chronarch G :cheers:. This reel is geared towards fishing in the salt :work:.

If you fish fresh get the MGL. If you fish salt then get the new G model.

Dan was good on his hint that something might be coming down the road for the guys who love the history of the Chronarch reels and being able to use in the salt without issues (A, SF, B, D, E). :cheers:

 

Iv had the Metanuim for 2 years now in salt, cleaned it really well the first year... not so much the second... It is still in perfect shape. I would not be scared to put a Shimano MG reel in the salt, they hold up. I would not put another companys MG reel in salt.

 

Aldebaran is the LIGHTEST and SMOOTHEST reel so far. It works well for both fresh and salt. Shimano messed up the Chronarch Ci4+ model badly for saltwater fishing folks. They quickly came out MGL but it was only for freshwater. Hopefully the new Chronarch G is a better one for saltwater. At this point, only Chronarch E reels are worth mentioned for saltwater.

 

I fished with the Chronarch G in saltwater last weekend. My Chronarch experience goes back to the "gold" one. This one seems pretty sweet. Time will tell. I really do like the fine-tuning adjustability of the SVS Infinity brake system.