Absolutely hate them. Great for a cheap starter or maybe something to keep in a toolbox I guess.
We were using them for freshwater, inshore, and saltwater. If you use them more than a day a week they will start making noises.
Everyone I know who still uses them has to carry oil with them to keep the bearings wet every hour.
Sample size of 11 baitcasters and 1 spinning reel.
However, the spinning reel was probably the best of the bunch, as you don't rely on bearings to make a cast, and the drags we left maxed while in use.