Why does everything have to always be black or white? Ford or Chevy. Triton or Ranger. Maryann or Ginger. If 8 out of ten people tell you that brand A is better than brand B, but you've always liked brand B better, are you going to rush out and replace all your brand Bs with brand As? Buy what feels right to you - you're the one that will be using it. I have owned over 20 ABUs and 20 Shimanos along with a few other brands. If I went out today to buy a new reel, chances would be slim that it would be something other than ABU or Shimano, and I would be very confident with either one.