All the Abu left handed multipliers are level wind, I currently use a Swedish built Abu 7001 big game version which I converted in a ct with removing the level wind, I have used the new 7001i Chinese built Abu and it didn't last a season. The akios range of reels are tempting and the do a mag ct version of one which is the same size of the Abu 6500 but I don't know if reels that size would cope with the rougher stuff and I like to use the old 50lb fireline, I also have the option of buying a shimano Calcutta 700 but don't know anything about them and 17lb max drag doesn't sound much.