I have used Gracia reels for many years, in fact, I had my 20 year old C5 fixed last fall for 4 bucks at Jenks in Hayward on B. Took him 5 minutes to determine I needed a new pall guide for the worm gear. It had worn out. It is now my #2 reel behind my Record. First of all, you should be adjusting your reel brake for each lure you use, making sure that the lure drops slowly when the reel is released. It will help avoid backlashes. Most backlashes are caused by not letting your rod load up before you start your forward cast motion. I have endured many over the years myself. Anyone who Musky fishes tells you they don't get backlashes is fibbing! Also...match the rod to your reel. A good starting reel is a Garcia 6600 or 6500 for sure, and under $100. A good Musky rod will cost about the same. I use the Shimano Compre Musky Series rod with my Record. I cast everything from little #4 bucktails to 3oz lures with it, and it comes back for more. The Record by the way has everything a Calcutta has too, at half the price. Hope this helps. Hard to find parts, I again suggest Jenks Bait & Tackle over in Hayward.