I'd recommend a level wind to start out with.
Abu 7000 series gives you the most for the least $$$. The drags aren't the greatest, but the 7000's is stronger and smoother out of the box than the 6500 series.
Also, you can find more info in this thread in the How-To forum:
http://www.striped-bass.com/StriperT...threadid=11214