I do know a lot of people who like the Pfluegers. However, I would suggest caution as far as judging a reel at BPS. In my experience, lots of reels feel smooth there in the store; but many of those same reels suddenly become coffee-grinders after a day of fishing. I bought a Pflueger Trion once in an emergency where I couldn't find any Shimanos; it has seven ball bearings, and is not remotely as smooth, or in any way as good of a reel, as a Shimano AX I own that lasted nearly thirty years, and has no ball bearings. But, I've never owned one of the top-of-the-line Pfluegers. I did once own a Shimano Stradic until it got lost in a cross-country move, and it was easily the best reel I've ever owned; now I have two Saharas, one Sedona and one Symetre.