levelwind vs. non-levelwind

I just purchased the 6500 mag with the levelwind, my friend owns the non-level. He was able to cast a little further but 100+ yards is good enough for me. He was retieving a 36" striper and was having truouble spooling it with his thumb. He is selling his non-levelwind so he can purchase my levelwind. I think that the levelwind is a much better reel. The main drawback for my levelwind is it came with a smaller handle. I had to ppurchase a power handle for it which is $10, thats the only problem i noticed. GO WITH THE LEVELWIND.