Sougayilang Round Baitcasting Reel,Conventional Reel-Reinforced Metal Body Anti-Reverse Fishing Reels for Catfish, Salmon/Steelhead, Striper Bass,Tuna and Inshore Saltwater Fishing

5/5 stars reviews are a joke for this reel, examples include - "LOOKS like it can outperform higher end reels", "LOOKS great, cant wait to test it," "Comes with a pouch, can't wait to try it out" "Seems good, can't wait to review it."My thoughts - aesthetically the reel looks great, components good. However...........First reel - would not engage/internal parts issueSecond reel (replacement) - grinding sound when casting/drag slipping tooBoth reels rated for 17-22lbs of drag - I dont think so, I feel closer to 10lbs. Both drag systems would slip even when set to max. MAYBE I just happen to get two bad reels.Pretty disappointing, had high hopes for a affordable secondary reel. Def does not compare to my Abu Garcia C3 6500 & 7000C reels. (Oldest one is a decade old that finally needs to be replaced). I also have piscifun Chaos reels which are ok (3/5 star rating), they don't hold up to usage/reel stopped engaging after a few months/great customer service though. Still better than this reel though.

I've been using low profile baitcasters and spinning reels all this time for fishing and decided I wanted to try a full sized baitcaster which brought me to this product. Let me tell you, I'm quite surprised.Even at the 400 size, this thing has quite a bit of weight to it. If you're looking for something lighter, I don't think this will be for you but from the feel alone, it feels very sturdy. I'd imagine it could take quite a beating. The drag on this thing hasn't failed me yet and the reel is pretty smooth. I haven't taken this out for saltwater yet though so I have no word on how it'll perform in that environment unfortunately. The metals on the reel looks like they resist rust, but as with all things, maintenance still plays a role in preventing that. I'm sure a rinse/wash and reapplying lube to the gears after taking this thing to saltwater will help this reel going.There is a small gripe about this reel. It's kind of a love hate relationship. The button for releasing the spool to let it spin is made of plastic. It looks like a cheap plastic but upon me further inspecting it, it actually seems sturdy but I'd still be careful with it. I'm not sure if this is how all full sized baitcasters are or not, but I can imagine with so much weight in the reel itself this was done for reason of keeping a lower weight and the ability for the manufacturer to sell it to us at this price. I can understand the design choices.In the end, this is an affordable full sized baitcaster for me and a pretty solid one from what I can see through my own use of it. I could recommend it and I'm liking it so far! For the price, compared to brand named ones, I'll say it's a decent buy and an investment on my part!OH! I forgot to mention, it also comes with a carrying pouch, which is a very nice touch I wasn't expecting it at all. I tend to like taking my reels and rod apart for backpacking and hiking around. I don't have to worry as much about protecting this reel in my backpack. I've never come by a reel that comes with a pouch before. I'm glad to know that they think ahead to include it..

Havent officially used this yet but my first impression is 5 stars. Very solid and well made. If this works well kn next teip, i will rebuy. Id also say that this appears to be made better than abu garcia 5500 c4, which is what it resembles.Part 2....... took to lake erie. Reel should have been plenty strong enough for 12 lb line, small planer board and crankbait. As day went on, gears grinding and missing and finally locked up. This was second trip. Will send back.

I was sure I already submitted a review on this, but I don't see it. So here I go again. I was really looking forward to using this reel. I spooled it and went to set the tension on the spool for a 1 ounce weight, but I was unable set the spool tension. Only after tightening down about as hard as I could, did it begin to apply spool resistance. And I have very strong fingers from working in automotive for many years. There's no way it should be that hard to adjust spool tension. Aside from this it felt nice ion the rod, very smooth to crank. So I'm assuming I got a defective one. From the other positive reviews, I can't imagine mine was typical. So I'm giving a 2 star rating for quality control. I returned it and went with another reel.

This reel is very smooth and the drag system seems to be very tight . If you adust this reel properly for weight it will cast really well and at approiate distances without backlashing ! I am using comb ined with a custom battle star 10.6 baitcasting rod and it is a great fit ........ For the price and the quality it appears to have .......... I feel a got the bargin of the century !