Had used a spheros 8000 last yr for a season with braid and went through 4 yes 4 spools due to saltwater corrrosion. The good thing is that shimano custumer service was great and I didnt have to pay a penny for any of the extra spools. The only thing they told me was to " pull all the line out every time i go fishing and dry it out". I was like what? are you nuts? So I took a huge step and bought a VS275 this yr and nothing compares to it. The thing is a complete tank. Horses in any fish that I have come across, easy to self-fix and lube with the proper tools, smoothest drag and can handle 6 oz jigs in the canal with no issue at all. Best investment I have ever made when it comes to fishing aside for my 10 ft 1209 broomstick! The reason why it may have felt stiff was because it's brand new. Mine felt the same and I am sure other VS owners would say the same. You take it out a half dozen times blazing 6 oz jigs all night long it will smoothen out like crisp bed sheets
Honestly its expensive but you will never have to buy another reel again and maintaining it is so easy