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Posts: 15
| I realize the vast majority of musky casters prefer Shimano reels but,how many of you have tried the Penn Int's? Most if not all light salt water aplications seem to give penn the nod. While I appreciate Shimano's giving back to the musky organizations, I personally am impressed by the fact that Penn is made in the USA and is a quality product. I'm about to drop aboat load of money(for me) on some new gear and I'm leaning towards Penn but, I'd like a compelling argument for either one from people who may have used both. Thanks |
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Location: Illinois | Stripe ;
The Penns are fine reels .Well built and smooth . I believe Penn was
purchased several months ago .Daiwa or Shimano ?
They would be a good choice .
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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | My brother has a Penn 965 and swears it is the best reel he ever bought. He also has a Calcutta 400, he has no problems with it but for the money will never buy another if he could get a Penn 965 instead. They also are made in the US. Here is a link to a article about Penn being sold. Sounds like they intend to keep making them in the US. http://www.pennreels.com/News.htm
Edited by kevin 1/8/2004 5:37 PM
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Posts: 73
Location: Hazard KY | I have both Penn 955 and calcutas both have worked great for years but I believe the penn is holding up better. Ah a more guide seasons will tell the tale. both are great reel and worth the extra money but I have got to say my jerk bait reel is a 7000 ABU big game with the big handle I have had it for 6 years and put a new drag in it every spring but I still love it.
Good Fishin
Chris Haley
www.kentuckymuskie.com |
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Posts: 50
Location: Far Northwest Chicago Suburb | stripe55 you just asked one of the toughest questions to answer in my opinion. I own and use both reels extensively throughout the open water season. I'm here not to mock either or because frankly these two reels are the best musky reels on the market now for musky fisherman. For you Abu Garcia fisherman I also use a 5600 C3, 5600 C3 Hank Parker(C3 w/ thumbar), 6500 C4, and 6500 C3 2-speed. The 7000 series is great I have used them, big bait reel all the way. The two reels I use the most are the Penn 965 and Calcutta 400.
Let's open the books and read some stats first.
Penn 965
Gear Ratio- 4.75:1 (20 inch complete rev.)
weight- 12 oz.
line cap. 240yds./15 lb. mono
ball bearing- 2
Calcutta 400
4.7:1
11.3 oz.
14 lb/260yds
2 bearings/1 roller bearing
Well those numbers are pretty darn close to being equal. So in my humble opinion the winner is the Calcutta for smoother retrieves, longer casts with any sized musky bait(nothing over 6 oz.), and better drag. But, the Penn is a winner also, because of the stainless steel gears(All gears by the way, plastic left side spool, I beleive all light tackle reels are designed this way, calcutta too.), superior build quality(throw it out of your truck going 55 mph, still would work), pulls big buciktails with large blades better, cranks with bigs lips also, and I do throw baits of all sizes with ease.
The thumb bar is probably the hidden treasure for the calcutta, figure eights are great with this reel because you can "thumb the fish" on a follow very easily. The button also makes casting easier. I use smaller baits with the calcutta.(mepps full range, small gliders, magic maker, phantom, manta, undertaker, small ghosttails, small buchertails, and small twitch baits). I have to admit this reel feels a little strained for big bait use compared to the 965 Penn.
The Penns side button like Abu's (certain models) can work too, you just have to remember to punch it when the bait gets near the boat, and for casting you have to cast with your left arm. Otherwise you'll have to switch hands on each cast/retrieve. I use big baits that pull hard with this reel, because it retrieves them better than the calcutta. (Deep cranks, big fluted bucktails, 10" suicks, deadheads, punishers, zig zags, cobbs, 10" jakes)
Plainly put, both reels work great for all applications of musky fishing, they are the best built for the money(penn's a shave better), and they have equal strengths that make for a tough choice on deciding what to buy.
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | I've had my heart set on a Calcutta 400 but since Quantum just introduced the "PT" series in light saltwater applications (Cabo PT) I have to say I'm leaning heavily towards the Cabo for the faster gear ratio and ceramic drag. I love the PT series in bass tackle. It's quality is superior. I own several Shimanos of different grades and love them all but I'd be thrilled with a PT in any size. It's 50 bucks cheaper than a 400 too. We'll see what I have decided when the water opens up this spring. You just never know what you're gonna do when it comes to buying tackle until you hold something in your hand to test. |
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Posts: 32885
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I got a close look at the Shimano 200DC. At $500, it is a bit rich for my budget, but what a reel!! Lots of new stuff coming, I suspect. |
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Posts: 226
Location: W. PA. | As far as quantum goes, I wont own another. I bought one of their spinning reels last year, ceramic drag, titanium bailspring, magnetic bail return (no spring). I think it was about $80 and I figured that was a pretty good deal considering all of the extra features. The first time I set on a fish the stem (for lack of a better word) between the reel and where it mounts to the rod snapped in half! there I am with a fish on and a pole in one hand and reel in the other. Needless to say I lost the fish. That was enough to keep me away for good.
Scott |
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | Wow, Scott. Thanks for the story. I'll definitely file that one. My brother-in-law has an Energy PT bassin reel and I love it. I'm still waiting though before I buy. I sure want to handle the Cabo PT saltwater series. I won't be so narrow minded that I won't look at anything besides Shimano. There are good and bad experiences with all. Just read the boards. I've sure had a lot of pressure to buy an ABU and haven't ruled them out since they are so much cheaper and have a good track record for big fish but we'll see...
Edited by stephendawg 1/11/2004 7:02 PM
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