Inland,

What can I say? Value diversity. You needn't subscribe to something you don't care for. Looks like you fit the demographic manufacturers are targeting.

I don't have any Perfects, but many of my friends do. The design seems odd to me, but many of these reels have been in continuous service for 60 years and more. I'm not so certain they are designed to fail. I've got a Hardy Princess that's over 30 years old. It's made as a trout reel, but mine's been playing steelhead since day one and functions as well as ever. My St. John and St. George have never given a moment's trouble either, showing only the scratches and wearing of paint that comes with regular use.

The sound of the spring and pawl reels doesn't bother me; I grew to like it right away. Yeah, there are times and places I'd rather not advertise to others that I'm playing a fish, but it's never been a significant concern to me.

One of the things I enjoy most from fly fishing is its potential simplicity. The disc drags are one more thing detracting from that for me.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.