I'd probably just stick with the tried and true Shimano, but these new Daiwa Bite N' Run with the baitrunner feature and longcast spool look pretty interesting.
I'd stick with Shimano for ease of repair and service parts. Cabela's-unknown service and parts. Okuma are decent with good customer service, but not as good as Shimano for the salt. The biggest issue with the Shimano is with the 6500 size line roller. It's a sh*tty design that hates salt. Plan on dis-assembling it at least once per year or an expensive bill for replacement parts. (Same issue with the Thunnus reels) The 4500 size is a different design.
Daiwa spools have superior casting distance for some reason... My baitrunner is a bit to heavy for my surf rod
so i've been looking for an alternative... but i love the rear adjustment drag...
Have you tried to replace the drag yet? I have a shimano freshwater reel with rear drag and I loved it, until I tried to take it apart to clean at the end of the season. Hugh pain in the rear.
Hybrid Mode
