I would highly recommend going to another store that has working displays to check. I saw someone else mention one of the biggest problems with the cheap reels, which is that they do not like to release the bail when they have pressure on them (I've noticed this on Okumas and Cabela's reels). Make sure you test that when you are trying them out.

One other issue I've had is that the cheaper reels are so poorly geared that it feels like you have to reel twice as long with them compared to the nicer ones. And I am positive that it isn't the drag slipping because I've watched the spool and it's definitely turning.

Good luck!