RE: The Reel I use.....
I just got the AMS reel recently during the 3R sale. Its the best to shoot, but no drag worth speaking about, and it lays rubber on the line. I think it's great for carp where the arrow often ruins their day, but If I was after bigger things, I would probably go back to the Zebco.
Out to 15 or 20 feet I think that the large shoot through reels are still pretty good.