Aaron - while it irks the crap out of me with VS & ZB made overseas (mine are older US models) they are solid reels for what you want to do. Proven and usually reliable. You can maybe find some new old stock that was made in the US (VS anyway). They also weigh a bit less than the Tourque.
Now, GO BAILLESS
- it is so NOT an issue once you get used to it you'll wonder why you didn't sooner.
I'll second M&Ds as a great shop
(was going there long before this site or they became a sponsor here)