Has anyone purchased, or used one of these reels?  I looked at one this afternoon, and they seem bullet proof!  I like the classic style, and for it's price, I don't think I could get a better reel!  I have been looking at several brands, and they are all over priced, to me...  Being a newbie in the bait casting reel market, I am almost nervous to spend more than the $70USD price tag!  I figured someone here would be a little more knowledgeable about this reel!  I am more than likely going to get it, as my options are really limited.  Finding a simple review for the reel has been of great pain in my bottom!  Also, not having a credit card, to purchase items off the internet is also stopping me from finding the savings online!  

What are your opinions? Thanks for the help, and patience!

You need someone who is a fan and vet of round baitcasters to give you some advice, An ABU Man more than likely. you'll find a larger group of low profile fans on the site I bet. I had one round reel, a Quantum US100 I think. I know that  alot of people fish round reels and love them but they're not for me. I like that (1) its a Shimano, and (2) it has a six 6 pin centrifugal  braking system. They are really great for starting out due to easy adjustment when balancing the bait, you should'nt worry about getting a lemon with those working for you, but I still would try putting a low profile reel in your hand a few times before buying. I love the look of the round reels too but I dont care for the feel, plus if the covers are metal on a really hot day it can get really hot, And when its really cold they get really really cold. just something to think about.

Here is a picture of what hes posting about for those interested.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?mode=article&objectID=30009&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1

Thanks for the reply.  Much appreciated!  Yeah, I like the extra weight in my hand, it just feels better.  I looked at a low profile ambassadeur, but it was at kmart, and in a little plastic case, instead of a box...  I don't know if I want to trust that!  lol  I don't know of the model number or anything, as it was very limited on info, and my searches came up empty!  I also hit the local walmart, and found that they had a nice daiwa for about the same price as this shimano...  Though, I think that the frame is plastic, or something cheap...  I also could not find a whole lot of info on it.  

The biggest thing that I like about the shimano was, that it was cheap, and aluminum, be it cast aluminum, but still not too heavy!    I really would rather a round BC, as its kind of, "classic".  I might as well start off with the original, and work up later!    I do like the feel of the lower profile BCers, though I find the ones that I like, to be on the pricey side!  I mean, go too cheap, and the real might be a lemon, but you go expensive, you know you are paying for what you get!  My kind of reel, would be in magnesium, with titanium hardware...  Or vice versa!  If I am going to spend several hundred on a reel, I would need at least those two things!  

Since I am starting out, I don't see a point in going any more expensive, and I hear that most of the cheaper low profile reels are a lot more likely to break, then I would be without a reel, until the replacement arrived!  I have done so much research, that my head is spinning!  I would prefer an abu, since I have a cardinal spinning, but at the prices of a good ambassadeur, I don't think it will happen!  lol  I am what most people would call a, "low budget fisherman" which is fine, I am not one to spend every ounce of cash to get into anything!  I also am a low budget paintball player, and BMXer!  I know at 24, I still have kid dreams...  lol  

Back on subject...  Any suggestions are more than welcome!  I just want to get out on the lake, and cast me something else!  

It sounds like you've found what your looking for and I can't find a reason not to buy it. If you think you might want to get a ABU look for a Abu repair center in your area. They refurb there trade-ins and resale for quite a bit of savings, But expect some scuffs. Honostly though, There is nothing like the shine of a new reel. The first baitcaster I bought that really blew me away was a Shimano Citica with only one ball Bearing and the centrifugal brake. I soon aquired a few more and thats all I bought for years. I'm sure that if its a Shimano of any series in that price range it will be absolutely more than pleasing. Everyone on this site loves a certain reel they own in all price ranges so if this one tricks you trigger get it. the selfish side of me thinks you should get a low profile though. JK

Thanks for the help cravin!  You really helped me figure out my thoughts on this reel.  I am now more confident about buying it!  I wish there was an abu repair center near me, but sadly, there isn't!  I would totally be on the ball, and buy a used reel, as most things I own are used... lol

The Corvalus is a good reel at its pricing point. I think you will like it just fine. It is a much better reel than an old, refurbished Abu Garcia that someone threw away because it wasn't worth fixing. I had a couple of those, too.

I have one of RW's, like he said, for the price point, you get quality.  It handled a bunch of bluefish last summer, no problem.

Thanks!  Yeah I think I am now confident with my future buy.    I will probably get it in the next few days.    I don't do a whole lot more, than catch mediocre sized fish anyhow!  lol  I think the biggest bass I have gotten a hold of, was a whole 4 lbs. 6oz.!  Though, I am sure it will handle much larger fish, without a problem!  It feels like a tank in my hands!    Very cool!

I had the Corvalus 300.  It was the first bait caster I ever bought.  It was a good reel for the short time that I had it, but I got turned on to the low profile reels and sold it.  Just match it up with a good rod for what you are doing, I had mine on a MH ugly stick and couldn't cast anything under 1/2 oz worth a d**n.

It was too big for my needs but if you like the feel I don't think you will be disappointed.

Thanks for the comment Aaron.  Yeah, I have a 7 foot, IM-7 Shakespeare Intrepid.  It is a MH pole, but the tip is really sensitive!  I haven't used it yet, but it is already 6 years old!  lol  I can't complain about age, as age isn't everything, since it is brand new, and I paid nothing for it!  I don't plan on casting anything under 1/2oz with this pole, as I am setting it up for slightly larger swim baits, and top water lures.  I think it will suit me fine!  Anything it won't handle, my spinning rod will!  Anything smaller, and I can use the ultra-light!  

You say the low profiles are too pricy for you , did you look at the Shimano Calyx for $79?

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=86372

I bet this guy would take a money order. hes selling them for 35$ I would express caution though, no way to prove its liget.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/spo/309619671.html

or twenty more you could get a Abu Revo S with 9 bearings or Shimano Cruxis with 4 bearings.

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0041925121535a.shtml

http://www.***.com/descpageRLCSHIMANO-SHCR.html

I'm more for finding the equipment locally, as I have dealt with expensive things over the internet, and was jerked around...  I trust too many people, and get screwed just as easily...  lol  I try to keep the stress of everything, to a local buy, rather than online.  Thanks for the help though!  It helps a lot!  I wonder if I can get the guy to order the reel for me, and I could pay him for it when it arrives...  *ponders*