All these new high-performance spinners need more in the way of maintenance than the old Penns and Mitchells from years past. This is because the manufacturers are in an "arms race" to deliver the smoothest cranking reels possible. Fine, but this means that there's ball bearings everywhere, whether they will tolerate repeated SW soakings or not.
For instance (and I'm not singling it out - they ALL suffer from this malady) I have yet to see a new-ish Shimano Stradic that DOESN'T need a new bail line roller bearing to replace a rusty one that grinds or squeaks on retrieve. An easy repair, but why? Well, its the "Bearings arms race." They stick a rustable ball bearing in every possible location - "Its what people want."
No it isn't. People want reliability. Though this isn't the only reason, but those "In the know" will buy a much less expensive Shimano Spheros SW Inshore, which had a Delrin bushing in that location, rather than a dopey ball bearing. Rust-resistant my butt, plastic is way better in that location. This reel is 99% as smooth as the current Stradic FL, w/o the ball bearing-equipped bail nonsense. I REALLY like this reel:
Known for its durable design to handle the salt, the Spheros SW series of spinning reels offer even more angler confidence with saltwater-specific features. The Spheros SW 3000 and 4000 are perfect for fishing off the beach, on the pier or inshore.
fish.shimano.com
I recommend (and do it myself) a drop of 3-in-1 (blue) or Reel-X oil on either side of a spinning reel's bail roller after every single trip. One or two drops at the bottom of the handle knob too, along with a drop at each of the bail arm pivot points.
You of course know that we spray down the setups after every one of our trips. Heavy spray on the rods, light mist on the reels, right? Well, once I get home, every setup gets further cleaned with a damp shop rag, then the spinners get the foregoing oiling, and the bait casters get a drop on either side of the level wind worm, and a drop at the base of each handle knob. takes about 10 seconds and really helps keep the "rusty bearing syndrome" at bay. Not 100% perfect, but waaay better than not doing it.
This Winter I've had to replace quite a few handle ball bearings on friend's and reel repair client's reels, because of rusted out bearing races. Not always an easy job, because if left too long they tend to galvanically attach themselves to the aluminum handle knob shafts. There's a few tricks to getting them off the shafts, which I will not reveal here. Gotta keep a few things proprietary, ya know?
Anyway, you asked about a new reel, right? And you mentioned a preference for Abu spinners - so the brand-new 2023 Gen 5 Abu Winch, with its uber-low 4.8:1 gear ratio looks to be a hot tip for where “we” fish. Check it out:
View attachment 61247
Look for the “30” size. I covered it at the end of my ICAST review thread:
So though I'm fighting off a COVID infection (doing better since Monday, thank you very much!), it is time to briefly look at the new gear being unveiled at this season's show. This will be an on-going post, as I'll append new items to it as I find them. Right off the bat, Shimano is giving a...
nyangler.com
If not this, then the new Daiwa Tatula MQ is also really nice. Just need the special tool to open it for gear case servicing. Which tool I do not yet own, but eventually will, of course! And no dopey (and VERY expensive) "Mag Seal" ferro-fluid oil to have to track down and replace.
Our flagship model, Exist has personified excellence throughout Daiwa's history, and now the new Exist LT introduces even more ground-breaking Daiwa technology. The all new Exist LT features our brand-new Light & Tough (LT) concept, reducing reel size while at the same time increasing strength...
daiwa.us
Or do what I did - get yourself a Penn Clash II in the 3000 size and call it a day. This reel is a salt water light tackle tank. Its one of my go-to's for tog jigging as well - along with my Tsunami Evict 3000.
The PENN® Clash™ II is the ultimate inshore reel. Featuring our proprietary CNC Gear™ Technology and HT-100™ carbon fiber drag system, the Clash II can handle any inshore species you hook. The Hydrophobic Line Roller Bearing, along with the Clutch Armor System ensure protection to critical...
www.pennfishing.com
. All were part of Shimano's evolution in their non-metal frame family which has carried forward to the current Vanford A. Nothing wrong with any them, other than a bit of body flexing at the stem-to-body connection under heavy load, which most guys do not even notice. It's the same "flaw" that my similarly carbon-bodied Daiwa Ballistic LT shares, very slight flex at the stem. Meh, I barely notice it as I use it only for fluke, and I'm pretty picky with my tackle - as you know. 
