I've used this reel a lot since I bought it.
Pros:
- I find it light, thus it helps for long casting.
- The brushes are very effective in helping to keep the line to go under the spool.
- The line is put on the spool very nicely (this is the main PRO of the reel)!
- The design is nice.
- Good value for money.
- with 5 complete rotations of the handle you will put on the spool like 4m of line if the spool is filled-up.
Cons:
- Due to the wooden handle there will be a squeaking noise when you reel in.
- The drag is not even close for a QD/fast drag action, and by looking at the spool (you cannot dismantle it) it is no way to add some carbon washers to make it QD. (biggest CON).
The reliability is remained to be seen! Looks robust for now.