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DazD, Go for the alvey set up, in my opinion the advantages far outweigh those of a threadline. If you work at certain aspects you will quickly fix the birds nest problem. Firstly, buy a quality rod with quality guides such as Fuji, something like a Garry Howard built rod if you can afford it, and dont use line that is too heavy. Unless your chasing Jew or XOS tailor 12lb should be heaps, even 8 - 10lb if you are only after choppers, bream, dart and flathead etc. It amazes me that many shops recommend 15 - 20lb for normal surf fishing, this is a big overkill. Secondly, try casting with your left hand at the reel and your right up the rod say 2-3ft using an overhand motion (assuming you are right handed). This will put a lot more power in your cast and with some practice the line should be flying off that spool - you should be able to easily outcast standard threadline gear with an alvey and a good rod. Something in the 12ft, 650 alvey range with a fairly sensitive tip and good strong butt will suit your needs for bream and dart but will still throw a pillie and a 5 ball sinker when you go after a tailor or two. disregard anything anyone tells you about dunking alveys in the surf to clean them - although they can stand up to this it really isnt necessary - keep it out of the sand and surf, service it occasionally and you will have a great reel that will go along on your next 10 or 15 years worth of surf trips. hope this helps...
