I have an "imported" PENN Power Graph II PG3000 spinning reel which was bought for snapper fishing off piers. I have been using it for blues / schoolies in the surf the past few months and it has done well.
However, after the few months of hard work it has been putting up with, it had to be opened up, drained of water, claned and lubed. The guy at the tackle shop said it should have taken a couple years to look that bad.
Also had a little problem with the drag but... after a tweak here and there... it's working fine now. Just in time for the winter.
I'm going to keep this reel, and the 8' rod it's mounted on, as a spare for next season but will be picking up a 9' rod and US made PENN Slammer 460 or 560.
I held / spun a 460 today as a matter of fact and man... was it smooth! Seemed well build and felt like a much more expeneive model.
I like what I've heard / seen of the Slammers and cast my .02 that way.
Best of luck,
Rob