Any disadvantage with older reels?

[Oolie]

no disadvantage if they're well maintained, and if the drag is bad, you can always upgrade the drags.

the only difference is that newer reels have quicker gear ratios, which isn't always important.

i've landed a thirty pound yellow on a shimano tld5, with really rough gears, and i've also landed my first legal wsb on an old ass rod.

the reason old reels work when they're worn out was that they were designed with clearance in mind.

the same reason that newer engines run on thinner oil.