beginner conventional reel

[Iwannakeeper]

my biggest fear going with a conventional is backlash. If what I am reading is correct, most modern reels have a magnetic drag to help prevent that.

My question is, how much of the process in casting is the reel and how much is the operator in preventing backlash?

And a few more questions to keep this thread going.

1. What about Shimano reels? I know the calcutta is really expensive, is it worth it?

2. Replacing drags for a stronger, smoother drag on the abu's. It is cheap money, but is it something straight-forward that a novice an manage or does it take an expert?

I guess I should have asked more up-front. But you guys are providing a great education which always prompts more questions.

thanks again
-IWK