JG, most feel it's more of a challenge and like it becouse its also different from that their used to.
With some clients it's all the want to troll with, and a few others hate them becouse they can't reel fast enough left handed to catch up with a King or Steelhead wen then charge the boat
....but all agree that a G.Loomis Syncrotec reel has one of the smooothest drag around.

BB, TH can put what ever handle you want on them, thats the cool part of buying a TH Custom Rod.

As far as strength gos, we've boated URBs in excess of 42# this last couple weeks on these rods with ease.

Good idea to look around, but dollar 4 dollar TH Rainshadow rods are your best bang for the buck.