i recently picked up the okuma epixor ef40 and so far i like it a lot i am using maxima ultragreen 15 lb on it with no problems at all the first time i used it i caught a chum about 15lbs and it had a bad attitude but the reel worked great nice smooth drag system and 10 bearings the reel is not sloppy at all.i paid $64.99 for it at jerrys surplus in everett but i saw that sportco has them a little cheaper but not really worth the drive for me.i think if you tried 1 you would like it to so far its the best spinning reel i have owned.the shimanos i have had were good reels to but i always had the ones with the quickfire feature and they are to sloppy for drift fishing,good luck Bruce