Expensive v.s. Less Expensive

I realize that by writing this blog I will probably have a large number of individuals who will disagree with me, but then everyone is free to express their own perspectives. I have a few friends who spend considerable amounts of money on their various rods and reels. Without mentioning brand names, they spend upwards of $600 for a single baitcasting rig. They swear that these rigs will out perform the "cheaper" outfits everytime. Now I firmly agree that those individuals who chase the monsters of the offshore realms need to be well equipped and have reels with the smoothest drags on the market. When you battle a 500lb.tuna or grander marlin you had better have the most expensive gear money can buy. On the other hand for working topwaters and plastics for trout and reds, I want a reel that casts easy, casts long, is light, has a good drag system, and a good warranty. I look at all of these things in my reels, but I also look for deals. You can tell alot about a reel at the counter. First, its ok to try out that reel in the showcase, but just think how many times it has been handled. If it feels right, right shape and weight, ask to see one out of the box. To me a key to any good reel, whether it has five,ten or more bearings, is how easy does the spool spin when you press the release. On your very expensive reels that spool will take off and cruise for multi seconds. There are some not so expensive ones that will do the same. Good examples are H2O, Pflueger, and Daiwa. The Daiwa Coastal Inshore CL153L, Academy's H2O Express Menance, and Pfluegar's Trion Lp and President 2WLP are all great reels that will only sit you back around a hundred bucks. Academy has a warranty that is second to none on their H2O reels. Just take it back with in a year and a new one is in your hands no questions asked.
If you clean and oil these less expensive reels after each trip, they will last a long time and I like the idea of having three reels for the price of one!
Rods are for tommorrow.
Take care.