As a general rule of thumb, most manufacturers make decent equipment. It then boils down to price. With a few exceptions, I'd say that if you stay around the $100 for a new baitcaster, you should be ok. Talk to people, go in to a large surface shop and feel them in your own hands. It's a comfort thing too. You can also visit our classifieds, there are often some pretty sweet deals on rods and reels.