In answer to your second question, first ... I think it all comes down to personal preference. I really like the downlocking, but the uplocking is far more easily available. Any time I want to use a DL I have to special order it.
For the first question. The only ring locks (a definite misnomer!) I have are on very light rods. It frustrates the dickens out of me to be casting and cast the reel at the same time!! As "graceful" as I am, I need a secure lock!
Trouts don't live in ugly places.
A friend is not who knows you the longest, but the one who came and never left your side.
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