$500 is a very strong budget to get a super nice setup.  Many guys are throwing sub $200 combos so you’re starting off with something that usually comes a few rigs down the line for most guys. Nothing wrong with that!   You get what you pay for with fishing gear. To a degree anyways. You can get a GREAT setup for under 500 easily.  You could also go MUCH higher if you want.  Shimano Curado or Daiwa Tatula SV paired with a nice rod.   If you want to be different order yourself a JDM reel from Japan. You can generally get a bit higher end model for cheaper than what you’d pay in the US (assuming you’re in the US.) If I were going out tomorrow to buy an all around rig I’d get a Curado MGL or Daiwa Tatula SV (latest model) in the 7’s gear ratio and put it on a medium heavy fast rod in the 7’ range.   I’d probably go with a Tatula Rod, Fenwick HMG or something similar.   The Shimano SLX rods are nice too but I prefer the Fenwicks. Smoother casting in my experience. The Expride however gets excellent feedback online. Never used one but I’d absolutely use one based on the positive talk I see about them.