Penn Reel? 50vsw -vs- 70vs

[NightCrawler]

if u mean retrofitting the old model tiagra its about 200$. That's what the owner of T&R tackle told me. I had several handles and plates on order.
But if u do the math (425 + 200) that's what a new model tiagra 50w is going for anyway.

Later.

[Uncle Buck]

So now it looks like the debate is between a Penn 70vs and new model Tiagra 50WLRSA. I'll most likely be spooling with JB 130 hollowcore and an 80lb topshot. Which reel is gonna do me right in terms of sheer power? You know... the Git'r-Dun factor.

[quack quack]

Originally Posted by Uncle Buck

You know... the Git'r-Dun factor.

Bigger is better for that job :lol:

[Nightfighter]

I use Penn 80STW's and 50SW's. Mostly use the 80STW's for tournaments, and the 50SW's for guided trips and fun trips. They are much easier to handle for stand-up fighting than the 80STW’s. I think the line capacity is the most important when choosing amongst the top brands. So get the wide versions. All the brands mentioned (Penn, Shamano, Avet) can handle the abuse. I personally, am partial towards Penn Int., I have used them for years and they have never failed me yet. I have heard someone busting on the New Penns, but I also use a new 50VSW and have not had a problem in the year since I’ve owned it. Make sure you are confident in what you purchase, it sucks when you’re not sure about your tackle. For me, if I loose a fish, it was just meant to be, or pilot error, not tackle failure. Also have your reels serviced annually at a reputable dealer. I use Custom Rod and Reel in Pompano, but there are several good places around.
This is all just my opinion. There are a million ways to catch a fish.

[RiskTaker]

Uncle Buck:

You're completely in the driver seat for your stuff. I am just telling you how I feel. I said nothing bad about the Penns so perhaps not quite a debate. (The only thing bad that I have heard about the New Penns is the quality of the newer alloys - but that was from a person pitching on and recommending AVETs)

But if you are asking about reel size. For me, I am absolutely comfortable with a 50 class reel, even if it is one of those wimpy 50TWs with only 25 lbs of full drag. The LRS feature just puts the 50 on steroids. The JBHC 130 enables you for a double dose of steroids, probably just as capable as any 70 class reel on the planet. Plenty of reserve stopping power for most fish.

If I was a mono only kind of guy or generally had the opportunities for some large tunas, big Marlin or a regular diet of 300+ swordfish, then I would likely entertain (for myself) a larger class reel. But weight for weight as Mafan describes it seems like it is still a draw, ounce for ounce.

Do you have a preference in anodized aluminum color for Gold? I've got a quarter in my pocket: should I flip it on your behalf?

Wait a minute: have you also seen the Penn 16VSX? Might as well make you dizzy while we're at it. Just as capable as a TLD25.

We better just leave you alone and let you go shopping by yourself. Have fun with the new toys.

[Beerman]

Put it this way, any of the reels (50's and above) mentioned will work and work fine, just make your choice, and stay in your $$$$ limit. But look at the AVET...hint.....lol :lol:

Shoot if I had unlimited funds I would have a set or 4-50's, 4-80's and 4-130's etc etc.....you get my point

[Uncle Buck]

I appreciate the comments for and against the mentioned reels. Keep 'em coming. I did look at the 16vsx. Why did Penn decide to offer that model type? Is there any advantage? A special gizmo? I personally like the full-frame reels. I think they just inspire a bit more confidence. And no, I have no preference for the anodized finish. It just so happens that the Shimanos and Penns are both gold.

I'm not going up to 80's for now. Big and expensive. Let me lose a few whales first, then I'll think about upsizing. But for now, if the stated 50-yard difference is all that separates the Penn 70vs and Tiagra 50WLSRA... then I will probably settle on the Tiagra, which also happens to be less $$$.

Good choice?

[ONO]

Check out charkbait.com they have great prices!

[RiskTaker]

Originally Posted by Beerman

Put it this way, any of the reels (50's and above) mentioned will work and work fine, just make your choice, and stay in your $$$$ limit. But look at the AVET...hint.....lol :lol:

Shoot if I had unlimited funds I would have a set or 4-50's, 4-80's and 4-130's etc etc.....you get my point

I get your point but I do not have enough line on-board. 4 - 130s ??? Don't you have an anchor and a back-up already? What would you do with 4 more? irat: I would rather have 2 - LP S-1200s on my 58' Viking, Blue baby, I mean Baby-blue, yeah Baby!

But if you did have those 3 reel classes and $$$ was not tight, would they be Avets or Accurates? (or perhaps something else)

If you co-mingle the rods, invariably you will get all fouled up anyway. The kingfish will hit on the 130s and that big mondo Mako will grab the Tinkers flailing on the Sabiki Rod. :lol:

Reference: The Laws of Order according to Murphy "Maritime Edition"

Pass that Man a Red Stripe, he earned it.

[CaptainEd]

Penn has an 80 VSW out. 50 VSw's are what I use for my tips, inside jugs and 80's for my two, far jugs. That would be my choice. Brand loyalty, performance, looks Penn has it all. Then after you buy one send it to these guys

http://www.reelcolors.com/reelcolors_001.htm

They do incredible work.

If the 80's are too heavy for you, you need to swordfish more often...

[Litetackleredneck]

I've seen WAY to many problems with the new "V" series Penn's. Yes the moved to china. Parts are getting harder and harder to get. Very poor design, internally. Pressure plate in no longer held in by the screw down to the spool cap. Its penns attempt at mimicing a TLD. Just like the TLD, its a graphite screw down cap.
Reels is no were near seeled. If i had the pictures, i'd post them. Had a 70 come into the shop, 4 weeks old, more corrosion inside, then on a ship wreak.
Go with the Tiagra's. Hell, even the Avets are better then the new Penns. Thats bad.[/u][/i]

[CaptainEd]

Well LT redneck you would know better than I would. I can only say my 50 VSW's and old 80's have taking some serious beatings and all have performed flawlessly. The VSW 50's I've had for two years and they've had a lot of swordfish on them. The 80's are a lot older and have been through Marlin tourneys, swordfishing, a few makos and have only had to have the drags replaced. Penn had such a quality product I wonder why they would switch to making Chinese crap?

[Litetackleredneck]

Ed, i LOVE the old Penns. There better then any new modern reel, besides accurate. They got bought out, thats why they moved. Im just saying, ive seen to many proplems with the "V" series for me to fish or recomend them. Im sure many fish have been caught on them, im just not a fan, thats my 2 cents. BTW, you know more.

[Nightfighter]

Where are the Tiagra's made?

[quack quack]

OK I'll bite.
JAPAN

[NightCrawler]

pretty sure it's Japan, several years ago my neighbor,
who is married to a japanese women, went to japan
and brought back several shimano and daiwa reels,
models i had never seen before. One was the size
of a tld50 with a line counter (metric of course). He
said there's a chain of stores there called BIG BASS,
said bass fishing is huge there.

Later.

[CaptainEd]

Hey what did ytou all think of the reelcolors website I posted the link to in my previous post above? Pretty trick stuff don't you think?

[mmafan]

Originally Posted by CaptainEd

Hey what did ytou all think of the reelcolors website I posted the link to in my previous post above? Pretty trick stuff don't you think?

Yeah that stuff definately looks cool... I wonder how easily it rashes off though...

[Uncle Buck]

Looks anodized and engraved. I think it'll hold up rather well. Or just as good as a factory finish. Anodizing strips down to the bare metal and electrically applies the new finish in an acid bath. As far as I know.