Duane .......Spirex reels
I have two SS2000 reels - one is rear drag, the other is front drag. I use them both, and like them both equally. I've heard that front drags are more reliable, or work better longer than rear drags ... but, I've had no problems out of my rear drag reel - and I tend to set'em and forget'em after each line change.
I have had to use the "fighting drag" ... and it performed flawlessly. In my years of Bass fishing and Hybrid Striper fishing, I've also learned the value of switching off the anti-reverse/drag system, and backwinding the reel to play bigger fish. Doing this has enabled me to hook and land some fairly large fish on some very light line/outfits - for instance: 6lb LMB on 4lb test/5ft Quantum UL rod/Shakespeare Ultralite reel ... 12lb Tiger Muskie on 4lb line/plastic reel & 6ft fiberglass rod combo ... and a 10lb Striper on one of my Crappie "minnow" poles.
I always used to think that rear drags were more "convenient" to get to, while fighting a fish ... and that putting my big 'ol paws on the front of the reel to set the drag, was asking for trouble ...LOL!! But, since learning the value of setting the drag properly, and a little loose - and learning how to "backwind" ... I haven't had to worry much about drag problems.
If weight was an issue - I'd probably buy the Spirex 1000's ... but since I already had a 2000, and bought the second one "used" (about 1/2 price), I haven't seen the necessity to downsize.
I also love the dual handle and flat grips on Spirex reels ... I don't care for the "barrel" type grips that most spinning reels have. In fact, none of my spinning reels have barrel grips - regardless of brand. I've just found that my fingers tend not to slip off the flat grips, as easily as they did on barrel grips. But, that's just me ... I'm a firm believer in "use what feels good and works for YOU" !! .........luck2ya ........cp :cool: