Okuma RTX anyone?

[MuskieBait]

MA, here's a little bit on magnesium alloy. I never liked magnesium alloy...

"The strength-to-weight ratio of the precipitation-hardened magnesium alloys is comparable with that of the strong alloys of aluminium or with the alloy steels. Magnesium alloys, however, have a lower density and stand greater column loading per unit weight. They are also used when great strength is not necessary, but where a thick, light form is desired. Examples are complicated castings, such as housings or cases for aircraft, and parts for rapidly rotating or reciprocating machines."

"Despite the active nature of the metal, magnesium and its alloys have good resistance to corrosion. The rate of corrosion is slow compared with rusting of mild steel in the same atmosphere. Immersion in salt water is problematic, but a great improvement in resistance to salt-water corrosion has been achieved, especially for wrought materials, by reducing some impurities, particularly nickel and copper, to very low proportions."

"Corrosion troubles may be expected even with protective treatment in poorly designed assemblies where moist air is trapped or where rain is allowed to collect. Where such designs are avoided, unpainted magnesium alloy parts that are oily or greasy operate indefinitely with no sign of corrosion. Magnesium alloy parts are usually painted, however, except where the conditions of exposure are mild. To assure proper adherence of the paint, the part is cleaned by grinding, buffing, or blasting, then given an acid dichromate dip."

So even though the Pflueger has magnesium body and it is light, it is not as rigid as a good aluminum body. There is a reason why big game reels like AVET, Accurate, Penn and many high end fly reels are machined out of aircraft aluminum blocks. Yes, it may be heavier...but it is robust.

These days, people are touting carbon body...like Shimano's CI4...carbon fibers are strong, but they also flex and are not as impact resistant.