I, have two Shimano Spriex 500 that I have been fishing with just about exclusively for over 25 years, maybe not the smoothest but they work for me. Problem, is they, discontinued them some years ago and I bought the last of the bail springs they had in stock years ago, I'm down to one spare now. I like the double paddle reels and they seem to be out of fashion now days. Don't know what to get once I break my last spring.
As mentioned by someone above the reel is not a winch, I have landed many 10#-15# Blues with these little reels and 6# line. Landed few spotted Gar in the 15#+ range too, it is all in the drag.
90% of my fishing is on the Caddo River here in SW Arkansas for Smallmouth, Kentucky Bass, and Blue Catfish.
