Bob,

I've been using the S 8/9 (spooled with 444 Lazer) for 2 seasons on my 8 wt
Avid. I bought the 8/9 over the 7/8 because I wanted more backing. I think I
paid 41.95 for the 8/9. I've yet to have to tear it apart for repair and I
seldom catch a fish so big that I have to put them on the reel, so I don't
know how the handle will hold up, but the drag seems to have smoothed out
nicely. I figure that if it breaks, I'll buy a new one. If I decide to go to
Manitoba for pike fishing, I'll get a higher quality reel, but for bass it
seems to work fine.

Mark