I had to grease the handle once to get it to stop squeaking, but that's all the maintenace the reel has had in six months except for a moist cloth. That can be considered very well done. Size doesn't matter I'm not a member of the large arbor community that hails large diameter spools as the solution to all loose line trouble. The ULA has no particularly large outer diameter. It's not larger than my Waldron, which picks up just as much line per revolution.
Spare spools are typically a bit less than half the reel price.
I have always considered simple design and few parts that hallmark of good design. Adding gizmos and gadgets and pawls, springs, and screws is no challenge. Removing them and still have functionality can prove difficult. This reel features a very simple design, but still works perfectly. Global Fly Fisher .