The body is a little big was my first thought, then I looked closer, it is very well sealed, to keep out salt water each seam has gaskets and it is built like a tank, I think for rugged durablity it should be great, & after all the whole idae behand the S.S. series or spinfisher is to be very, very tough. I think they got thet right, How ever as a fist year reel you really do not know, I will say Penn is building an excellent reputaion for takeing care of thier dealers so we can take care of you, So buy it & dont worry Penn has proven to stand behind their products. If you fish big fish with spinning this is one to look at closel