Some of the things I look for in a reel regardless of price are:
Does it spin freely when I give it a good turn of the handle. Back the spool tension off to try this.
Listen for any noise when tunring handle or spinning it.
Finally, how it feels in my hand.
Other things are just tried out on the water. If its quiet, smooth cranking and comfortable then I don't care how much $$ or how less $$ it is worth it to me. I have $300 reels that lasted almost 10 years now and still going with prevent maintence every year and I have a reel that will be 20 years old in two years that was $45. I won't trade anything for that one either. One thing they have in common is they are all Shimano. I also have 2 silver Pfluegars that are shaped like the round garcias and they have been awesome as well.
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