Does anyone use this reel for larger baits or swimbaits? They seem to be around since about 1999 or so but I don't hear really anything about them. Thanks and let me know!

It is used and there are many improvement's on the base design.  I fish the luna which is based on that reel.  The cv-z is the top end version of that reel and is amazing.  The club m versions are cool collection reels.  I don't fish the base model but nothing wrong with them.  Recommend a 250 size.