I don't know where these guys are getting Medalist
1495's with "no drag". The thing, stock, has a more than
adequate drag for fish up to 8 or 10 pounds in running
water. Still, for the larger quarry and heavy use you
will see in Alaska, I would suggest beefing up the drag,
or as others have suggested, looking into a better reel.
And yes, that handle can nail you pretty painfully, in the
heat of the moment.

Tom