Ive been using Shimano products since my first baitcaster, a Bantam Curado CU-200. Havent had a reel company be as smooth, consistent, and reliable. Im sure others have had the same success with other companies, but mines been with Shimano. 20 years of their products in fishing, and have never had a problem. Heck, even when I raced BMX, the only brakes that worked good were their V-Brakes. They just take pride in their products, and do anything they can to help if there is a problem. You just have to see for yourself I guess.