I learned to steelhead fish with the 5000D. That was decades age and I can still remember the feel of the fish fighting with the direct drive. At that time I matched it with an FS83C Rod by Finwick.( decades ago )Had lot of fun with that set-up.

Now I use Shamano reels. They are the state of the art ( Calcutta Conquest)as the Abu's were years ago. Don't get me wrong, Abu's will still get the job done.

Hope you enjoy which ever choice you decide on, that's whats important anyway. The choice is yours. thumbs
_________________________

Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of
Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter
of the gods.

-- Albert Einstein