I may seriously consider the Freams 1000 series. I think it's probably $150ish, not sure. I don't mind putting out bigger money because I thoroughly enjoy the Luvias and Ballistic reels that I do own. It just seems like those models have really shot the moon price wise. It's hard to imagine spending $400-$500 on a panfish reel. I guess psychologically $300 is probably all I would prefer to spend. Beyond that point, you really need to examine your reasons for doing what you're doing.

This really is a road of no return. I haven't fished with my St Croix rods in two years. I've started to give them away and sell them to a neighbor for cheap.