I bought the reel about a month or two ago. The rod came in a few weeks ago - arrived days after ordering. The reel has already seen the master Ian (although I just learned about super tuning not too long ago) and has upgraded gear ratio to 6.3 as well as drag and bearings. This combo will be my go to shallow cranking rod - Mann's 1-, MB 1.2, LC 1.5, you get the idea. Was a little worried about its ability to handle the lower end (1/4oz), but it threw a Mann's 1- plenty far in the yard. Few months and the on the water test will tell. I'll most likely spool it with 12lb sniper. http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/mattbfleming/library/Squarebill%20%20Combo