Ditto, the nearly 4' recovery model is in a different class than any reel I've used, the Lamborghini of muskie reels IMHO.  Smooth as silk like all high-end Shimano's, fantastic drag, thumb bar, power handle and a level wind.

The best feature is the full spool for maximum recovery, tossing light stuff Is a real pleasure without the same issues like a Trinidad. If you're only interested in x10 plus, then the Trinidad/700TE would work for less money but those reels do not have near the versatility in my opinion.

I can palm this reel no problem too, it actually fits my hand better than a Winch... great for thumbing a light drag with my left hand (I'm trying to teach myself to do that now). I have both models, and if I had to choose one I would go with the high-speed hands down.

If you are only going use it for big blades, then I wouldn't have an opinion if it's worth the extra $s for you.  I primarily use the high-speed model for moving smaller blades and cranks in fifth gear...  but I've also used top waters and super flash baits with it too.  Where this reel really shines is fishing over heavy cover with weedless lures because you can engage the reel fast and skim a bait across the slop (when needed) with absolute control and little extra effort with a long rod.

That's another thing, rods... obviously a big part of the system. I'm actually favoring  slow taper rods with these reels so far over the fast taper I've always used.  I can run the drag tighter and love the way these slow tapers load up over the almost full length of the blank while playing fish, (with big blades I still prefer an extra heavy with fast taper though).

One gripe.. the level wind remains stationary when casting. Most of the time it's not a problem but when it ends up all the way on the right or left and you're trying to make casts into the wind with light baits you can end up with a couple loops on the spool in the blink of an eye.

Okay, one more gripe the $...but it only hurts once and the quality and versatility of the high-speed model is worth every penny in my opinion. The value of 30" recovery model is more subjective, there are certainly some other options out there for less money like the 700TE as already mentioned.

Yep, pretty much the same reason I decided to buy the high-speed Tranx, it was all there (by design). Then, once I discovered first hand how awesome the reel is, I pretty much had to have the PG too... "Tractor" is a good way to describe it.

 I typically cast around heavier cover and being able to engage the reel straightaway can be the difference between whether I bring in a fish or a weed,  I've also had fish hit the instance to lure hits the water too... is there anyone out there who has been disappointed with the reel?     

 lifeisfun,  You still have $500, be careful what you wish for cus I bet one is in the works ;)