Any reel capable of handling 20 colors would be absolutely no fun to use spring fishing in ME. I personally own 4 lead rods of various action and lengths of lead for various seasons.
I like the snubbers on the ball for shock absorption when the ball is along side the boat and its easier to grab the snubbers when the ball is coming in the boat.
I would be more worried about the blacks though the blacks should not break. Some on here have mentioned running the same blacks for years. I do run two snubbers to the ball. You can take all the precautions you want, sometimes the lake just takes things away. good luck!!!
Been fishing the Oak for a few years now. A few times it would have been nice to be able to communicate with other fishermen. Do you want inside or outside? Things like that. Thanks for your time, Matt