I love the reel, I was a little worried about the high gear ratio but so far I love the speedy retrieval of my baits and the slack uptake is VERY QUICK. The only thing I've noticed is that it seems there's a little crunch in the bearings while reeling, it's only slightly detectable. Maybe this reel saw the beach a time or two? Possibly very fine sand. This is my first nice reel so it doesn't bother me but I notice it now and then.