I just picked up a Orvis Battenkill Mid-Arbor III for my 5wt. and I'm very pleased with and I think you would be also, the drag system is great when you need it. I also have a BBS but in a III on my 3/4wt rod, and like you say, very pleased with mine also. My Mid-Arbor was made in Korea, the quality is very good, no complaints. The box was marked made in Korea, but nowhere was it marked on the reel made in Korea. Sorry for the long rant, I just like Orvis reels. Take a look at the Orvis Mid-Arbor III it works nice.