My MR2 has the free spool. I almost never use it. It has failed to reengage twice, once costing me a fish, or at least that’s my story.

Seriously, with the free spool you will have a disaster the first time your buddy accidentally flips it in freespool. Yep, seen it done.


For DR fishing just leave the drag engaged at just enough pressure to avoid the dreaded "professional overrun"

I vote for the three. Both have enough line capacity to land an Orca on 6 lb test.


BTW, a few years back in the Charlottes I saw a guide drop a Sage, with MR2 attached, overboard. The guy was totally cool. With zero hesitation he jumped overboard, dove down and got it back. Guess he felt he needed to as it was a guest's set up.