I have three of them, havent had any problem with any of them since I got them last year. I guees I got lucky as none of the handles have come off. For the money they are GREAT, I cant see paying some of the prices they want for reels. I bought these to replace the Ironman ones I had, which I bought 15 years ago. Nothin wrong with them, but didnt want to be fishing a tourn and they start dropin on me from age. BTW I paid $49.00 each for those that comes out to about $3.00 a year. I'm HAPPY

Academy has discontinued the Maraud. To many handel problems. I had three and took them all back. Replaced them with the Menace, this is a great reel.$74.00 and 7.1 ratio great for buzzbaits.

I've got 3 Mettles in my arsenal. Everytime I go to buy the Menace model, I talk myself out of it. I just dont see the $25 difference in the Mettle and the Menace. I know the Menace is a different color, higher geared, and has a slightly different handle.......but not worth the extra $25 IMHO.

Ive got 3 mettles and even have on on my $400.00 kistler rod..like someone said before...cant beat the price and the casting and smoothness