Wokring at the Worley Bugger Fly Co, in Ellensburg Wa I get to see a lot of product. I needed an inexpensive reel that would get the job done. The surge was an obvious choice. It has a great drag system, durable, and has seen its fair share of line ripping trout. I use this mostly as a back up now but this reel is a great tool for the frugal angler.
It would be nice to have a dealer so you could buy a spare spool.
I have used this reel for about a year now and i have been satisfied with the drag and how fast the retrieve speed is. but now I would only use this reel for back up now.
This reel has outperformed my expectations.
I've had my surge for about a year and half now. I just got back from a trip to the Salmon River (NY) and the Surge held up well. the drag leaves a little to be desired as far as stopping power, but what power it does have, is butter smooth. it took run after run from 20+ pound kings and never bound up like several of the reels around me.