Here’s a story for you. I went to Gaylan’s to buy/look at reels today. Talked to a nice sales person who tried to be helpful. I explained what I wanted in a spinning reel, min number of bearings, it’s intended use, and that it must have a high quality drag system. He pulled out a few, set them on the counter for me to inspect. I looked them over (prices ranged from $19 to $35). I asked him to remove the ones with palstic insides, 4 left right away. I then asked him to remove any that had palomor gears or parts inside and the rest left. So we talked some more and he pulled out a couple of Diawas, a Shakespere, and 2 Quantums. I played withthem for a few minutes, handed him back one of the Diawas and the Shakespere. I then asked him if it would be possible if I tried them out. He looked puzzled so I said I would need them spooled and a casting plug. Oh could I use one of your rods also and i walked over and picked up an ugly stick like mine. He thouhgt I was kidding. When i convinced that I was not he stated that they didn’t do that there. I just had to buy the reel and go try it out fishing. If I didn’t like they have a 30 day money back policy. So i put back the other items I was buying and headed over to Sportmens Warehouse in SLC. I am sad to say it resulted in the same.
So i headed down to Orem to see my sister-in-law and while I was there I went over to Garts. Got a couple of xmas gifts for the kids and headed ove to Sportmens Warehouse in Provo. Went throuhg the same thing explained what I wanted and told the kid up front that I would like to try them out. He said no on had ever asked him to do that before, “but what weight line would you like them spooled with 4# or 6#”. To make a long story shorter I took 5 outside casted them a bit. Then settled on the Quantum Catalyst. So I am now the proud new owner of a Quantum and maybe I will move from the stone ages in equipment now. I plan on going to the Berry in the morning to try it out. If it is as nice on the water as it is off I may have to retire my Mitchell to a back-up status. Thanks to all those who offered theri advice and experences. BTW it was a pleasure shopping at Sportmens Provo store and i ended up spending way to much money, but FB2 will have a very nice xmas this year.