I make a portion of my living from guiding. I use line-counter reels a BUNCH. My clients ask how expensive the Okuma Magda 15s or the Shakesapeare ATS reels are. How high are the Southern Crappie Rods? When I tell them less than $50, most say "NO Way!" They think of them as being expensive because they are acclimated to seeing reels/rods similar for much more $$. I consider those reels as being disposable. If I get 2-3 seasons out of them, I feel they more than paid for themselves and they go into the parts box. Many of my Southerns are several years old for the most part unless a big foot has found them.

The B.A.S.S guys are making their living casting a bait all day and they must have a reel that will hold up to that abuse. I'm letting line out to a determined distance and pulling the bait around all day. BIG DIFFERENCE!!

I liken my gear situation to buying tools from say Snap-On or Harbor Freight. Will the Snap-On do the job and last for the rest of my life? Probably. Will the same tool from Harbor Freight? Your guess is as good as mine. If I need a tool that I'm using EVERY DAY to make my living, I'm going with Snap-On (Craftsman, DeWalt,etc). If I need a tool a couple of times a year for a minor project, I'll go with the Harbor Freight and hope it lasts. That's why the tourney guys lean toward the high end stuff.

When the Okumas or Shakespeares fail to get the job done for me, I'll move up to the higher priced reels but I don't ever see myself needing a $600 reel to get the job done.