Piscifun Alijoz 400 Baitcast Fishing Reel, 38lb Max Drag Aluminum Alloy Frame, Available in 6.6:1/8.1:1 Ratio, Freshwater and Saltwater Low Profile Casting Reel for Musk

Received in only couple days to my door. Nice. Well boxed and protected. Took out and admired as how nice this reel is. Immediately mounted on my older Silstar "Limit" 7ft rod after receiving. Spooled on some 30# braided line then used some large rubber O-rings as casting bait. Found out quickly to turn down that spool clutch knob to keep spool from free spinning so much and then untangle the line. Yep, just like the old baitcasters I remember, but not as fancy. Now, let's try this again. Once I got the knob dialed in, the reel worked flawless. The 6.6:1 ratio in my opinion is perfect for the larger fish as it lets the reel have more torque to fight the fish. One thing I did do after mounting reel onto the rod is I took a couple long, strong Zip Ties and wrapped around the rod seat and reel mount for better security, in case the reel/rod holding screw loosened up from usage. Seen some older videos of users of this model reel saying the "clicker" isn't very audible. I'll say the company must of heard ya, as the clicker on this reel is quite loud and I also like the counter-balance on the handle. Gives your thumb a rest spot and also lets your thumb give that extra bit of more handle torque if needed. Overall, I'm quite impressed by this reel, from its color, 9 bearings to make things smooth, to how stout it seems to be made. I'm not a professional fisherman, but I like good equipment without the high costs of purchase, so I hope this reel lasts as long as some of the reels I have and use.

It's not a secret that this is a terrific reel - and it really is. The real "kick" is that they have produced an overall quality that truly surpasses some very expensive reels and have kept the prices low at the same time. You get what you pay for? Not in this case. You pay for "entry" level, and you get quality that stretches your imagination. My sincere respect for whomever is behind these reels.

Very professional packaging, looks good solid as a Lexa 400 but a third of the price. Not sure it will hold up.ive heard the casting level breaks and must use it manually to engage reel.

I fish a lot. My whole life. Used to fish the tour. Own several boats, too many reels to count. Fished exclusively Penn (and a couple Newell) on saltwater and Shimano on fresh for last 30 years. Took this thing down to Cedros to see how one of these Chinese reels would hold up. I ended up fishing it the entire time. Casts better (not a single overrun), drag is better, and the ergonomics are better than any low-profile reel I own—many of which cost 4-5X this. Threw surface irons, top water, rip baits, yo-yo— whatever. Caught 20+ yellowtail on this up to 40lbs and countless Calico. 50lb braid 6:1 gears. This reel never missed a beat. Took South and caught wahoo and dogtooth on jigs with it, smooth drag for all runs, no heat. Good for pelagics up to 50+lbs. I can fish any reel I want- I now own 4 of these. One of my local captains is also fishing them now. If they fall apart within a year I’ll update. Their base is a little odd and didn’t fit one of my reel seats (it was a bit too wide) so check and make sure it fits the rod you want to fish it on.

Garbage Amazon reel. Used for less than an hour and the handle stopped re-engaging the spool after casting. Just spins and spins. Hate to say it, but spend the money for a name you can trust, because you absolutely cannot trust this. Edit: Adding a star to my review for their customer service. Prompt and willing to work with me to solve the issue. Despite my own hesitation to purchase another, they seem to be willing to work with customers when an issue arises. I would not recommend the product but if you end up in the same position as me, rest assured your problem will be handled. Removing star because the second reel I got to replace this one had the same issue within 2 weeks of use.