I run a Chronarch on a 10-ft caster for summer and winter brats. The reel has no problems casting the light stuff. I have an excellent spinning set-up, but have opted for the caster because the line lays tighter on the spool while reeling slack during an upstream presentation. On the downstream presentation I don't have to flip the bail to set the hook. All it takes is a clamp down from my thumb. Also, because the caster is so smooth it doesn't drag the float while letting line out in freespool. The downside is that a Chronarch is big bucks, so with your budget I'd go with a Curado.