My Primary halibut rod is a Penn Senator roller tip with a Penn Senator 4/0 113H. I have been looking for a reel to put on my sturgeon/back up halibut rod. The rod is a Lamiglas BFC 70 H. Non roller tip. (didn't want the roller tip for Sturgeon). The reels I have been looking at include the Shimano TLD, Charter Special & Tekota 700, Penn 320, 330. I think I have decided on the Tekota. Sweet reel with a nice drag system I was also told the TLD was a excellent reel for halibut but it is not level wind which I wanted more for sturgeon. Of course it turns out to be the most expensive of the bunch but what they hey. The Penn reels are good reels but was told that with continual use on BIG fish the drags don't hold up as long. I got the impression the guy at the fish counter at Sportco was relating more to the commercial/guide equipment than to the occasional fisher who goes a few times a year. I own a couple of 320's and haven't had a lick of trouble with them on my salmon rods. I have heard nothing but good things about the Tekota series of reels.
Bret