I have taken 10' alligators on synergy reels, as far as initial cost, lets see- Ams-$70.00, arrow-$15.00, new line- $5.00, line that comes with ams reels isnt very good..spincast reel- $25.00, arrow-$15.00, reel seat-$15.00, line-$5.00..Totals AMS-$90.00....Spin-$60.00..Not quite the same cost..And Robin didnt you take your big gar with a spincast reel???I may not bowfish as much as some of the people on here but I go 30-40 times a year and have no major issue with a spincast reel..And guys this thread started with a guy using a peanut jar, a spincast or a retrevier reel is a huge improvement..I am just trying to help a beginner save a few bucks in the beginning of his bowfishing Years..May they be LONG and FULL of Fish!!!!!Good luck with it dkhunter8383.........