Hello Sam1, I bought three of the cad. crappie combo from bass pro shop last christmas. Two for gifts and one for myself. I realy do enjoy using the pole, It is nice. The reel works well and the handle locks in place once you have the right amount of line out. I like the line running up the center of the pole. One problem tho, If you lose all the line off the reel it is a real pain to get new line back down the center of the pole. they give you some fine wire to do this with, but take a nerve pill before you start. The way to do it is to tie new line onto a piece of old line before you lose it all off the reel and pull it through the pole and you got it made, Otherwise it is a pain. Hope this helps. Good Fishing! Jimmy S.