Is the 500T good for metal?

Yes — it's a high-output ceramic bridge pickup built for heavy styles.

What's the difference between the 500T and 498T?

The 500T is hotter with a ceramic magnet; the 498T is Alnico V and a touch less aggressive.

The bridge — it pairs with the 496R neck in high-output sets.

Humbucker · Ceramic magnet

Gibson's hottest production bridge humbucker, with a ceramic magnet for aggressive high-gain tone.

An aggressive, high-output ceramic bridge humbucker with a punchy, cutting midrange and sustained lead tone built for hard rock and metal.

Hard rock, metal, high-gain rhythm and lead.

Les Paul Classic, SG Classic, Explorer

Is the 500T good for metal?: Yes — it's a high-output ceramic bridge pickup built for heavy styles.
What's the difference between the 500T and 498T?: The 500T is hotter with a ceramic magnet; the 498T is Alnico V and a touch less aggressive.
Which position is the 500T for?: The bridge — it pairs with the 496R neck in high-output sets.