by Docopac » Sun Aug 18, 2013 3:35 pm
It costs about $100 more than what you wanted to spend but you should check out the Release SG. It is American made (in VA), it has a lifetime warranty, it holds 450 yards of 50 lb braid, & weighs about 11 or 12 ounces. It is an amazing reel, small in size but with some very impressive stats, including up to 30 lbs of drag and a lever drag. Comes in both right and left hand models.
I got one earlier this year and am extremely impressed with it. I think it is very well made and worth every penny of the $250 price tag. I bought it for a 30 lb off shore casting rig to use on tuna and it does everything I want and more. Check them out on line, just search Release fishing reels.
I have NO financial or other interest in this product other than I think it is a great reel.
Doc