When I was 10 my Dad gave me an old Lews Childre Speed Spool bb1-L 2 ball bearing reel. It was an old reel but it was perfect to learn with. The reel at that point in time hadn't been used that much so the majority of the wear put on that reel was by me ( it is now worn out but still useable ). I have since become an Abu Garcia fanatic. I own an 06 model 5500 C3, 2 90's 5600 C4's, an old red 5000, 90's 4600 C3, 5600 Pro Max 5 ball bearing, 6600 Pro max 8 ball bearing ( not for sure how my local Abu dealer got it but it was mint for being a 93 model ), 7000i C3, Royal Express II ( 6600 cage with 3 ball bearings & a 6:3:1 gear ratio ) and 4 low profiles ( black max, Silver Max, Hank Parker Special 7 bearing reel, 2005 LP 5 bearing reel ). These aren't all of the bait casters I own just my favorites. When $$$ allows I plan on super tuning a few of them so I can cast farther with less effort. I am a fan of spinning reels to but I have only one of quality right now which is my Pfluger supreme 10 ball bearing reel. All of my reels are right handed. I am trying to learn with my Pfluger handel switched to the left side. I believe if a person can fish equally as good with either hand that that will make them a better fisherman but it's hard to do; so I will continue to practice until I master it.