I'm looking at this real and wanting it, but have never used the open baitcasters befor. How well does the braking systems work on these and is it hard to learn to thumb the line as it hits the water? Is backlash easy to avoid? Also for $79.00 is there better bang for the buck and if so which is it? Pro bass has a sale going for 20 dollars off. Is this a good buy, and how long did it take you to get used to it?

If I was you, I would check out the Quantum PT on clearance, for 69. My son bought that reel and put it on a decent rod, and he loves it. Its made in Japan, and Rick clunn is made in Korea? I like the Rick CLunn reel myself. I just think for about 70 bucks, you cant beat the smoothness of that Quantum PT. Good luck in that price range. Its not hard to learn to use a baitcaster, I would recomment putting a roll of cheap line on, and when you go to BPS, ask a reel person the basics of how it works. You will pick it up pretty fast Im sure.

I have a clunn and like it as a great starter reel. The adjustable brakes work and I would recommend putting some good easy casting line on it cause it will help control backlashs. The PT is probably a better deal for $69 though although maybe not as good of a starting reel. Just my .02, I would go with the PT.