Although I haven't tried out this specific reel as it winter here up north I have an identical one that I have been using for a couple of summers. I love it. My son turned me onto this Lews as he moved down to Dallas and Bass fishing is all they do. Lews is a trusted and well known brand down there. They have become popular even up in Wisconsin which is where I bought my first one at a small tackle shop during a week long fishing trip with said son. You wont be disappointed. In fact in the last few days I also picked up an MB model with 8.1:1 gearing for my plastics pitching rod. Smooth is all I can say about Lews equipment. Buying it here on ebay I saved a ton off retail on both reels.