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Ok guys, which would you prefer. 30 Wlrsa, 50, and 50 wlrsa are the choices in Shimano Tiagras. For alutecnos it would be the albacore 2spd 30w, 50, or 50w. I'm putting together a set of trolling rods for stand up marlin and tuna. Let me know what you think. I'll listen to arguments for other reels but I've pretty much narrowed the decision to these 2 makers.
I say Alutecnos. Im not saying theres anything wrong with Shimano, we use Tiagras all the time and theyre great. I just love the feel and efficiency of the Alutecnos. Weve been fishing them for about 4yrs now, never been serviced, and theyre still in top shape. If you dont mind spending the little extra $$$, deffinitly go with Alutecnos
Actually if you are buying a set or quantity. You should be able to get a decent price on the Alutecnos. I have a set of 30w2s and one 50w2s on a planer rod and would reccomend them. They are the most consistant reels I have used. Give John at Direct Tackle a call and see what he can do for you on a set, tell him Mark M. says hello........Mark
One thing to keep in mind will be access to parts and to people that know how to service the reels. There is no questioning either of these reels performances, but chances are that the shimano will be better known by reel service shops in the US. If you know how to take care of the reels yourself, then either would be a great choice.
Walk the docks at any good marina and see what the top sportfishing boats have sticking out of their fighting chairs. These are boats that could afford ANYTHING. Let us know what you decide.
Alutecnos reels are by far and large the nicest piece of machinery I have seen in a fishing reel. I would take one over Penn Shimano and Avet. If I didn't need the massive amount of drag and had a little more money I would go with the Alutecnos over the Avet having handled both reels. Penn doesn't hold a candle to it and haven't used a Tiagra but have seen and fooled with them, but would still pick the Alutecnos.
Walk the docks at any good marina and see what the top sportfishing boats have sticking out of their fighting chairs. These are boats that could afford ANYTHING. Let us know what you decide.
Most are running Tiagras. Why? they are available and ge the job done
i have both a tiare 50 wlrsa and an alutecnos 50 w2. both are great reels. if you say both are high end quality reels, there are only minor differences:
- the plastic alutecnos handel vs. ergonomic shimano handle;
- alutecnos 2 bottom shift system vs. shimanos;
- alutecnos indefinite anti reverse vs. shimanos conventional;
- the tiagra clicks when you turn the handel , the alutenos is "silent";
- the tiagra has holes in the "?drag plate?" so you know with every click the you changed the drag setting
- the tiagra comes with a rod clamp with a ring to attach a safty strap
so its all up to you. i bought the alutecnos because its cheaper the the tiagra (here in germany)
ferdinand
If you walk the docks during a big game tournament where the professional crews have virtually unlimited budgets here in Florida or the Bahamas you will more than likely see 50% Shimano, 50% Duel in 50,80 and 130 range if that helps.
I used to fish penns and switched to shimanos several years ago for various reasons. So far I have been extremely pleased with shimano's. Although I know some guys who swear by Alutecnos and Avets. The one thing I like about shimanos is the parts are easy to get and there are a ton of places who service them. Not sure about the other manufactures. There is another guy on here I believe atlantis. He seems to know more about reels than anyone else in terms of construction and how they work. Once you make up your mind make sure you contact Keith at all tackle for a price as well. They are very competitive and have great customer service.
Have both (50w and 30w). Shimano Tiagras are bullet proof and rarely require any maintenance or work. Alutecnos look/feel European... Nice but quirky and not as dependable. Drag can be sticky after a while, parts/service hard to come by. I actually think the silent cranking thing on the Alutecnos is a negative, as it doesn't give you any feedback, as you crank in terms of sound. It is not a bad thing to hear when you or someone in the boat takes a few cranks. It is like watching a movie with sound off... weird and doesn't add any value. If quirkiness doesn't bother you, go for Alutecnos. But, I certainly won't buy one for a while. Tiagras just no-nonsense machines that just work.
Thanks for all the input guys. I'm still waiting on the rods to be built. Once they get here I'll be in a hurry to get reels...I'm hearing some complaints about the clicker on the Alutecnos is that because it's hard to operate, not loud enough, or all of the above?
-j
Thanks for all the input guys. I'm still waiting on the rods to be built. Once they get here I'll be in a hurry to get reels...I'm hearing some complaints about the clicker on the Alutecnos is that because it's hard to operate, not loud enough, or all of the above?
-j
It is just like the other clikers!! Push it one way it is on and another it is off and it is louder than the penns thats for sure. Whats so difficult about turning a cliker on and off????....Mark
Shimano Tiagras or Alutecnos albacore 2spd? 
