What matters to me is what's on the end of the line, the objective is the fish.  I have $100 reels used in freshwater that have yet to be serviced going on a good 5 years.  The reels are smooth, worry free and easily handle anything I encounter in freshwater.  This is my comfort level for this brand of fishing and I'm getting a good bang for my buck, I highly doubt my opinion will change.

However freshwater fishing makes up the least amount of my time spent on catching fish.  For the most part I up my game for saltwater fishing, IMO I see much more demand being put on a SW reel than on my freshwater counterparts.  Been my experience no reel withstands the rigors of saltwater use on a daily basis, eventually all will need a repair regardless on what's spent.  My comfort level is about $200 for that brand of fishing.  I don't feel the need to spend a $1000 bucks on a reel, if I thought the need was there I'd have them.

 

I found this interesting, for the Australia & N.Z.market Shimano warranties even a low end reel like a sedona for 10 years, I'm not sure what American warranties are.

http://www.shimanofish.com.au/products/fishing-reels/spinning.html

Well, you got it, so what is it?

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdiawapremiumcollectibles.html

Thanks!

 

That's pretty cool.