This reel has outperformed my expectations.
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.
It would be nice to have a dealer so you could buy a spare spool.
This is a great reel. It performs very nicely. But I have two very disappointing things about it. If you drop it on the ground, when pulling out the line the drag resistance goes from normal to much harder because of the dent that rubs against the reel. Also I washed it today. Let it dry. Once I used it it squeaked like crazy when pulling out the drag. I rinsed it in freshwater too. I even took apart the whole entire reel and dried it with a blow drier and it didn't do anything. I would recommend a higher quality reel.
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.