[Hunt n' Fish]

Between my father and I, we have over six of them, ranging from the 4500 to the 7500, and we like them very much. We haven't had any of the problems with the anti-reverse that others seem to have had.

But, if you can afford it, I would get a Slammer or Liveliner. The metal body and infinite anti reverse are very nice features. I am going to be getting a Slammer 560 for an 11 foot rod.

 

[Hunt n' Fish]

Anthony,

Those are some of Penn's great selling points. They are simple (there is less to break and they are easier to fix) and reliable (therefore they don't break that often). Plus, almost any tackle shop carries a supply of replacement parts.

You suggest he go for a fancier reel, with more "bells and whistles" that is not as reliable. So then there is more to break, it is easier to break and it is harder to fix. I would rather have the reel that will last than a reel that costs the same but will have to be replaced after every season or two.

All I do is rinse the reels down after every use and oil it after every few. Penn's are great reels. If you can name ten manufacturers that make a reel as good as Penn, and are the same price, please do because I am interested.

I have tried others, that have failed, and had to come back to Penn. They may seem like they are a little expensive for the features you are getting, but they're unbeatable feature is their reliability.

 

[Hunt n' Fish]

I had a shimano for ultra light fresh water that was a hunk of junk. However it was not a high end model, so I am not counting that. Like I said, I have tried some other reels that never held up. The Penn's always were stronger with great drags. I have not tried the Shimano's you mentioned so I cannot speak from experience. What I have heard from tackle shops and a friend of mine who had one, is that the Penn's have stronger gears and drags. On a bonefishing trip my father's friend's expensive shimano reel blew out somehow, while my father's trusty Penn performed flawlessly.

I am aware that there are possibly some better reels out there. Van Staal or Fin-nor might be better, but that is another discussion that always leads to great debate. If you can truly abuse your reels by not ever washing or oiling them and have them last even five years then I would stick with them too. I have always had good luck with Penn equipment so I will stick with them for the money. And with simple maintainance, they could last a lifetime.

Matt,

I would definately check out the Liveliner or Slammer to compare before buying an SS. You should even check out the Shimano, if it is as good as Anthony says it is. Then, buy the best you can afford, because it is even more enjoyable and satisfying to fish with nicest equipment you can.