Ludz,
The newell 229 is my recommendation. The new ones have metal spools, are well built and cast great. My partners refer to them as "coffe grinders." The reel has no level wind, but level winds are for sissies anyways,
they are like training wheels on a bike. Good drag on the newell too. You can try mine if you want this winter. Its a man's reel.
I am going to get a calcutta 400 te for next year, for special situations. That reel would be my second choice if I could only have one reel , reason being the capacity might be less than what you want if you plan on jigging the canal, but its a great surf reel.