Used to fish with Alveys, bullet proof reel with a machine gun fish alert system. The main problem I found over time was the 1:1 retrieval rate, especially in areas with a bit of foul. Lot of guys like using them off the rocks as they stand up well to the knocks. Another problem I found was finding a good quality rod to team up with them, maybe Phil can help you out there with that one. For surfcasting ideally you will need a rod with a low reel seat and the first eye on your rod should be 75mm in diameter. At one time I had four or five Alveys. Personally didn't like the lever drag models, I recommend if you get one ,get one of the star drag models, 650C5 would be my recommendation. All in all a pretty primitive system but effective, kind of like having a hand line attached to your rod, will give you a different fishing experience, a bit of fun really.