I'm going to sound like a broken record...but...
For the surf, my go-to conventionals are the older Abu models -
the 7500 CT Big Game (black, non-levelwind)
the 7500 C3CT (blue, non-levelwind)
and
the 7000 CL Big Game (black, levelwind)
It's worth it to shop around for these reels IMO, the latest generation of Abu's aren't as good as the older product, thanks to Pure Fishing. If you go with Abus, replace the drag washers with Xtreme Smoothies.
The Calcutta 700 is a nice reel, but it has relatively limited line capacity relative to its peers and does not like to get dunked. Calcuttas come with or without levelwinds (designated by "S" model suffix). Drag and bearings fine out of the box.
Other options are the Newell P-series (220, 229, 235). Best to get these reels with ALUMINUM spools - charkbait.com has a bunch of limited-production Newells with aluminum spools. These are all non levelwinds. Upgrade your fiber drag washers with Xtreme Smoothies and replace the metal washers while you're at it.
If you're a chunker, you should check out the Daiwa Sealine X 20 SHV or the 30 SHV's (collectively known as "SloSH"). No mods needed - smooth casting out of the box with FABULOUS drags. Relatively cheap too. Con: graphite body.
-WW
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