Reel came in with too much grease. I'm not sure if it was a return , I haven't used it yet, but I plan to keep it for my trip to the Caribbean. No noise but it runs somehow rough, compared to my other reels and Daiwa. I suggest to the manufacturer to opt to a sealed plastic enclosure instead of the boxes. It will guarantee us that we are receiving a brand new item. The trend now seems to be of getting return products rather than new ones. I will update this review after using it for at least 4 fishing trips. Read more

After 5 months of using (about 1-2 times per month), the drag stops working. Read more

Very impressive reel through and through! It came beautifully and well packaged. When I opened the box I immediately noticed how huge this reel was. However, it was amazingly balanced in the hand. Every component of the reel feels solid and over built in the best way possible. The action is buttery and has a beast of a drag! I took this reel on a two day fishing trip around Catalina Island and put it through a torture test. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with this reel. Everything about this reel is buttery smooth. I was able to out cast and out fish everyone on the boat! I fly lined sardines, threw surface irons and fished 100 feet of water. This reel handled it all like a dream. I took down barracuda, sand bass, calico bass, sheep head and even a few yellowtail with ease! Even the deck hands on the boat were so impressed with the reel they I asked I send them the link! Buy this reel, you will LOVE IT! Read more

I purchased this reel out of curiosity about the quality and performance. I have not used it fishing yet but plan to in the next two weeks and will update my review at that time. The reel arrived on time and well packaged. It has a great look and feel to it with very smooth cranking and bail closure. It seems balanced and the finish is really nice. It is set up so it can be used for right or left handed cranking. One minor thing is that I travel a lot and wish it had an extra cover for where the crank handle attaches. This would protect it from dust and protect my gear from the grease if the handle is off of the reel. The reality is that I will travel with it in the box as it is set up to protect the reel! Once again, nice reel and I look forward to getting line on it next week and then getting out on the water to test it more thoroughly! Read more

Some reels are listed as "salt water" reels because they use corrosion-resistant parts. This reel takes it to another level by also having waterproof seals that keep salt water out. The reel even has an IPX6 rating. The multi-disk carbon drag system is similar (or superior) to the aftermarket upgrades I've paid extra to add to other reels. It is buttery smooth but can apply some serious pressure! (30lbs. in the case of my 3000 size... that's double what my trusty Penn Battle has!) The shielded stainless steel ball bearings are in the right places to insure strength and smoothness, like on both sides of the crank and at the top and bottom of the spool. The gears are premium manganese-brass alloy. The reel body is aluminum. This reel is a tiny bit larger and heavier than some in its class. For just two ounces more weight than my old favorite saltwater 3000-size reel, this reel offers more bearings, an IPX6 waterproof rating, better gears, and double the drag stopping power. And I think it looks great, too. So far, I think this reel is unbeatable in its price range. If everything performs as expected, it should be a big winner! Time will tell, and I'll update my review with any positive or negative revelations. Read more