Today is a relatively light day, only 4 data recoveries to do, that's why I can actually contribute to this board.
My own experience supports the Daiwa. I have had a Black Daiwa (don't have it in front of me, don't remember specific model but
small (6 oz.) running 6 - 8 lb test), now almost 7+ years; caught lots of fish, including 16 lb bluefish, tossing whole pogies,
keeper stripers,fluke, freshwater bass ...
Also have used a Fenwick?, don't know the original manufacturer, with their "quickfire" mechanism. That was nice, but the reel has seen
too much saltwater..
Looked at the Fin-nor, Ahab etc. Tight machining, too tight, heard feedback from some dealers that there is too much sensitivity
to foreign debris - like sand. Feels too heavy to me to cast all day.
The Quantum looked interesting, has that "hook-setting" at any rotation of the reel handle capability. But it has some slop in rotate-reverse rotate
the handle, that I found unacceptable. Almost like the handle "axle" for lack of a better word had some front-back play.
So, I guess I stick with my Daiwa. And I have been looking every couple of weeks for a better reel!