sounds like you have already bought the abu 7000. the 7000i is not a good surf casting reel as it has bushings and not bearings. all the other 7000 series will cast better. I have a 6500ct mag elite on a 10' surf king. the rod snapped while throwing 4oz. and a pompano rig. could'nt believe it. I'm waiting to here from the warranty people. I would like to upgrade to a ron arra if they will give me some credit for the surf king