Hey Chris
Not one of those handles for all but there are those that will love it! IMO
(I'm sure some would think the handles you have built for me are for "old guys" !!)
I like that you are willing to try new ideas, and have the skill to pull it off.
I count myself very lucky to have have more than a few rods built by you.
Here is my favourite.
That 1st generation R2 475 is a great reel, and about the only thing that can go wrong with them is the ratchet spring, ( Easy to replace) and the bearings. Should it need service I'm only an email or phone call away.
https://www.kingpinreels.com/contact
If you want to see some crazy stuff watch this on YouTube;
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=79th+street+boat+ramp
The guy is even hiring videographers !
I have no problem with reversing mono on my center pin. Why not save a few bucks when you can? The 150 yds you never use is as good as the day you put it on, in most cases. And burying the 50 or so yds that you do use makes sense!
Old Ironmaker is bang on with his description of the edibility of them. Smaller ones were better tasting than the big ones due to amount of dark lateral line on the big ones. Only worth eating within 24 hours.
I've got a Fenwick Boron 721. It was my favourite in the spring from the boat at Thornbury and Meaford when the splake were stocked heavy.
Very sensitive !