My 209's Look Excellent. Now What?

[Locomotiveman]

Hi. My garage find of 2(two) older Penn Peer USA 209's looks like a $bargain$, both very clean and tight. Never seen salt. Spiffy. 1 has aluminum spool...other appears stainless. I really, really don't want to 'open them up' just yet, as the drags pull evenly, no lash between spool and handle, they've been oiled, Zero corrosion and freely spin like a top etc. etc. 3 QUESTIONS: What should I do to them before I fish em' for a few days? Also, what ARE the original drag washers made of, and will they inevitably fail me? BTW, your 209 servicing tutorial is absolutely fabulous.  Locomotiveman Tom

[foakes]

Unfortunately, Tom --

If they were mine, I would open them up.

The Level Winds have a few more moving parts that should be cleaned, greased, and oiled -- and it would be a good opportunity to inspect and grease the drag stack, also.

These two things will cost little or nothing -- and will serve to vastly prolong the performance and longevity of these reels.

And the takeaway is -- you will learn much in the process.

If the drags are black HT-100 -- which is likely -- and not worn -- they are a very good carbon fiber washer that just need Drag grease applied to them.  If something else -- these are very easy and inexpensive to switch to the HT-100s.

These reels will be smoother and operate much better after you are done.  And if you are going to use them in the salt -- grease will help protect them.

The tutorials are excellent, as you have said -- and if any issues -- just let us know.

Best,

Fred

[Locomotiveman]

OK, Fred....open em' up it is. I will find a rainy day somewhere along the line to do so. Local Bait Shop boys were as impressed with their condition as I was. They are now freshly spooled up with lotsa 20/lb Trilene backer and 150/yds of 16/lb PowerPro. Line $cost$ me more than the reels. Thanks for your reply.  Locomotiveman Tom