I have often heard that about 5000Ds being great reels because of the direct drive feature. Actually I never really learned why.

My first level wind was a 5000D and a few years later I picked up a 5500D. I have used them for a variety of fishing. I can see an advantage of direct drive when mooching for salmon, and maybe some other times. But for river fishing the only added result for me was a chronic case of "busted knuckles". Best way to contract this condition is to grab a direct drive equiped rod out of a holder as the fish is peeling line and trying to get control of the wildly spinning handle.

Seriously, what do you see as the main advatage of D-drive?

GS