Magged conventional reel recomendation?

[Saltheart]

I think the best mag'ed levelwind is the 6500 CS Mag Elite. The 525 Mike P mentioned is a very "hot' reel. Experts only IMO.

the Mag controls have their place. casting eels into the wind I find the Mag control , adjusted properly , helps.

I have a Calcutta 400 and its a great reel do to the beter drag. I have always been able to cast an ABU 6500 further. I think it holds more line and that may be why its casts further for me. Do they make a Magged calcutta?

[riverrat2]

Newell 229. I swam with mine all fall and never had to do anything more than add a little lube to the bearings ever once and awhile.

[keeperreaper]

I also own both the 6500 and the Calcutta 400. I like the 6500 but I love the Calcutta. So much so I own 4 of them. Great durable reels with nice drags but they are not super beach friendly in terms of sand finding its way around in them. That probably has something to do with the spec tolerances they are made to. That being said I do use the 400 every time still when I surf cast but I pay attention to my reel and wher it is all the time. The 400 is a bit more pricey as stated above when compared to the 6500.