So I bought this reel the other day thinking it would be a tough, cheaper substitute for an Abu (all I usually use) and got it spooled with 80 lb power pro. Got it home and rigged it up and went out back to cast it and that is when I realized it doesn't even have a button. Just that big ole flip switch. I cannot cast it good at all with out it backlashing bad. And also the bait clicker is worthless in my opinion. You have to flip the big switch for free spool and then turn the bait clicker on. So you have to flip two switches when you get a run.
What in the heck is this reel good for???

You really have to tighten up the spool control knob and thumb them quite a bit to get them to cast well without backlashing. I use mine for both off-shore and pier fishing. Caught lots of snapper, kings, reds, shark and other assorted fish.

I'm not a big fan of the manual engage with the lever either. But that are stout reels, very reliable and EASY to work on. Very few moving parts inside compared to other reels.

Those suck for casting,go with an ABU or Penn 310 if you want to save money.If you want a really good reel for the money try an Avet,by far the best for the money I've found.

How do the abu 7000s cast?

All I use are the 7000's they work great once you adjust them correctly with the knob like Bobby said. I have 4 Penn 209's on my 12' surf rods and can cast them a country mile, you just have to adjust them good. The bait clicker on them are stout.

Guess I'll have to work with it more. May need a bigger weight also. Feels like I am casting air with what I have on there now.

I wouldn't cast anything smaller then a 3oz with that reel. I use 6oz on my 209's bank fishin and 3oz on my 7000's when on the boat.

wh2004, where you located?

I am in Weatherford. I was using a 1/2 oz on it from the boat, hahaha.

Ah, a little too far or I would help you adjust it right. If you were trying to cast 1/2oz thats the BIG problem right there. Go heavier like I said.

Will do. Probably will order some weights from you tomorrow. I don't have anything that heavy. You take CC?

What kind of weight do you use for drifting?

I've tried several types for drifting. Was using a few 3/4oz egg sinkers but have since then started making my own snagless sinkers. The ones on the left are what I mainly use now:

Nice. How much for those?

I need to meet some of y'all out on the lake sometime and learn the drifting thing.