For me NO. I don't want my cheap reel to lock up on me when i have fish of the lifetime or my rod to brake. I do not want my rod and reel to weight a ton so i am tired after second cast. I did not say higher price i said higher quality. Big diference. Once again higher quality will bring you higher price
I guess it all depends on each person....I know a guy who thinks $1500 rod /reel combo ain't cheap....Never had my Okuma raw lock up on me yet and my streamside rod hasn't break after 3 seasons and light as a feather so I guess I'm covered in that issue so far.
