First off let me start by saying this reel has to be the best looking and most unmistakable reel on the market right now. I own the energy pti20-b which is the second version of this reel. It is supposed to be "17% lighter" than the original pti-a,after handling both of them there is no noticeable weight difference to me. At 10.7oz it is a little heavy compared to other reels in its price and size range. Now for performance. When I first took it out of the box and and assembled it I went through the normal routine with a new reel,spin the handle to see if it's turning smooth. I noticed a slight squeaking noise,so I continued to play with it to see maybe if it would just go away,it didn't. I took it back and got another,same problem. It seems with this certain reel maybe a few got through the production line without the clutch bearing being lubed properly. Took it to a shop,got it lubed up and it has to be the smoothest reel I've ever used. It has a slightly small spool compared to other reels of it's size that I have used in the past tho,but plenty enough line in 4lb-8lb. Also very durable and scratch resistant for I have sat it down and It slipped and hit a rock and no noticeable scratches. On the water it performs like a true top notch spinning reel . The drag is awesome and very smooth,and holds up all day to some tough fishing. With 8lb flouroclear It seemed like it was casting a mile.I have been fishing with it for about two months and been out at least 40 times with it and haven't encountered any problems with it yet. All in all I am very pleased with my first purchase of a "high end" spinning reel and would definitely recommend checking it out if your on the market for a new spinning reel.