Question regarding Australian made Alvey Centre Pin Fishing Reels?

I have been looking at Alvey Reels on the internet and I like the look of them, especially the side/easy cast system they have as a feature on them, however they look more like Sea Fishing Reels and given that they are made in Australia which is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean this would make sense. However I live in the UK and I would like to know if Alvey Fishing Reels would be okay to use here in a non sea fishing scenario, such as General Float Fishing perhaps?

With the many advances in Spinning reel design today the Alvey seems a bit archaic UNLESS your using it for Surf fishing.

(I'm not trying to be rude!)

The pro's & con's to an Alvey seem to be:

#1.) Mega distance casting- When Fishing in the surf, at times, you DO need to cast over 75-100 + yards. Heck, using the Alvey, you could cast ACROSS some good freshwater fishing streams and ponds I know!!! (lol) (Understand, though, that you COULD cast a spinning reel outfit those mega distances if your using a 15FT rod and light diameter line.)

#2.) Low maintenance- Due to it's "plastic-like" construction and few moving parts the Alvey does have an advantage over any conventional/spinning outfit, (esp in saltwater). I don't know about you, but I like the ability to feel "confidant" that your reel won't be ruined if it takes a "dip" in the ocean. But in your case, (using it in freshwater), that is a moot point.

In my opinion, I think the Alvey would make a fine Saltwater Surf & Pier fishing outfit. I'm sure you COULD use it in freshwater without incident but it seems a bit "overkill".

Why overkill?

#1.) When you purchase an Alvey Reel you must get there "special rod" so you can achieve their advertized mega-distance casting. While watching the How to Cast training video I noticed that the rods seem a bit "noodly" and "slow action". In my opinion, those rods would make "short work" against most freshwater fish , (except, say, large Carp or Salmon). Seems a bit "overkill" for your average freshwater fish. Heck, you may be the luckiest angler alive and ALWAYS catch a limit of MONSTER fish when you go angling! But, If your like me,
your average catch is not always a "wall hanger". (LOL)

But, my least favorite thing about the Alvey is the fact that you have to use your finger to level-wind the line in. When I'm offshore, fighting large fish like Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Wahoo, Sails, Tuna I don't MIND using my "finger-muscle" to keep the line straight, but it seems a hassle to have to do it for smaller fish, (in my opinion).

Otherwise, this reel would make a Surf-fisherman drool! (lol)

Hope this helps ya somehow? Go check out the video's and pay close attention to the rod's. Good fishing!