I've used Shimano exclusively for years, and not even the high-end stuff. My casting rods are all Citicas on GL2 rods (except for the 9' heavy rod I use for hybrids below Truman Dam) and for spinning reals I've 1000 series since the last design change.) My original Citica is 13 years old and it would probably be as smooth as my newer ones if I actually would maintain them properly... Just my 2 cents though..