I have used the Abu 1044 for the last ten years or so. It would be nice if the bearings were better and the clutch worked, but provided the mainline is 4.4lb or less and only 60 yards or line is used, bedding isn't an issue.
Before that I had a couple of Daiwas (125M's) and they were very unreliable. The bail arm button would click but not release the line. You wouldn't realise this until your cast slammed the float down in front of you, spooking the fish.
Before that I had loads of the old Abu's (501's etc) and they pretty good too, although I wore them out.
I also had an Adcock Stanton pin for a few years, but I prefer the closed faced reels as they are much less prone to tangles in windy conditions.
I'd like to try a pin again when trotting for Barbel.