Jacob,
I did not get the HC either for the same reason. I do like the record 61. That being said, I've bough 3 Abu's this year. First was a Revo Premier low profile, the second was the record and for my third, I went back to another Revo. I liked the fit and feel of the record, but I love the low profile Revo. They cast so effortlessly. I put the record on my extra heavy rod and use it for pulling the big stuff like double cowgirls that would burn up the high ratio on the Revo. It does that very well. I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

Mike