RE: which reel to get
bigbass,
The very 1st thing I look for when buying any reel is the number of Bearings - not Bushings but Bearings(roller type). Generaly speaking the more Bearings the smoother and longer lasting that particular reel will be whether it be bait or spin.
IMO many of these new reels are made to catch fisherman not fish. Alot of flash and no go if you get my drift. Alot like some of these new vehicles coming out - Flash but No Go!