I've had this reel for 2 or 3 seasons now... Let me tell you, it's everything they say. I get an occasional backlash, but it's never bad, and user error. I can throw 1/16 oz lures, but it really shines between 1/8 and 5/16. I've paired it with Zodias M 6'10" for rivers and creeks and it works like a dream. The drag is strong, my one complaint would be on the drag tho. It needs finer increments cuz the way I feel it, it's either a tad too loose or a tad too strong. Hard to dial that in, but that said I layed into a monster flathead with my drag nearly maxed and he was bulldogging me and the drag was pulling so smoothly. I would suggest getting one ASAP as they've decided to stop producing them for some reason.