I just spent two weeks on the Miramichi and that's the reel I used exclusively. Though fishing was tough, I managed to get two salmon in the 12-14lb range, and the reel handled them perfectly. The drag seems to be sealed the same as the Evotec LW and HD models. In fact, I've yet to find any internal difference betweeen the CLW and the Evotec LW models. I purposely did not use a reelcase for those trips to the water in pickups, etc. The reel bounced around the bed (of the pickup) a lot and when I got it home and rubbed it down it came out looking totally new. I never thought I'd be impressed with a composite reel, but I have to admit that I am with this one.