Addict, you could probably get away with buying just one Stradic 4000, and spool with both line weights. But, for me, a 4000 feels unbalanced on my summer noodle. For the same price you could get two cheaper shimano models (i.e. Sahara or Spirex) in a 2000 and 4000 to accomodate both line weights you mentioned. Or you can buy a cheaper model in the 4000 and save most of your paycheck. I've owned a Spirex 4000 for four years and it still works fine. It's a little wobbley now, but has been maintenance-free under "moderate" salt and freshwater usage.

Don't buy a 2000 and put 12 lb on it though. A few seasons back, while freedriftin' on the Cowlitz, I hooked into a hot one. Before my partner could stop laughing and rev up the outbrd main, it pulled off all my mainline to the knot. Then broke the 8 lb leader. I had run out of bulk 10 lb, so I just put 12 lb on my Stradic the night before. Lesson learned - must've had only 60 or so yards on there.

[This message has been edited by Hohwaiian (edited 02-17-2000).]