newtontoney 57 Posted November 30, 2013 Report Share Posted November 30, 2013 Thought I would give this overhead reel a shot as I could get it on left hand, big mistake, cheap Chinese made junk...I should have known better....I do not recommend. don't waste your money like I did. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
newtontoney 57 Posted November 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2013 I will continue to use my older penn usa made models. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plankton 725 Posted December 1, 2013 Report Share Posted December 1, 2013 That's unfortunate to hear, the older Senators are the toughest reels going. If you don't mind me asking, what have you found to be wrong with the new model? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
newtontoney 57 Posted December 1, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2013 Hi Plankton....iv had older senators before and this is a joke compared. the spacing between the handle and the star drag is tiny and very hard (and stiff as fk to operate, even oiled up) the line never seems to lay evenly on the reel no matter what you do. and all of the lines/braids of tried on it manage to find some form of knot of annoying loop. And its plastic "bits" on the reel are a massive turn off.I have a couple of old penn peer 309 reels and they are another ball game compared.il stick with them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plankton 725 Posted December 1, 2013 Report Share Posted December 1, 2013 Just wondering as some of the new gear (since the buyout) like the squalls and fathoms are quite nice, and they're made in China as well. Bad move on Penn's part to allow the Senator range to become crap, but I've got an older one and I figure it will last me forever anyway. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
newtontoney 57 Posted December 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2013 yes guys...check out the penn squall series of reel I have just got one, totally different story.....way way way better quality (not a solid metal reel but still well made) same base manufacture process as the international apparently. has a few annoying plastic parts but on the whole solid. and not too expensive 180 bucks shipped form usa. check them out, well done penn, you have seen the light again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plankton 725 Posted December 19, 2013 Report Share Posted December 19, 2013 I've been thinking about a squall for my next surf reel, what size did you get? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
newtontoney 57 Posted December 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2013 60 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
storm boy 17 Posted December 22, 2013 Report Share Posted December 22, 2013 I have the Squall 12, 15 and 40LD. All are excellent reels. The 12 and 15 are the first ones that I grab when going surf fishing, good tough reels and great for when distance is needed, very smooth drag too. The 40LD I have spooled with 25lb Ultima Distance, intending to use it for sliding big baits for sharks. I have had a few casts with it but I will have a go at adding some mags for spool control. It definitely has potential.Cheers!SBEdit: Just realised the reels on the rods in my avatar are the smaller Squalls :-) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
storm boy 17 Posted December 22, 2013 Report Share Posted December 22, 2013 Just had a go at static magging the Squall 40LD for casting and thought I'd post some pics of the inside of the reel for those interested.First pic, new static mags at the top of the side plate, I think I might have to add a couple more magnets.Next, Nice double dog ratchet, should be pretty hard to break this one.Next pic shows the stainless steel gearing.Next shows the drag, nice wet (greased) carbon fibre.Last pic shows the end of the spool with the drag reassembled. This is where lever drags have an advantage over star drags as when drag is being pulled it does not place pressure on the gearing, and the gearing is not turning. The double dogs engage on the ratchet cog in the pic, and only the spool and friction washer turns when drag is being taken.Hope this helps! :-)SB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
newtontoney 57 Posted December 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2013 thanks for that storm boy I found that interesting, appreciated . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
spinyeel 2 Posted December 31, 2013 Report Share Posted December 31, 2013 Great to see that Penn have lifted their game lately. Some of their new reels are amazing value for money,especially the Spinfisher V and Squall series.I still use my old Squidders occasionally and they cast the pants off most modern offerings. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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