What gives with all the complaints I see lately around the Net about Newell problems???

I haven't had any that I could attribute to the fault of the reel or its design to date on the ones I already own. Fact is I'm toying with getting a 533-5 over the Penn Baja Special to put on a heavy stick I'm wrapping for the Pacific halibut here.

Think Newell could shed some light on the issues for us?

I'm not sure to tell you the truth. I remember back a few years ago when there were negative posts by some regarding phantom breaking of handles that no one ever observed first hand... (which if ever did occure would be more of a user issue for not knowing how to use a rod to gain line on a high speed reel...but that's another story). I think there are simply some folks who like 'em and some that just don't understand Newells or appreciate 'em. For what it's worth, a retailer can make a lot more money selling other reels than a Newell. So there could also be a bit of that factored into a bad-rap. But, one thing for sure, the guys that fish a lot seem to own a lot of Newells. The guys that work on long range boats and skipper these boats also seem to own a lot of 'em. And, that should count for a lot more than a few posts by guys that spend more time behind a keyboard than on a boat fishing.*
-just my humble opinion...

*sadly, you can count me among those spending too much time behind a keyboard...!

I know a few people I swear could break an anvil but like the handles I never saw one actually broken.

Like I said I've had good luck with them and also seen a lot of them used with great success through both the local and longrange fleets for many years.

The wife is pushing me for a gift idea so expect a call as soon as I make up my mind.

I like the 533's speed and Newell dependability but that Baja special sure does look good too.

Yeah I know...Why not get both of them.

I think reel knocking goes in cycles-misery loves company. First it was Pro gear's corrosion, then Avet's pinion bearings, Sh#*@ano's frames (I did see one of those, so perhaps everything has a basis in fact.) Now, it's Newell. If everybody that has had a great time with one of the above reels writes, this post couldn't hold them all. Sadly, there are reels that break. Their owners seem to be the only writers. And sadly some people don't want to be helped, they just like to bitch.