Quote Originally Posted by walkeraviator View Post
Dicks has a Silver Max on a Berkley Lightning Rod Custom for $50 as a package right now... great deal i think for a beginner. Personally, I learned on old school round reels with crappy brakes. I think teachin em on something that is TOO easy to cast doesnt teach em thumb control or how to cast in the wind very well. Start em off on something that makes em work at it... then let em get into equipment that makes it easier on em.
This is a good combo, but oil the reel before using it. I had one that would not engage properly until I oiled the assembly where the gears are. When it was cold, it would freeze up. After I disassembled and oiled/greased it, it has worked great since.