I consider both brands to be disposable considering the cost and the number of hours I put on my gear. I decided to try the Shakespeares because of comments from members here who had tried them. I just don't see a difference in my time using the ATS reels to justify the $15 or so price difference. Some of my Okumas are 10 or so years old also and have untold hours on them but those hours were spent trolling, not casting like some reels are designed to do. When one of my old reels starts giving me problems. it goes into the scrap box for parts. I buy all my reels from Northwoods Outlet.

