I started with multipliers for beach fishing back in the day then went over to fixed spools for years. Last year I bought a small multiplier second hand which I have enjoyed using again, they have come on a lot, better retrieve ratio, sensitive drag which you can set to cut out birds nests. I did this at first and I found it did not cut the distance very much but now I have got used to it let it run on free. I have left the level winder on as well, I like this and again I dont think it cuts the distance by much, certainly a lot easier to wind in.
The coffee grinder description is apt for fixed spools but one I have, second hand again is not too bad, they have come on a bit as well. Dont know which I prefer, pros and cons on both types of reel.
The thing is I don't punch for the heavens these days, settling for a smooth cast rather than the big cast and not bothering with shock leaders which I never liked much. Fish are often enough not that far out although there are days when they are, but easier fishing is more my forte these days. I have done it all, geared everything for distance, experimented with ring placements, pendulum casts, shock leaders, best knots best lengths, bait cones etc; the lot, just a more laid back angler these days; maybe too much but just a sort of zen I got to.
Anyway thanks for the tips on braid, I will definitely look into it when I need to change my line next.