FXFC in the big 25

Just picked up a Shimano FX 7’ Medium Heavy rod paired with a Shimano FX4000FC reel for some big river fishing and maybe a few biggins out on the lake.

I needed a new medium-heavy combo anyway, and I’ve heard the FX series is pretty reliable and durable for a budget setup, so I figured why not give it a shot. It feels solid and balances nicely in hand.

Planning to use it mainly for walleye and pike (sturgeon too maybe?). Anyone else running this combo or the FXFC reel in general? How’s it been holding up for you, smoothness, drag, line management, etc.? Curious how it stacks up against other budget reels like the Piscifun
Flame or Sweepfire B.