Want to buy a good 501, is this it?

[steelhead_killer]

eBay  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-Jigmaster-501-Excellent-Condition-/221963777813?hash=item33ae127715:g:dtkAAOSw7FRWZ5xy

Can someone tell me if this is a good starter reel for learning Penn's and upgrading with all the goodies?

Thanks!

Happy Holidays!

[Shark Hunter]

Yes, that's a 501. The price is OK for its condition, but the shipping looks a little high.
You can pick up a regular 500 cheaper, but narrow is where its at for strength.

[Rancanfish]

Hard to tell from the pics, but I think it's the older red one.

Prices have been up on B.I.N. postings.  If I didn't already have 7 or 8 I'd buy it myself.  (I won't).

For cross country shipping Priority it's not too far off.

Great simple reel and you probably can have good fun upgrading.

I'll second what Daron said for strength.

[broschro]

Looks like a plastic spool.

[RowdyW]

Description says aluminum spool. Sure looks like it.

[sdlehr]

This is pretty much the same deal, and someone has already started the work. It's also in good shape and is an auction, but is (at the time of this posting) $10 less than the price of the one you originally asked about. You can put your money on SS gears and drag washers, and SS bridge/sleeve.

If it were me I'd go with this one at this price ($50)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-Jigmaster-500-S-reduced-with-a-Newell-501-bars-reel-seat-spool-kit/221960689187?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D34883%26meid%3D7a6e32950ce74bcb9b55a747beb3d28a%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D131671635504

[RowdyW]

This is pretty much the same deal, and someone has already started the work. It's also in good shape and is an auction, but is (at the time of this posting) $10 less than the price of the one you originally asked about. You can put your money on SS gears and drag washers, and SS bridge/sleeve.

If it were me I'd go with this one at this price ($50)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-Jigmaster-500-S-reduced-with-a-Newell-501-bars-reel-seat-spool-kit/221960689187?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D34883%26meid%3D7a6e32950ce74bcb9b55a747beb3d28a%26pid%3D100005%     26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D131671635504

I'll bet when the bidding is done it will be at least $80.

[Shark Hunter]

Rudy is right. Your listing is a buy it now. The $10 cheaper one is just an auction.
I can sell you one of mine, but it will be the same price. $60 is the going rate for one it that condition.
I would jump on it if I were looking for one.

[steelhead_killer]

Done!  Now for the goodies!  What do I need to upgrade this beast?  I am open to all options!  If you were going to beef this one up what would you do if budget was not an option?

><>>>'>

[DaBigOno]

Done!  Now for the goodies!  What do I need to upgrade this beast?  I am open to all options!  If you were going to beef this one up what would you do if budget was not an option?

><>>>'>

Money not an issue???

How about some Magnum plates and spool 😃

[Shark Hunter]

Hey Al! Good to see you.
Steelhead, the options are endless.
Check out some threads on here. There are a lot of different routes to go.
I would put a Tib Frame on it, ss sleeve, double dog bridge, custom spacer, upgrade the gears, Power Handle.
Tom has the custom side plates now as well.

[BryanC]

Done!  Now for the goodies!  What do I need to upgrade this beast?  I am open to all options!  If you were going to beef this one up what would you do if budget was not an option?

><>>>'>

Here are my thoughts on upgrading a jigmaster, more or less in order of priority:

1. Stainless steel gear sleeve from Alan Tani (I think it can also be purchased from Mysticparts.com)
2. 5+1 drag stack from Bryan Young
3. SS double dog bridge, yoke & jack from Pro Challenger
4. Either steel or stainless steel gears.  SS gears can be purchased from Pro Challenger.  Steel gears can be scavenged from an older jigmaster, or perhaps yours already has them.
5. One piece aluminum frame, e.g. Tiburon P21.
6. Accuplates.

I have a standard-width jigmaster 500 that has items 1-5 on the above list (P20 frame, rather than P21), and it is a beast.  I use it for grouper fishing with 60 lb mono and fairly heavy drag settings (around 20 lb), and it performs at least as well as a stock 4/0.  At some point I might add Accuplates for "coolness factor", but I don't really feel they are needed for functionality, and the cost is pretty high.


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

[steelhead_killer]

Done!  Now for the goodies!  What do I need to upgrade this beast?  I am open to all options!  If you were going to beef this one up what would you do if budget was not an option?

><>>>'>

Money not an issue???

How about some Magnum plates and spool 😃

Magnum plates?  where would i find them please

[Dr. Jekyll - AKA MeL B]

or these side plates by Cortez Conversions...

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=16099.0

[steelhead_killer]

Ok so here goes!  Before I start shelling out cash for parts can I get someone with more experience to confirm what I am ordering?

1.  Bought a Penn 501
2.  Need to buy the Cortez Conversions side plates and bearing cap
3.  Need to buy a Tiburon P21 topless frame
4.  Need to buy the Pro Challenger Stainless Steel gear set Package C
5.  5+1 Drag Stack from Bryon Young
6.  Stainless Steel gear sleeve from Alan Tani
7.  Stainless Steel Spacer?
8.  Handle/Knob from?

Looking for some help determining the proper handle knob configuration and how to acquire them.  Any chance of getting stainless screws to replace the stock screws in hex or Torx?  What else am I missing?

Thanks for the help!