Considering my profession, Machinist, I often find myself pawing over reels in an effort to determine the best bang for the buck on the market.

I have looked over many reels. One thing is consistent, consumers are paying major money for the surface coatings like anodizing. That is the single most costly part of most if not all reels.

I would not get bent over what its actually made from. Be it Magnesium or Aluminum it matters little since the mechanical properties are so close between the two. The only exception to this rule would be Titanium. Strong like steel, light like Aluminum, impervious to the salt. The problem with Ti reels are the cost about the same as a decent used vehicle.

I think first and foremost in importance is a sealed drag made from carbon fiber. Next is fit and finish. Followed by backing capacity.

The one reel that passed my test and landed my business is the Nautilus 10 CCF made by Old Florida reels.