I've been using it for soaking chunks on 3-6oz lead. Its performed well and held up nicely.

The real has performed great it holds a massive amount of line.

I have cut all brand of species with this rod from Sturgeon to stripers two flat heads it’s a great reel.

I own 4 of these reels. Sorry to report that after only two seasons of moderate use, with tender loving care, two are reeling in very rough. They are showing signs of internal part failure. I have been avid surf fisherman for over 40 years. These reels are by far the biggest disappointing, fishing purchase, I've made.

Initially these reels performance is too good to be true. After two seasons of surf tournament fishing, (a grand total of 10 days) and thorough cleaning after each use, these reels tend to be difficult during retrieval, under moderate loads.

I own 4 of these lemons, one cost me 38.00, to replace internal cheaply made parts. Another one is now doing the same crap!

Shimano, is constantly changing their reels, instead of improving the models they have. Buyer beware, Shimano quality control seems to out to lunch!

Extremely light and smooth. perfect for surf fishing for stripers.

all perfect! thanks!

I have purchased two of these reels to use on surf rods. I overload line on reels to reduce friction from the front lip of the spool. These reels cast noticeably further than the two that they are replacing and I have not had an issue with wind knots from over loading them. They are FAST retrievers also. Only issue is because they do not have a skirt on the spool they can get line wrapped under the spool and around the spindle if you are not careful.

always been a Penn man, but after looking at reviews on the Shimano reels I might have to try one. I mean 44 lbs of drag for $160, yep that is a good deal

Shimano has always been one of my surf fishing reels- purchased this model for my son to pair with a g loomis 11 ft surf rod- he loves it. Long casting, smooth, and solid design. Well worth the $$$

Nice reel

Totally satisfied this amazing reel

The reel is light and balances with my rods from 9 to 13, feet. The spool is long to allow for better dostance. I own 5 of these, and fish hard. Just keep em clean, should last a long time

This is a well made reel that is typical of other Shimano reels I have been using. It is smooth, relatively light weight for its size and holds a ton of braid. All at a reasonable price.

Good reel for the money.
I put it on a 10.5 ' medium action rod for surf fishing in Monterey Bay , CA. and it casts a mile. The reel is very smooth. I would suggest using backing on both the spools as it holds an incredible amount of 30 lb. braid.
The drag is very smooth and adjustable.
A couple of things that is troublesome is the bail does not lock open sometimes making it necessary to rotate the spool for it to lock in a casting position . Also the bail is hard to close by cranking the handle making it easier to manually close the bail.
Overall ,weighing the good points over the bad, for the money, it's a good reel. :)

This reel has completed my long casting system. My very first cast with a 4 oz lead get over 120 yard easy with very minimal effort. I pair this reel with 12 foot gloomis imx surf rod