it is funny, ask 6 fishermen to review the same product and you'll get 6 different views. i didn't like the A-salts when i tried them last year. i bought a few in the colors i throw for 6' long-A's, and i couldn't catch a damn thing on them. when i went back to the long-A's, i would hook up.
one other thing i tried out this year is a 6500 nautil. it is actually for my girlfriend, but i have used it a few times just to "make sure it works".
it is an ok little reel, but i wouldn't want to try some cows on it. save the VS's for that task!