I must agree with Rod Walloper.
Despite my wary nature I purchased a Chinese Made Penn 950 SSM a couple of years ago.
Reel is smooth and although I own long cast reels my limited casting ability means I can cast just as far with this one.
More importantly the reel has withstood the desert sandstorms of Lake Ferry and landed a massive ray at Pauatahanui since I've had it.
One thing that pisses me off is that the reel has permanent anti reverse, no disengagement lever, but you have to live with that.
I also have a Shimano Ultegra 14000, long cast spool, a surfeit of bearings, but as above, a thin, wobbly looking main shaft that I could imagine bending quite easily and the retarded design of the drag adjuster lets sand and debris straight through onto the top of the spool/drag.
The Penns are cheap, you can pick them up for NZ$125 so good value. I dont expect it to last as long as my USA made old 850 SS but seeing as spavined USA 850's sell for up to $200 on Trade Me the Chinese rendition is surely worth a look.