I use a Sustain 2000. Have had it for two seasons. It is smooth, very smooth. It has a good drag. The retrieve is very well balanced, which you can appreciate after casting and reeling for hours on end. There is no play in the real. I haven't had any problems. It's the best spinning reel I've ever owned. After using it for such a while, I notice things I never noticed before when I switch off to some other spinning reel. But it is spendy. I don't know if I would have bought it for myself, but I got it as a gift and I sure do enjoy it. I wish they made one between the 2000 and the 4000. As for the Stella, I agree, $500.00 gives me big time sticker shock.