I have a shimano stradic 6000 that really isnt all that bad. The arm is some kind of plastic and metal combined component. and there's this plastic screw cap on the opposite side holding the thing in. And the line capacity leaves something to be desired. Doesnt seem sturdy, but i think the new ones have a better contruction. I swapped it out earlier this year for my vs200 so i havent fished with it for a while. for around 200 bucks the playing field is pretty much level. but the new stradic isnt a bad way to go.

having said that, if you put the two reels in a race, the 704z would win hands down any day of the week. solid construction, there's no doubt when you hold the thing its guna withstand a big fish. thats what i suggest you do, find a nice, serviced 704z and go bailess like gunny said my dad has 2 and i fished one of them growing up on that beach right there next to my name.