Penn 309 upgrades??

[TheReelGuy850]

Want to breathe some life into my old 309 lw.I know I can upgrade my drag. But any other suggestions to make her a bottom fishing tank?

[Bryan Young]

Want to breathe some life into my old 309 lw.I know I can upgrade my drag. But any other suggestions to make her a bottom fishing tank?

I would recommend SS gear sleeve and if you have steel gears, my 5 stack drag kit, then to follow up with a stainless steel arm and 3/0 handle.

[TheReelGuy850]

its an older 309 so im guessing brass internals??Whats the cost for an upgrade like this Bryan?

[fIsHsTiiCkS]

Also, a nice SS spool to top it off. If it doesn't already have one.

[TheReelGuy850]

chrome plated brass spool on mine

[fIsHsTiiCkS]

Cost if upgrades on this thing cab easily be almost a $100 dollars. But it would be a sweet reel!

[Bryan Young]

Prices are approximates:

SS Gear sleeve - $20
SS Arm - $10
3/0 Handle - $27
5+1 Drag Kit - $27

Yeah, about $100

[TheReelGuy850]

Bryan,once i get the funds to do this upgrade can i get the parts here?

[broschro]

You can!

[TheReelGuy850]

double dog possible??

[akfish]

The problem you'll run into when you push the drag on a 309 is frame flex and when that happens, the level wind is toast. The 309 is a 30# class reel...

[crackerman]

I ran into this issue when it was time to upgrade and repair my lb67.... So i spent the same money and picked up a 113hlw and some upgrade parts. 112h reels are readily available for cheap, albeit no levelwind, if you really forsee yourself putting a massive strain on the reel. I do agree with the others, 30lb reel at best, everything goes wonkey and tweaks over 10lbs of drag. Whereas a built 4/0 can go over 50 and survive.

[Keta]

I've seen some nice Pacific halibut caught on 309's but they needed to be scrapped after.

[foakes]

Bill, Lee, and Crackerman have good points to remember when upgrading --

While it is true that any reel can be upgraded -- when does it make functional and economic sense to do so?

We can talk about upgrades such as drag stacks, power handles, SS components like gears & sleeves, double SS dogs, SS yokes, spools, and the list goes on...

I have talked many clients and friends out of certain upgrades -- if they don't make sense practically.

At some point, when assessing what you plan to do with a certain reel -- a basic approach works for me.

When planning on beefing up a drag stack to high numbers -- if not doing the Tib or Accurate frame first -- is many times a wasted effort.  Soft posts and stands will -- and do twist and tweak under the expanded load -- then all has been a waste of effort and resources.

It makes sense to evaluate each reel on its own merits -- using experience and economy as your guide.

Could be the best bet is to go to a different reel like a Senator or a graphite Penn LW, if LW is needed.

If a solid aluminum frame is not available for a particular reel (and it is not for the 309 or 209) -- I will beef up the drag with greased CFs, new under gear washer of Delrin or CF -- fully service and grease the reel -- tighten everything up -- and go fishing.

IMO, it is sort of like building a house -- without a properly engineered foundation -- the house will have issues over time.  

With a reel, if the drag numbers will not support the integrity of the frame -- issues will become apparent very quickly.

A 309 is just basically a 209 with a higher line capacity.  And the Level Wind is a weak component when left stock -- and even more of a liability when other components are added.  

Make sure you know where you are going, upgrade-wise -- and what your intended target fish might be -- before proceeding down the rabbit hole.

Not intending to change anyone's mind, or tell anyone what to do with their reels.  Just offering a few other views before spending too much money.

Best,

Fred

[Islandgypsy]

Once again, Fred, well said.....GB