The new Lamson Velocity from Waterworks is well worth checking out.It has a sealed conacle drag system that is smooth as silk,Super hard finish and a semi large arbor for quick pick up.This real is light for its size plus it has less moving parts than most reels out there.

I know you mentioned only reels for less than two bills, but the Litespeed 3.5 is the reel I've been fishing for over a year on the same rod you just purchased and it has worked flawlessly.

By the way ,you will dig the RPL+.It handles 150 grain heads up to 300 great.I really like the Mastery series Steelhead taper for a dry line on that rod.Casts great.Good feather flinging.ReiterRat.