Just received mine yesterday. Right out of the box it looks like a gorgeous reel. Love the matte black finish. It has a smaller profile too - it's not a big baitcaster. The only thing I've done so far is put line on it but based off of that and tinkering around with it it seems to be an extremely smooth reel. I can't wait to get out and put it to the test.I have been using 13 reels for the last 5 years and they continue to impress me. My got to reels for the last year have been the 13 C2s and the Texas Editions and now I've added this one to my arsenal.I take very good care of my reels by not dunking them in Saltwater and lightly spray them off after every trip which is about 3 times a week. I also have Lews, Shimano reels which get no use.I have the 13 C2s on the 13 Omen Rods and the other 13 reels on Hookspit Custom Rods.30lb Sufix 832 Braid is my choice for using top waters and 14lb Berkley Sensation on the rest.This is my first casting reel and I wanted something salt tolerant. As a bait casting beginner, I am dealing with backlash a bit, but I am very happy with this reel. I think the quality is there.Casting is flawless. Retrieve is perfectThis is a strong contender for the best baitcaster I own. The only competition being my shimano curado k.Casting is phenomenal, reel is super smooth.Very comfortable, solid brake, tension, and drag controls.I’ve fished the heck out of it and never had a single issue. Would strongly recommend.On the first fish I caught with this it was a 7lb bass in open water it was peeling line on pretty high drag by the time it was done fighting the reel couldnt handle the weight of the fish I jumped off the jonboat and got it as it was 10 ft away. Not sure if the reel broke during this or if it was defective and the drag slipped or something. But definitely doesn’t seem like the 25 lbs of drag is trueThis thing is a beast and I'd put it up against and reel on the market.It broke within less than 6 months. This purchase was very disappointing.