I've successfully used a penn 4500ss for ten years now. Haven't had any major problems other than replacing the bail spring every three years or so. Have also travelled with the reel and appropriately matched rod. Was a little light for Christmas Island, but slayed numerous gamefish in Alaska, Hawai'i and on the East and Gulf Coasts. Will easily spool with over 100 yards of 15 lb line, even those with larger diameters like Ande and Maxima UG.

As far as the weight issue; I have one of the old "heavy metal" models. The new 4500's are housed in graphite making them substantially lighter.