Penn International 975CS Baitcaster questions, experience comments

[mrbrklyn]

So, before I left for vacation, I burned out both my fathoms and sent them back in to Penn for repair (which they kindly and nicely did).  But desperate for a a real to use aside from my GT's I looked over everything on the shelf and settled on the Penn 975CS.  I've used it quite a bit now, trying to get used to the button mechanism for the free wheel.    It spins like a bat out of hell, and for the small fish I've been focused on of lake, 200 plus Scup, and assorted black sea bass and fluke, I like the low gear ratio and even handle.  What I don't like is that damn button.  It is down right dangerous when it doesn't release as one expected, or when the handle spins slightly, engaging violently the locking mechanism.  The star drag can be a bit smoother, but it functions well enough and the drag seems smooth.   I've hoped that I would adjust to it, but it just seems to be a design flaw.  What is the strengths and weaknesses fans of this reel have?