Excellent reel value. I have had two and only sold them to upgrade. Not the most handsome reel, but finnish and function are phenominal. I will second the very tough coating. They hold quite a bit of backing for a large arbor reel. Very smooth and have a nice, mild clicker. Same great drag as allother lamsons. I do not believe they are made in US like the higher end Lamsons/Waterworks reels. What rod are you thinking of mounting this reel on? I had a #2 and it balanced well on a rather heavy (by today's standards) Legend Ultra 9' 6wt.

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