I bought this combo to bottom drop for red snapper/grouper in the gulf from my kayak. Loaded it with 30 lb braid, and it's performed great. I expect quality products from Daiwa and was not disappointed, even though this is their bottom of the line of conventional reels. Smooth operation and the drag is much better than you'd expect in this price range. I grew up fishing Daiwa freshwater reels (have a 35 yr old Procaster that STILL WORKS!), and was happy to see that their saltwater equipment is the same quality.