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I bought a set of HT hardwater explorers for $12 each about 4 or 5 years ago and they have served me well with no issues. They are all wood with a metal spool and even have an adjustable drag. The only improvement I made was to add a little nail polish at the end of the spool shaft to keep the drag screw from possibly backing off. They were cheap and so far have passed the test. No complaints.
I would go with 40 ups.
Love the Frabill Arctic Fire