graduating to a better baitcaster

[bigjim]

2 yrs ago i really wanted to learn how to use a baitcaster. so i just picked up a combo at my local cabela's and figured that would be good enough to at least find out if i would even like it. turns out i absolutely loved it. granted the combo was only $79 and a bulk of that price was probably the rod, which is actually a pretty nice one and plan on using it with the new Reel i get. i plan on getting something in the 6:(something) gear ratio. main uses are going to be everything from soft plastics & spinnerbaits to crankbaits & jigs... when you go to stores like bass pro & cabelas or even Dicks sporting goods for that matter, just holding a reel and reeling it sure makes it hard to know if its any good. no line, cant cast it ect ect.. in that instance they all feel the same for the most part. so kinda have to go by reviews ,but i realize what ever i get is going to be a HUGE improvement to what im using now