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Posts: 202
Location: Angola, IN | I'm looking at buying a new reel. Want a bigger reel. I've thrown some nice Abu 7000's and Calcutta 700TE. The bigger reel with the large power handle makes throwing bigger baits (like power twitching a 10" Jake) all day a breeze.
Not sure I want to drop $400 on a 700TE, because we already have one in the boat.
Does anyone have any experience with the Penn International 975?? If so, what do you think about it's smoothness, it's castability, and overall power?? There are 3 different 975's.....one with a lever drag--975LD (I'm not interested in this one because this reel will be for casting), one without a level wind--975CS (I'm not into competitive casting), and then the plain ol' International 975.....this is the reel I'm eyeballing.
http://tackledirect.com/peninbait.html
Any input would be greatly appreciated. |
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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | My younger Brother has the 965(about the size of a 6500 garcia/400shimano).. He swears its the best overall reel in his arsenal... I have used it several times and plan on making a 965 my next reel purchase... The 975 has got to be just as good. Plus 965/975 are the only Musky reels actually made in the USA... |
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Posts: 336
Location: In the slop! | I used one all last summer, great reel. Casts great, power is simalar to a 7000, very smooth and well constructed. This is fast becoming my reel of choice. Watch ebay to save some $$. |
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Posts: 1137
Location: Holly, MI | I've never casted the 975 but own a couple of Penn levelwinds and they are built like a tank. I'll bet I could drive over them with the car and still fish 'em. Excellent reputation for long lasting durability and quality. made in the good ole USA is a nice bonus. |
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Posts: 699
Location: Hugo, MN | check Ebay I saw a brand new Calcutta700TE go for $175 yesterday
Edited by marine_1 11/3/2004 8:51 AM
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| I have a 975 like you are looking at. No real complaints about it, never failed yet but here are my thoughts:
It's not as smooth as my Calcutta 400 (not the TE) and doesn't seem to cast quite as far. It's pretty close to the 7000's I've used, 975 is a bit smoother, especially the drag, but the 7000 seems a bit faster on the retrieve and maybe has a bit more power.
I have a power handle on my Calcutta 400 and that seems to remain my reel of choice. I've used the 965 Penn and there was no comparison to the Shimano 400 for about the same money on the MSRP--the shimano out-cast it every day of the week and twice on Sundays. If you are used to the 700TE, I think you will be disappointed with the Penn unless you get a great deal on one. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | I have a 965, I haven't used it a ton yet..but here are some thoughts...It is a nice size, fits nicely in my hand, has a perfect gear ratio, but is definitely not as smooth as my Morrums or 7000's. You can pick them up for below retail if you look on Ebay now and then...
Seems to be built well though. I do like that it is made in the USA and I hear their service is good.
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