I have a brand new (although two years old) Z 33 that was setting in my closet for the guests to use. Took it out last week end. I learned how to cast on one and now I can't do didly with it. I either released to early or too late and never got near my target.
That reel looks like a pretty good deal to me. 4 bearings will make it pretty smooth.
Yes you can pay considerably more for a spinning reel. I looked at one at BPS that cost $700. I buy them in the $15 to $40 range. They get the job done. For that kind of money if they screw up you toss it and go buy a another one.
If you catch teh normal amount of 2 or 3# catfish that reel will last forever and still have enough oomf to take on the 40#er when it comes along.

Well I took LGAs advice and went to the store on Mockingbird. I actually have seen the place several times driving around doing glasswork. Anyway, I picked up an Abu 4600c, which the guy assured me would handle most any fish I got hold of. I told him I was after cats and may hook some large ones, and he seemed unconcerned about the reels ability to hold up. It says Made in Sweden like I always hear people talking about.
Now if I can only learn how to cast the damned thing. I have to put string on it first. They didnt have the triple fish line so I settled for green Trilene Big Game. Casting far isnt really a concern in the Brazos and even if it is I will have a canoe.
If anyone has some pointers they want to share that would be great.

Got the line on and took it out back to make a few casts. My neighbor has some experience and gave me some pointers. The one time I backlashed it was from having it set to loose and my tackle dropped quickly to the ground before I could react. Instant backlash haha.
The actual casts went good though and I am looking forward to landing a fish on it. I have it on an old Berkley Lightning Rod for the moment.
BTW I paid 39.25 total for the reel.