Nice fish FFM. Liking the roundie' but I would say ergonomics after fishing for extended periods of time the Citica would be more comfortable. Never fished with the bulky roundies, but I won't knock em'. Stick with what you're comfortable with until you have the funds to grab a nice lo-pro reel.

I never had a problem with it.

I am a big guy and the reel feels fine in my hand.

I have and fish both styles. I have a couple of Citica's which I love and a 5500C that I have had for 20+ years. Both work well. I'm sure the Citica's are well built, but it's hard to not like a reel that 20+ years later works like the day I bought it.

I have the funds to buy any reel that I want but I chose one that every so often I buy new reel handles instead of buying a new reel.

I would like to know how many "high dollar" reels work after ten years and how much did it cost to keep them running.

Anyone?

Shimano has several reels for < $100. Check out than new Caanen. It weighs only 7.2 ounces. Consider getting a left handed reel,if your right handed,and used to spinning.

Back when I use to chase the green fish, I had a few Shimano Scorpions. I could cast the bajeebers out of a 4" Senko, rigged wacky style, with no weight. MAN, those were smooth reels! I may get another in the future, but not sure what I would use it for now.
Steven

How many years did they last before you had to fix them?

My 50th Anniversary Zillions are 3 years old with A LOT of saltwater abuse. Never been cleaned or serviced. Caught fish up to 4 ft Nurse Sharks on them to 8.5 LMB bass. Still work the same as when I brought them out of the box.

Did you paid over $250 for that reel?

They retailed for 300 brand new.

Do you think that reel will still be working in the year 2037?

Yep. This reel is a tank. Plus I baby my gear.

You haven't cleaned it in three years and you baby it?

No way will that reel be working in 25 years.

Some people I fish with get too hung up on buying high priced reels. What bearings do you have, what the gear ratio is. I have two Abu Garcia reels, one over 20 years old and the other 30. Both work great and I can out cast a lot of guys i fish with who spend a ton more. If you take care it, even the cheap stuff will last. Of course I dont know if they make them like that anymore. I havent bought a new baitcast reel in around 20 years.