Anyone have experience with Alvey Reels from Australia? I am considering using one for a spinning rod setup for big chinook bobber fishing. This would be a scale up from the steelhead bobber and jig fishing with a regular spinning outfit.

I figure an Alvey should allow for very long casts, and still be able to handle a large chinook (with a decent drag system in the Alvey).

Alvey reels are great for throwing out a big bait on a surf beach and leaving it there. They are not so good for spinning as they have a one to one gear ratio- you do a lot more work spinning with an alvey than you do with an your standard spin reel.

Agree with WD. Could have super ability to "free spool" line out, but god help ya if you lose line control! They have no level wind, and the line loves to jump off the spool.