I don’t know about the current model Toro reels but the original ones that came out in September 2009 did not have a disengaging levelwind, they had a synchronized levelwind, which were the ones I had before selling them to purchase my TE’s. Below is the review on Tackle Tour. Now don’t get me wrong, the Toro’s are great reels but in my opinion, having owned both, the TE is a better reel. Yes they are more expensive and if money is the issue then the Toro is a fine choice, they will serve you well.
I agree that the TE’s cast well and are very smooth straight out of the box but I’m one of those that like’s to tinker with things to make them better, just look at my truck, HA! Yes there are 3 spool bearings, one of which is a plastic pinion bushing. On my TE’s I replaced the bushing with an ABEC 7 bearing, did this help, I think so but I cant say for sure. On one of my TE’s I did the complete kit, 4 bearings plus the bushing replacement but on my second one I just did the 3 spool bearings because I really didn’t notice that much of a difference from upgrading the gear and crank bearing, again just my opinion. Of course being the tinker-er that I am I take the time to upgrade bearings, polish all contact points and upgraded to Smooth Drags on all of my reels.
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewabugarciarevotoro.html
“Some might wonder if the Toro's synchronized levelwind affects the casting distance or not. Because of the wider spool, having a non-disengaging levelwind is beneficial as the levelwind is always aligned with the line on the spool. When tossing heavy baits the synchronized levelwind does not affect casting distance at all. In fact, the Toro was originally designed for tossing big baits such as swimbaits and large lures for saltwater game.”