Most of my reels are at least 40 years old & have seen extensive fresh & saltwater use.
Maintenance is everything, a rinse in freshwater after saltwater use (I immerse the reel completely) & periodic strip & clean pays dividends. I use WD40 to rinse parts when the reels are apart & then re-grease as required.
Only issues I've had have been with the small spring that fits on the spool release lever on my Abu 10000. In the 5 years or so I've had it I've had to replace 3. Strikes me as not being fit for purpose.
I use an old PEN 509 which I bought in about 85. Like the other poster said above, it is important to rinse in fresh water, clean and lubricate it regularly when using it in salt water. For lake and stream fishing I use a Mitchel Reel which I have had for about the same length of time. Had a couple of issues with it but managed to fix the bail ring myself and not had any other problems with it since.
