I have an old TFO Pacific. It had line creep when I bought it used at the ogden point boater's garage sale for $80. I was going to replace the spring, but I got the line replaced at Island Outfitters and they said my cork was too dry. They lightly greased it and wiped it off and said it would take a little while to settle down then it would be good. I wiped it down again after the first trip and the drag has been smooth and no line creep since.
Keep the newbies away from it though, because the drag is very sensitive and an extra turn to loosen or tighten it makes a huge difference. If they are used to a Shimano, they'll adjust it too much.
The handles are a bit small for my liking and I plan to replace those when I replace the line.
The arbour is much smaller than a Shimano or Daiwa M-plus one and a bit smaller than the big Islander, but I just loaded it with backing and 30lb mono to the rim and it's all good. It's a large flyreel.
I paired it with a 9.5ft fibreglass rod for winter springs and coho and it's great for that. Use the right gear for the right job.
I use my daiwa M with the larger arbour and handles or my large Abu level wind when going for the big chinooks as they bring in the line faster for the big fish.
Personally, spending huge cash on a salmon reel is not worth it. For under $100 you can get a great Diawa or Shimano with a large arbour and upgrade the drag washers if you like. Maintain them, as you should any reel and you are set for decades. Take the $600 you saved and put it aside for a charter/camping fishing trip to Nootka/Tofino/River's Inlet, etc.
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