Out of my many reels there´s only one I handled at the store before purchasing, the rest were bought unhandled.

Of the 23 reels I've bought in the past 3 years I handled.......zero......before buying. All were either from Oline stores or from individuals...no ebay. I rely on reviews of those I think may actually know a little of what they speak.

21farms makes a valid point. Many of the reviews are for reading pleasure only. Everyone can use a good laugh. However, if the reviewer says he has been fishing for 25 years, and owns several more expensive reels, then I'll take his word. Of course, it could be a salesman trying to push supplies out the door, but I prefer not to think the worst of a person.

The vast majority of my rods were purchased the same way.

If I had to handle both before buying, I'd be a lot richer today.