mardenq.. dont get me wrong.. Ive thought about doing what you did, as i dont like the magnetic plastic slide's on the current abu's, but lately i think the new akios 656 ctm reels look to of dealt with it, and im after getting one ,but still waiting for word on them as to performance. ( i know the new R TG-F1 does the same but the price is way out for me, and im not into tournament casting )