dependable line counter reel

I like to have a linecounter reel with me, incase the FF fails or just to keep track of where I am in the water column. I tried a couple less expensive$40 - $80 reels and after 1-3 saltwater trips the LC fails. What do you recommend for a good levelwind w/LC. Hoping to keep it under $200. Love to find it in a left hand reel.

I have and use an OKUMA Catalina it is pretty durable ( I beat the heck out of it) customer service people are easy to deal with I lost the cast control cap and they replaced and shipped for free!! I believe it cost me $175.00

Which reels didn't work?  I've had a pair of daiwa accudepth lc17's for a while now.  One got regular use as a loaner and hasn't had any issues....and the only maintenance has been a fresh water washdown after use.  They're relatively inexpensive also 65-70 bucks.  They have the sealine and saltist versions if you're looking to spend more dough.

daiwa accudepth lc17's for a while now. 

+1.....use it for trolling (salmon and stripers). I hate counting my pulls!

I own two Okuma Catalina line counters and although Mr Tani liked their construction, they are a pain to service and one froze on me so I use them only for making bait. The Shimano Tekota is a decent reel but also not the best to service either. Recently I bought a Daiwa Saltist line counter and love it. 6:1 retrieve which is good for salmon, easy to service and ARB bearings. Really great freespool for a LW-LC so decent for rockfishing also. This is one of the only reels I own that are not American made. Penn did not have an option that met my requirements which is rare.

Diawa 47lc, going 3 years, only problem I had was line(braid) slippage on the spool which was solved by Alan.  Good rinsing in fresh water and yearly check inside and greasing.

The LC reals that failed were a Shakespeare Tidewater $50 and an Abu-Garcia $100. Took apart  the LC on the Shakespeare. Cleaned it etc but no joy. Guess you get what you pay for

Funny I was looking at this type of reel too. I have an okuma convector non-line counter reel that I really like, so I can see using that reel in lc. The convector is very easy to service and all stainless inside except maybe for the gears.   

GB2 has probably the most sound solution with the saltist lw because that is the only lc that looks semi durable. The saltists have great reviews too and I have almost bought a few at one time or another but I prefer Avet.     

Is there ANY left handed ones out there?

GB2 has probably the most sound solution with the saltist lw because that is the only lc that looks semi durable.

I wouldn't write the sealine lc off so quick, they've been around forever and are a proven solid design.  The saltist does look nice but that side line counter looks a bit akward to palm around.
   

Al
Okuma has the Magda in a lefthand linecounter

just count your pulls!