I've got 2 Shimano, a phlueger, and a cheap white abu garcia. The plunger is way better for small baits and is a lot smoother. No problem catching big fish. A LOT will have to do with the rod you put it on. A good real will be junk on a rod it doesn't work well with. Personally, I'm not a Shimano guy but I got those at a deal and I'm not impressed.