I don't know the specs and details, and I have not used a maxel or finn nor marquesa reel so cannot accurately comment on them. I have only had a look at them in the hand on land, so am unable to pass comment on them good or bad.
What I do know from experience, and observing what other guys use to consistently catch decent dogtooth is that I have not seen these reels being used for this application. Most guys I know use other brands that can handle heavy drags and big fish. Maxel and the finn nor marquesa may fit into this catergory.
You mention not wanting to be under gunned which is very true, buy the best quality that you can as doggie jigging is very unforgiving. Hard to do that with a budget, I know. Just as a thought though, losing $30 or $40 jigs, plus braid, terminals, fluro leader, hooks etc can add up pretty quickly and actually be more expensive than a higher priced reel, if fish are lost due to reel not being up to the task. Not saying this is the case, but sometimes we forget about this.