ReelMech,

You are exactly right.  I have become an "in store" buyer when possible.  (this reel was a surprise that my wife ordered)  As you remember I had a few issues with ordering stuff so now I only order what I have to and will drive a good ways to do business in person.  

Sportsman's Warehouse is an hour drive for me.  The quality and service, coupled with good prices makes that drive (and Austin traffic   ) a non issue for me.

If Sportsman's Warehouse would start accepting bps gift cards, I would be really hooked up!!   ;D

Best to all....

Glad to hear a happy ending to your ordeal.  I too like my local sportsman's store. The Fishing dept. manager and I are on a first name basis and I am always treated with excellent customer service and they know me by first name.

Kudos to them for giving you service above and beyond the call of duty.

I have slowly been becoming a fan of Sportsmans Warehouse.  They seem to have rods that Cableas doesn't have in the store and they seem to have better deals on reels (as well as other items).  I'm glad to hear everything turned out well for you.