The only BP real I have found to hold up tournament fishing is the pro-qualifier. You have to keep if well lubed though. I have yet to find a BP real that will hold up in the winter, they are not sealed tight enough. They will get wet, freeze, and your drag will slip. Lost too many fish that way. If i were you i would consentrate more on getting a good real as to a good rod. BP makes some descent rods for around $30-$40. You could buy a real from e-bay, but I personally like buying them new so I know what I have got. Check out BP starting Friday they are having a good sell. They have a KVD Quantum on sale for $79. I have two of the older version of that real and they are great. Best of luck.