Van Stall vs Conventional Reel

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steve, Rosepointbass, likwid, ThrowingTimber, spence, numbskull, 5/0, Nebe, and chunk...THANK YOU again for the insightful information.

You really helped me make an informed decision.
A long story short, I picked up an Abu Garcia7000IC3 because...

1. Level-wind
2. Carbon Matrix Drag system
2. Large handle and knob
3. large capacity (17lb test/325 yrds)
4. The two break systems that allow tuning of the reel speed during casting.
5. I can customize or modify it with upgrade kits (as required)--- to be candid, I will use it as is for a while to learn it first and then look into "super-charging it"

And lastly, because at $100.00 (i.e. $150.00 - $50.00 BassPro Shop gift certificate) out of pocket for my first conventional reel, it was a great value.

I spooled up with some mono and did some small casts in a thickly settled district (I made sure my 2 oz sinker did not exceed 35 mph)...and reel feels AWESOME! I cannot wait until I hit the surf.
To be honest, I feel like I just converted to the dark side.

Tight lines.

-Fish360