Agree with you @Glenn, I have a few of their products (Stealth bc, SharkyII spinner on Perigee rods), and haven't had an issue with them yet. Caught me plenty of fish on them. Just purchased 3 of their Royal Legend BC rods (which will replace my hodgepodge of different name brand rods on my boat matched up with my Lews reels) and a Speed Demon BC. I think along the line as you with these bad reviews, there might be a few legit complaints, but I think more are competitors or competitor "Fan Bois" bashing for no good reason. Do I think their reels are better than my Lews, no but they are great for the budget minded fisherman. As for me, I use them for my bank fishing excursions. If they get banged up I don't have to spend a ton of money to replace them.