Sounds like he got the same deal i did during Christmas time at Gander Mountain... 99 bucks got you a 09 STX...

Not too helpful to the OP looking to make a purchase without having to borrow someone's time machine, dontcha think? 

True....

My extreme was underwater a few weeks ago (I wasn't thinking) and it still works like new. That being said, I love my citica...can't go wrong with either one. I wouldn't call the BPS stuff "Chinese junk" but I think the consensus here is that the Shimano is higher quality. I like them both.

I am extremely impressed with the Quantum Catalyst's from Cabela's 90$. 6.3 and 7.0 great brakes, Backlashed the first time I used it (my fault, never used one before) haven't had a problem since, (as long as I don't take the brake off for a long distance cast.)

I posted the story of this fish in the "Other Fish Species" forum but thought I'd post it here to as an example of the kind of fish my "Chinese junk" BPS ProQualifier reel could handle - 37.1 pounds of fish that didn't want to be caught...   Pretty good piece of junk I'd say !

Go with the Pro Qualifier. Just got one and they are sweet and seldom backlash if you set it right.

I have 5 Quantum Accurist PT's and they have never failed me.  3 of them I've been using for 4+ years.  Every winter I break them down and clean them and they perform flawlessly and I fish at least twice a week 10 months out of the year.  They are solid and a good bargain.