Haven't used the others, but I have two Shimano Baitrunners (4500 and 3500) and I love them.....granted, I do a lot of bait fighing, (which they are PERFECT for), but they are also great for eels if you are drifting them.....and for plugs or "working eels", I tighten down the Baitrunner drag most all the way. That way if I get a LARGE, I can fight it mostly with the main drag, and if it decides to make a major run, I can flip the Baitrunner on and have slightly less drag to let her go, without fiddling with a drag knob, and when she stops, just begin to reel again and the main drag is re-activated.
Only complaint....I have had some problems with the anti-reverse on the 3500...(almost busted my knuckles on a 10 lb blue a few eeks ago because of it)...it's a simple fix that I know how to do, but it seems I fix it and it works for awhile, then fails for no particular reason at some un-opportune times.....fix it again, works for a bit, and then fails again......know of another guy from the board (Hi Mr. Kav) that recently had the same problem. I also have a small fresh water Shimano with a similiar anti-reverse design, and have problems with that one as well.....
But all in all, I love them....
Checked out the Okuma, felt and looked nice, is cheaper, but the reviews I have heard from guys that have them aren't so great........
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