Keep in mind all the abu's have casting blocks that rotate inside of a drum, which give you backlash control. When you dunk that reel the drum will fill with water and slow the spool down excessively, even if the blocks are removed there are four spokes on the 7000 models and two spokes on the 6500 and lower models.
Yes it is easier to take down an abu, but the abu is a more delicate reel when fished under ideal conditions. All the stainless steel bearings on these reels will fail very quickly. I just changed a seized bearing on my Newell S-235-5, which never was submerged and was treated with care. If you service your own reels you will quickly see that all this multiple bearing "mania "is actually a weakeness when it comes to reel durability, if not treated with reasonable care. Yes, it will cast further and feel smoother , but that will be the first thing that will not work. All the mag models (rare earth mags) if not anodized or coated with epoxy or nail polish/epoxy will rust up even faster.
The quick take down screw on the Squidder and Jigmaster is a nice feature and they are not hard to strip down to the right side plate. The Newell has all stainless steel guts and has an integrated stainless plate, making it a nice reel to strip down.
The Penn GS reels are built like tanks, but have multiple ball bearings and an anti reverse roller bearing, which the salt will probably love to ruin, even if they claim the ball bearings are sealed.
A less complicated reel gooped up well and submerged in fresh water after swimming may be the answer IMHO.
Good Luck,
Steve
