I bought a Pflueger Echelon baitcaster about a month ago...haven't had a chance to use it a whole lot but it seems to be a good reel for what I paid for it ($60 at Bass Pro), but I think they're the same price at Wally World.
This is my first baitcaster and it's been pretty easy to get the hang of without alot of hassle so far. Seems to be well constructed and pretty smooth.