By all means save a buck when ever possible.I have a good income so I can afford to buy local.I do buy on line and even in Wally World when I go local shopping.`Unless I had mad money I would never spend $500-1000 on a reel.Bob had $1200 in his hand last trip and I caught more fish with my $200 rig.His was just outstanding to the touch but my old grinder did the job.LOL
Stonoman