I have a caenan and they are a great reel, mine would be about a year and a half old and has caught heaps of fish and never failed me. I think it would be a great beginners reel. I am happy to give mine to anyone that hasn't cast a baitcaster and be sure that it wont get a birdsnest. I have a curado and an older coriolis, the caenen is better than the coriolis and not that far of the curado. I havent used any of the others but after a week long trip at weipa last year the caenan held up better than higher priced daiwas, a pflueger and the curado (Minor issue which hasnt been a problem since being fixed). Another option could be the new shimano citica.