Jigmaster 501 or Senator 1/0?

Padre · January 17, 2015, 04:57:58 PM

I'm finding myself more and more drawn to these older model Penn reels for our fishing here, mostly inshore and nearshore - sheepshead, reds, jacks maybe - from a kayak. I read in an older post that the 591 was Alan's rec for kayak fishing. Is that still the one?

What would the main differences be between the Senator 1/0 and the 501? Sorry if that should be obvious; still new to these reels.

Thanks!

akfish · January 17, 2015, 05:02:55 PM

The 501 has a 4:1 gear ratio; the 1/0 has a 2.8:1 gear ratio I believe. The 501 also has larger drag washers. The 1/0 is a neat little reel, but I'd much rather fish the 501.

Padre · January 17, 2015, 06:39:15 PM

Didn't realize the 1/0 was only 2.8:1. That alone settles the question for me. Thanks!

Alto Mare · January 17, 2015, 06:53:49 PM

If I remember correctly, the 1/0 has the same gears as a Squidder 5-60 main & 13-140 pinion, giving it a 3.3:1 ratio. The 1/0 will retrieve more line than the Squidder, due to the larger spool. Even though the main gears is a little smaller than the Jigmaster's, I believe they're just as strong, also, the 1/0 has rings on the plates. They are both good reels, the Jigmaster has a lot more upgrades, it is almost fully converted to stainless steel, except the spool, stand and of course the plates, but slowly getting there.
Sal

akfish · January 17, 2015, 07:41:21 PM

Mysticparts.com lists the 1/0 as having a 3:1 gear ratio, so I was a little slow. I think the 1/0 has a smaller diameter spool than the 501 as well so the retrieve rate is quite a bit sower. But the 1/0 is neat and plenty big enough give the diameter of modern line.

"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"

Alto Mare · January 17, 2015, 07:42:35 PM

No Bill, the 1/0 shares the same spool as the 501. MysticParts.com has it wrong, the same gears don't give different results. $:-\$

"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"

Doug · January 17, 2015, 07:48:38 PM

Listen to Sal ,he has done a lot of work toward improving the 501 for the members on this board Both are good reels but the 501 is a lot more versatile . and the 501 and 1/0 use the same spools Doug

fIsHsTiiCkS · January 17, 2015, 10:45:30 PM

That depends on your needs. The 501 has little more drag and has a higher speed of retrieve. But the 1/0 built like this http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12080.0 is very strong and a great reel for flyling bait as the 3.3:1 gear ratio is ideal.

I have both and love them each for different reasons. Great reels, either one you can't go wrong!