I have used the Daiwa SL 450H (low speed), Daiwa LD50H, the Shimano TSM4, the Penn 114H and now the Penn TRQ200.When you say that you generally use bigger reels, what sort of reels are you referring to or what is your reel of choice?
The advantage of a bigger reel (eg. Penn 6/0 vs. Shimano TSM4) is that you retrieve the same amount of line per crank with a lower ratio, so basically you get the best of both worlds: high-speed + torque. Of course bigger means heavier too.
I have heard a lot of good things about Saltigas and Toriums, but atm I am very happy with my big truck (Penn TRQ200 + 50lbs).