Penn Fathom 40 Star drag test

[Big Tim]

OK...The objects of the drag test are as follows...Penn Fathom FTH40, mounted on a Seeker G6465-6 1/2 Black Steel and spooled with Berkley Big Game #40...All new except the rod which I've used a few times...
I started with light drag (8lbs)and short pumps and a few runs down the hallway of my house...YES My son laughed his #### off...Then I started cranking down the star with my scale attached to a door until I reached 22lbs. of drag and then the reel started to jerk just a bit...I did not open this reel, or service it in any way prior to any tests...I would fish the heck out of this guy right out of the box. I hope the new series of Fathoms with the lower gear range are at least this good ... 3 smiles from Big Tim 

[stoked4fishin]

Hey Tim
I didn't even realize you posted this!  Question...
To get to the 22lbs, was the start pretty much maxed ot?
Thanks
Jeff

[SoCalAngler]

I'm sure Tim will answer when he see's this but max drag on the Fathom stars is 25 lbs so I'm sure there was a little more movement on the star but it starting to get sticky at 22 lbs right out of the box sounds about right for these reels.

[stoked4fishin]

Thanks
That's kind of what I'm finding on my 25N star drab.  I haven't opened up the reel yet, but I'm assuming the Versa Drag comes set for the max drag curve by alternating CF/Metal/CF/Metal and so on.

[SoCalAngler]

I've been into a few Fathom's, my 25 n star, a friends 25N II and my nephew's 40 II and all had the versa drag washers set for the max drag. When the Fathoms first came out I talked with Steve Carson of Penn about how the reels were shipped and he told me they all should have the max drag config. In the 3 reels I have been into that's what I found, the max drag setting with the versa drag washer stack.

[Rivverrat]

  ..... I hope the new series of Fathoms with the lower gear range are at least this good ...... 
 

What ? Penn is releasing Fathoms with lower gears ?

Also I dont know if you all are less picky than myself....Ive had a good bit of experience with the Fathoms & all of them with out a bit of work had drags that would grab making the rod tip jump & dive a bit above
15 lbs. None of them were as smooth as say US113. More stout reel I know. Just dont have another star drag by Penn to compare....Jeff