Some interesting comments on reels. I've been fishing the Raven Matrix reel for 3 seasons now, and a Ross Flow for two seasons. I have some definite opinions on both.

Raven: I feel it is a good reel for the money. It's pretty basic, the bearings aren't as finely tuned, they're a little tight, but, it's a solidly build reel. I do think the bearings in mine have loosened up a bit over time. I don't have big hands, so, controlling the drag with my fingers is a little easier on this than a larger reel.

Ross: It's a nice looking reel. It's light, and paired with the loomis rod it's well balanced. It has some nice bearings, very little friction, and will keep spinning. I think it's suited for finer presentations, slower water, lighter tackle. It is a little wider, so, I find it a little harder to control the drag with my finger. It also seems to be prone to getting more crud between the frame and the spool, because it a open design.

They're both fine reels. I think I prefer the Raven over the Ross for the reason of not being as wide. Although, I'd like to have better bearings in them. (Which brings up another point)

At one point, I found a online source to upgrade or replace the bearings in center-pin reels. If I get real picky, I might do that with my Raven reel.