I really like the new Penn Spinfisher V for spinning reels. Feel very solid, drag is silky smooth, all metal frame, braid ready spool, and has the Liveliner option for live bait fishing or bottom bumping. Yes, they're Chinese built, but find a spinning reel under $500 that's not. :roll:
For baitcasters, I like the Shimano Calcuttas for star drag, and the smaller Avets for lever drags.
Offshore I have Shimano Tiagras in 30WLRSA and 50WLRSA, phenomenal reels with great drags. However, I'm now buying the Avet 30TREX offshore reels instead of the Tiagras; same drag capacity in a smaller lighter reel, and more than enough capacity with modern braids.
I'm big on metal frames and components, regardless of type or manufacturer. In my experience they hold up far better, especially in the smaller spinners or baitcasters.