I would avoid a reel with a flipping switch like the plague. They're junk. There's a reason they only come on lower level reels. The add weight, they get in your way, and it's just another thing to go wrong.

I was on the same deal when i began bass fishing i was used to spinning reels. but once i tried the baitcast reel, i saw it was really good, easy to use and saves you a lot of time. you just need to learn to adjust it and you will enjoy it.

Good luck casting with that POS into any wind. Do yourself a favor buy a quality reel with a good cast control system. Shimano citica, used curado E series BPS pro qualifier Lew tournament MG or one of the others daiwa tatula. All can be purchased 100$ or less. These reels once set up will literally make u mad at how easy they are to cast. U can cast with these and never thumb spool

If you are going to make the commitment to truely learn and use a baitcaster buy the right equipment. I have sold and used almost every reel on the market and the first mistake made by people wanting to try a baitcaster is buying the cheapest one at the reel counter. What happens is a beginer will spend all his time fighting the reel. Spend $150+ on a reel that is simple in operation. As an example only the Shimano Chronarch and its simple operation features. Next, at the begining pay attention to the reel line recogmendations on the box and buy a cheap mono to learn with. Worry about what line you like best later. Use a heavy enough weight to learn with like 1/2 oz. and work your way lighter. Next get a 7' Med heavy rod like a Bass Pro shops Bionic blade or similar action. To many people try to learn with to stif of a rod. Get someone to show you how to set the reel up as a start point and how to adjust as you progress. That rod and reel combo is a good general use combo that you will use even after you skill progresses. I know this sounds like alot but it will only take you a few minutes to start making your first adjustments and in 30-45 minutes till you have a good comfort level in your reel. Once you go baitcaster you will use your spinning gear for more specific purposes.

There are a few really good Lew's reels for sale in the classifieds section for dirt cheap. I'm trying real hard to not buy them. . .

Limits4all nailed it the main reason why people hate bait casters is because they buy ones that suck so hard they will bruise ya. I have literally given my shimano and Dawia tatula to 5 different friends who have had no experiences with these reels and taught them in 30 min majority of back lashes come from when the cast the bait straight into the water. So if ur saying u can't learn to cast a bait caster or don't want to your retardted or just don't want to become a better angler

I would stick with what I know works for me. There have been significant improvements in spin cast over the last 30 years as well. All the statements above are true, bait cast are more accurate, cast further, easier on the wrist etc. at the end of the day it's what you have confidence in and works for you. IF you want to try a bait cast there are several combos that you can get one and try, BPS has some good ones, Pro Qualifier reel with a carbonlite rod in different actions for less than $150 and would be a good starter and learning set up.

What I left out in my above statement is: I do not know you fishing style technique, pond, river or lake, finesse, crank bait, worm.
different presentations will work better with a bait cast ( crank baits, c-rigs etc.), same is true for spin cast (shakey head, finesse)

The irony, oh the irony.

I fished with a spinning reel (not a spin cast) for about 30 years. I had seen people using bait cast reels and with knowing about their backlash tendencies, I wondered why anyone would even bother. I made a New Years resolution to try one out. I bought an Abu-Garcia AB, which stood for anti-backlash. I practiced and practiced until I somewhat got the hang of it. Believe me, I had my share of backlashes. From there, I progressed to other "better" bait casters. I soon found out why people use them. I can cast faster and with more accuracy than I ever could with a spinning reel. Seventeen years later, I rarely use a spinning reel anymore.