[617183]

I have had a 310 GTI for at least 15 years. I have used it on countless fish, the largest being a 19 lb bluefish. It is my bluefish reel and has never failed me. If I'm bassin I use a Garcia 5500 with 15lb fireline and for ocean fluke or inlet bass I use a Penn 975. The GTI is a balls to the wall reel, nothing fancy but tough.

 

[617183]

I can't see how anyone can criticize Penn reels. So they aren't sexy or glossy. But, parts are readily available and cheap. The reels are tough. Has anyone, except for Internationals, had a Penn GTi seize on them? I haven't. I just got back from a MA Cod trip and used a 113h for 2 days and must have caught 250lbs of cod. No problem with the reel. Internationals are a different story (30's 50's 80's) In that case I think the TLD Shimanos are the reel deal. The bottom line is that Penn reels allow you to fish without a hassle.

 

[617183]

Hey Togmaser:

I spoke with Bob at Bob's Bait & Tackle about buying a Newell. He said that he would not advise me to buy one b/c parts are moocho expensive and hard to get. He said the reels fall apart. Bob would have sold me one no problem if he trusted the reel. He knows that I only buy quality stuff. I have bought TLDs, Garcias and Penn Intl's from him. He never, never stears me wrong. I like the Newell b/c it is light and has a small frame. It's easier to hold all day than a Penn with the same size spool. But, as I understand it, and not just from what Bob says, Newells are not durable. Penn is. Period.