Ditto here as well .I started with spinning gear then when I went to baitcasters , the left handed model seemed to be the logical way to go , so I went .The selection used to be more limited , but most manufacturers have gotten on board .For years , the only choices were cheapies or very expensive reels but the market is pretty much open now .I got my first BPS Xtreme and have only used it once this year (so far ) but I like it a lot .I also have the Quantum Iron (which has never worked correctly- freespool issues )but I have a Quantum 1311 which I LOVE ,Shimano (older Bantam Black Magnum), BPS Pro Qualifier, and ABU something or the other(haha) (which also has freespool issues).I agree that there are clunkers from every manufacturer .Thats part of the reason , for me anyway , that I don't buy a lot of reels .If it ain't broke........