I'm very hard on my gear and since I committed to the Stradics, I could not be happier. It's a hard pill to swallow when you buy them, but after that first cast I forget all about it. I got two of the C4i models and they're even a little bit better. You can tell a difference after carrying them wading for 6 hours. They've all been under water several times, banged against rocks when I bust my ass, thrown in the back of a truck, etc. Take the big screw on the side body out (great for older eyes), squirt a couple drops-o-oil in and it's good for another season.

I think my oldest one has about 7 seasons on it and it still winds as easy as my newest one.

I have to admit the Saros got my attention but if it didn't do as well as the Stradic I'd be kicking myself for the $40.