I have purchased four W-L Liquids 7+, one for each rod I use for float tubing my bass pond. I really like the fast retrieve, and the light weight—I use them on my 4-wt rods. The reels are so light that I can upsize the reels and therefore get a faster retrieve and less line memory.

What I don’t like is the funky-silly plastic tab that sticks out under the reel cage—I think its function is to produce a more audible click. Dunno, but it is odd-looking.

I also don’t like not having a push-button quick release for the spool. You have to thread your fat fingers through the cage and twist a knob with your fingertips. But since I have multiple reels and therefore don’t need to switch out spools, for me it’s a moot point.

One more detractor: If you tie into a hot-run fish, you’ll notice the spool is poorly balanced, and will wobble horribly. So palming the spool might control that disconcerting wobble.

What made mine a factory second was some very slight discoloration in the fishing that is so slight you wouldn’t notice unless you were looking for it.

The 4 weight center axis is a great set up for the money, nice controlled loops and accuracy. I have plenty of other rods and reels from Winston, Sage, Galvan, Abel etc, and this is just as much of a pleasure to fish.