Strictly okuma coldwaters for all our plunking rods. We have never had a problem with the drags giving out. However we have had a few where the line counter will occasionally stick. We run mostly low pros and a few round coldwaters. Keep in mind these are on the beach and the kids love knocking rods over/laying the reels in the sand. Okuma customer service however is very easy to deal with.
If i had a bigger budget I would most likely buy a Tekota to try since they have a left handed. Till then I am content with coldwaters and their budget price especially for a rod set up that may not get used much.