Abu 6500/Penn 525 Advice

[Parker650]

I'm looking to pick up a new conventional outfit and am having a hard time deciding what to get. I'll be using this set-up for plugging up to 2.5 ozs (and as light as I can get with it too) with a 9-10' rod from the SoCo Rhody surf. I use abu baitcasters for smallmouth and have the technique down and love it for freshwater...I'd like to do the same from the surf.

The problem is I am completely dumbfounded by the versions of the Abu 6500s. At first I thought the Abu Record RCN-50 or 60 was a good choice, then hear about the Rockets, but then see the 6500 Sports Mag, then hear great things about the 6500 Mag Elite, oh and who doesn't like the Blue Yonder. After reading the forums, I also get the impression that the Penn 525 is a better reel by a lot of folks, but the 525 doesn't look as comfortable as the Abu's.

I don't need something that is going to cast to the Block, I just want something that: (A) is a solid, enjoyable, and comfortable fishing platform; (B) can take use/abuse with some TLC mixed in; and (C) something that I won't get tired of or need to upgrade in the near future. I like the idea of the mags, but have heard that they don't really make that much of a difference.

I was leaning towards the 6500 Sports Mag, but now I just don't know and I don't want to make a decision that I'm going to regret. Anyone have any suggestions or eliminations from that group? Should I rethink the choices? Based on my scenario, what would you recommend?

Thanks.
Parker650