I currently own a BPS Johnny Morris JM10SHA...the 7.1:1 version. However, I am not all together happy with it. I basically use this as a topwater rig. The rod I have paired with it is the Johnny Morris Sig. Series 6'6" MH. I don't really have any complaints about the rod however, the reel seems to just not live up to my standards. I don't feel as though when I set the hook there is "Instant Anti-Reverse", it seems like it slips a little bit before it actually catches. Also, I don't really like the Dual Braking System. It seems like just when I think I have it set right, the weather changes or something and I have to change the entire system. I was thinking about going with a Shimano Citica 200DSV. Any suggestions otherwise within that price range? Or am I just asking too much out of a reel at this price? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

what kind of line is on it?braid with no backing will slip.the rick clunn reel has the itb brake which works nice.

Ihaven't tried any of the BPS reels, but have 3 Citica's I am very happy with.  Liked them even better after I broke them down and relubbed them.  Factory lube job is just too heavy.

At least with the Citica, you know who made it.  The BPS stuff gets rotated around with contracts.