Well I finally pulled the trigger on this reel. After Reading Alan Hawks assessment of it. I felt that at 30% the price of the stella and Saltiga it was worth the investment.
Especially when Alan said that the two high end japanese reels were the most refined and perfect, but do not have more then a few years of longevity on the beach in the sand and with softer gears to provide a smooth "feel".
Compared to the Penn Torque which he said is not as smooth because of the seals and shielded bearings. However those things make it heirloom quality and will last several lifetimes of hard use. Plus it's 100% user serviceable unlike the complicated internals of the Japanese reels.
450 yards of 80lb braided line, 40 lbs plus of drag, this is a meat winch!
