No doubt stuff is light and smooth today. But last year I burned out two Shimano's due to nylon gearing that did not stand up to the pounding of heavy jig fishing.
I have made a transition to Lew's for metal gearing. To get the same features in a Shimano we are at $400 plus.
Point is make sure the reels will withstand the abuse. If you go gentle on those Gander mountain reels they may last a long time.
Don't trash the Ambassadors. Google up "Boca Bearings" for an upgrade in quality and smoothness for those durable old reels.
