Lookin at picking up an Abu Garcia 702lx for an all around fresh/salt beater rig and was curious what is out there now that would compare? Weight is a non issue but I need it to be able to handle salt without complaint. I've owned a 602 and 801 in the past and liked them both.

This 702 has a bushing supported spool where the 801 had bearings. Is that worth something?

Thanks

Bushing in saltwater for me anyhow,and u may want to step up to a 704 size for saltwater

I'd pass on that reel.  130yds/8# isn't enough line and never really had any reel that I could load up to line specs.  130 yds is probably based at full capacity, take off 1/8-1/4" and that is a lot of lost line, plus you're always going to lose additional line.  I use my 20 size soron only for freshwater now, I personally prefer a 40 or 4000 reel for saltwater.

My opinion is purely based on line capacity, @ $100 there are a number of very decent brands and models