I was hoping to stick to around $100 or so. Willing and able to spend a bit more if the extra cost is a good step up in quality/performance.

Interesting point on the sealed drag and certainly something to consider.

I liked the look and description of the Pflueger reel mentioned above, and the $ is about right as well. I will have a look at the Ross also.

Another question I should have asked is what line weight. I have a 6wt rod right now, but would like to be able to use the reel on an 8wt down the road. It seems as though the benefits of an 8wt reel would be line capacity and drag performance? Would an 8wt reel feel totally out of place on a 6wt rod? If going on the lighter side for reels, would a 6/7 wt. reel be all wrong for an 8wt rod. Sorry if these are stupid questions. Haven't played the flyfishing game in a while.