I compare this to my Pro Qual 2 reel all the time. This reel is very smooth and casts quite far. The brake system is built well. Definitely would recommend this to anyone. Beginner or experienced. For the price point you cant beat it.Worked amazing. Landed fish left and right side of the boat first day out with it. Smooth operation, easy adjustments. Left handed. What’s not to like. The gear ratio makes a 10pm hour rainbow feel light a lake monster.A very good reel. The first time using this reel, I was getting a little back lash. Then I notice the side cover was removable and another brake system under it. Once I adjusted that brake, the back lash was gone and the reel performed flawlessly. Definitely will be buying more.Great real for the price and takes saltwater like a champ!! The drank its great and it's not good for big swimbaits (4"-8").So far so good.BESTEST reel in this price range that you or ANYONE will ever find. I have a reel that costs3x's this much and it doesn't throw or reel any smoother than this INCREDIBLE reel. One Three (13) Fishing really knocked it out of the park with this particular reel.Very nice it’s better then my black max and Lews hands downI would have gave 5 stars, but unfortunately my drag doesn't work....Annnnnnd I just got it.But besides that decent reel.Love the colour, have been using it in fresh water and caught mostly pike and bass over the last 2 months, it has held up great so far. I took the chance with this reel over buying a daiwa of similar price point so time will tell if it was the right call.