I'm am looking to pair my p5 Windbuster with a 2500 size Cerate. How do they compare to other reels? How has yours held up?

I got to use one of my night shift buddies Cert 3ks for a few hours at the lighthouse last fall.  There really incredible little reels IMO.  It was smooth, quiet, and surprisingly powerful for such a little reel.  I have trouble explaining how it felt in hand.  The 3k was compact and light in hand, but at the same time it feels substantial and solid.  Its not a sealed/waterproof reel, but as long as you keep up with the maintenance and maintain the Magseal its really resistant to water intrusion.  I came close to buying one for light surf and sod banks, but I went with a VR 50 so I wouldnt have to be as careful in the wash.    

I am sure you have seen this but just in case you haven’t.

 

 

 

I have a certate lt and I caught a 6 pounder a couple weeks ago.  She made several hard runs and the drag was fantastic.  I have it matched to a St Croix Legend Elite.  It works great for me.

 

11 hours ago, Msl819 said:

I am sure you have seen this but just in case you haven’t.

 

 

 

I have a certate lt and I caught a 6 pounder a couple weeks ago.  She made several hard runs and the drag was fantastic.  I have it matched to a St Croix Legend Elite.  It works great for me.

 

Yes that video was interesting to watch. It seems like a Exist with very few downgrades so I grabbed one yesterday. I will use it a lot this summer wading for river smallmouth so I’ll be putting the drag to the test.

I have a 4000 size. Very pleased with it. At first I had a little buyers remorse as I didn't immediately see what all the extra money went on, but with time, the smoothness of the retrieve is very good, but the buttery smoothness of the drag has really impressed me. I've caught a good number of fish on it now and it's the drag that really stands out. Definitely not a Randy Blaukat reel!  A 34" Zander in heavy winter flood current was the biggest test I've had yet and it was just amazing hearing the drag ticking away. Never had a problem with my other Daiwa or Shimano drags, but the delicious smoothness of the Certate just feels special and at another level.