Levelwind or non, what would you choose?

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I have a levelwind and removed the brakes to gain as much distance,out of 8yrs w/ this reel I had only one part fail & it was the spool tension bearing (my own fault) other than that I trust this reel.

I like the convenience of a levelwind but most of the one's out there have lower gearing.I feel that I'M @ the crossroads of trying a non levelwind.
I don't know squat on Avets,other than their quality made,offer high gearing,ranging from 5.1 to low 6's.I like the look & feel to them,other than that I'm fling blind.

Simanno's Calcutta has only 4.7:1,the Trinidads has 3 versions,one is the Calcutta TE 700,gearing is 4.7:1 and has a levelwind.
TN 14 or 16 has gearing of 6.2:1 but no levelwind,their third one called Special narrow it has a higher spool & narrow I think that this feature would be of convenience to thumb the line on.

I'M all done with mono so that won't be a factor,this reel will be going on a Loomis 1265C Surf Series lure w eight 2-8 Oz.
Does anybody have experience with Avets or Shimanno's Trinidads what's their Pros & Cons?