I've been fishing freash water for the past 6 yrs, Trout, and have decided to step it up a notch by buying a 9wtSt Croix Legend. I have mostly Battenkill reels, for the money, I think there great. I've used other brands as well, some $200 more than tha Battenkills but I couldn't find a real differance to make it worth the extra bucks.
For salt water, a reel for 8 - 10 wt, what would you suggest? I'm thinking another Battenkill, large arbor V. Is it worth the extra money for a Nautilis, Tibor, etc. I want a good reel for a good price, I don't like paying for a name. Is there that much of a differance that one stands out as a must have? Of cource, I need extra spools, 1, 2.
I don't mind spending the money if it's worth it but, I just can't see $450- than the spools. I'd like to stay in the price range of the Battenkill, $200, plus the spools.

Thanks,
Rick