I finally decided to buy another reel. I had already made my mind up on which brand, but just hadn't decided when. I didn't buy the high dollar version either. I don't fish enough anymore for that to matter. I bought one of the new Lew's Speed Spools. It was the $65 version. But I tell ya, I couldn't be happier with my purchase. This thing is sweet. It's very comfortable, fits in the palm perfectly, has a 6.3:1 gear ratio, and is as smooth as silk. Took me a bit to get used to it, but this thing will cast a mile. I'm still very happy with my old Lew's, but I have to say there's a major difference in the two. It's more compact than the older ones for sure. The handles, although their the same design and grip, are smaller also. I guess it's the perfect fit for what I wanted, and it matches the Lew's rods I have beautifully. All in all, I'm totally satisfied with the purchase. Check them out. Ya may find that you will want to use a Lew's reel yourself.