650ss/6500ss have always been metal (aluminum) bodies.
The smaller 4200ss thru the 5500 ss are graphite bodies. New style ssg are graphite and the ssm are metal bodies.
I had the bail flipping issue on one of my older 650ss - it is due to my wristy casting technique that I no longer use. I started to pay close attention to the location of the handle as well - having it pointed toward the butt of the rod was key.
That $31 conversion kit (plus shipping - fixed minimum fee) is STEEP = almost $40 at that point.
