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I bought two Penn International V reels back in October and both have torn up! These aren't cheap reels. Saturday the handle literally broke off of the reel!! What in the heck is happening to Penn????????? Bass Pro is going to replace them but that really isn't the point. I just needed to vent about it. I will not be buying anymore Penn the quality has tanked.

They are good for what they are good for I trashed a 320 gti bottom fishing it doesn't like a hammered drag and rocked up fish but will troll Grouper just fine.

I got rid of all my penn reels more than 3 years ago and switched to shimano and have been very happy. I used to be a penn cheerleader, but their quality has suffered quite a bit.

I have noticed a marked decrease in quality since they were bought out and most production was moved to China. I still have a few 440SSG that are holding up well but maybe headed to the auction block and replaced w/ Shimano. They make some fine tackle in Japan.
On anaother note, I read that Shimano has bought Power Pro, maybe they can help in the QC department.

Tom Keels wrote:I got rid of all my penn reels more than 3 years ago and switched to shimano and have been very happy. I used to be a penn cheerleader, but their quality has suffered quite a bit.

Whice Shimano model Tom? From what I read you and I have similar fishing habits.

I have also heard that Penn quality has gone down hill, that is a shame. I am a huge Shimano fan, I hope their quality doesn't go down since they moved production from Japan to Malaysia. Maybe we should all go back to the Zebco 33??

Natureboy wrote:

Tom Keels wrote:I got rid of all my penn reels more than 3 years ago and switched to shimano and have been very happy. I used to be a penn cheerleader, but their quality has suffered quite a bit.

Whice Shimano model Tom? From what I read you and I have similar fishing habits.

I switched to the Tekota's for grouper and snapper and Baitrunners for kings. The tekota's are the best reels I've ever bought. In over 3 years of heavy use I have yet to do more than wash them off. The bait runners are little more tempermental, but it didn't explode in my hand like the penn did. Some 3/1 oil fixed the baitrunner.

You using the 600 or the 800 for Grouper Tom?

Using the 500 and 700. The 500 is great for trolling and for snapper. The 700 is a beast.

Is this a decent price for the 600 combo at Cabala's?
http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/product/ ... 252a.shtml

Do you want the one with the line counter? That's ok price for it. The one without the line counter can be had at most places 20-40 cheaper than that.

Duh, just realized that was a combo. Yes that is a very good price for the reel and rod.

Tom, I just ordered 2 Tiagra ti50wa reels, I am looking forward to using them. You mentioned Kings.....that is speaking my language. You need to hop aboard with us in the next few weeks to show me how to use these Tiagras I am looking forward to getting them in because it about to get right!

I've heard the Tiagra's are nice, just too rich for my blood. I'm always up for a trip.

My Penn 330,s havent held up to well either. I have a couple Okuma catalinas that I like alot. I might look at the tekotas next.