i tried the SP mode (nighttime splashdown mode) and it works exactly as described.the spool stops by itself when the lure hits the water, no thumb needed at all. my favorite setting is standard PE mode at minimum which gives the most distance and not even a hint of backlash. i was also happy to see that the line guide was cone-shaped.

i measured the handle and was pleasantly surprised to find it was 90mm, my ideal length. first of all, it wasn't a big as i was fearing.in fact, it's maybe just a hair larger than my other reels and is very comfy to hold or palm. I got my exsence DC in on wednesday and took it out yesterday and fished several hours with it.