"I have one and love it"

Actually, I used to love it. I've had it for over 2 years and used it for sidedrifting and pitching dick nites. I've caught at least 100 fish with that reel and it is still holding up fine. Just give it a little oil here and a little grease there.

I also have 4 Daiwa Regal X 2500's which are similar and they are cheap beater reels but work surprisingly well. I've had a lot more problems with comparably priced Shimano spinning reels which I use for a year or two and then turn into "spare parts".

Don't know why your Laguna is so bunk. That freespool problem you're having is weird. Could be a newer one than mine with different parts. ?????