i have had one since they came out and have never had a problem w/ it. with that being said it's not the smoothest reel. if u are looiking for a reliable funtioning trout reel at a value price, go for it. but if you enjoy the feel of a rod loading and casting smootly, and the feel of a fine engineered reel, i'd go with something like a Lamson Guru or better. that's my opinion, some may disagree.