A really nice gift

[Alto Mare]

Yesterday morning I noticed this box sitting on my front stoop, I wasn't expecting anything, so I wasn't sure what this was all about.
I opened the box and there was this gorgeous reel with a note attached that read Merry Christmas Sal.



I have seen this reels on line, but never held one ,so obviously I had to crack it open.

The reel was already nicely serviced, i wasn't surprised, considering where it came from. One of the dog was out of place though, probably jumped off during assembly.

This little beauty comes with 6:1 gear ratio, a little fast for the type of fishing I do, then I remembered that I asked Alan for a set of the 4.8:1 Fathom gears.
Alan asked why would I purchase those when I don't even own a Fathom, I said experimenting .
Here are those nice custom gears on the right

Sorry buddy, but that carbon fiber washer for under the gear had to go as well, smoothness is now very noticeable, compared to the way it was with the carbon fiber washer.

Easiest way to set the dogs back in is to race the ratchet, attach the dogs to it and lower it on the two dog pins

I was also impressed with the thickness of the metal washers, not like the Baja, those are very thin

New custom Black Pearl's gears set in place. Those work nicely, just what the doctor ordered for this reel

and the reel is back together and working to perfection.

Penn did a nice job on this one, I really like it.
Mr Keith Rawson, known as handy2 is the man that sent it to me.
Thanks again Keith, I really like this reel.
Merry Christmas!

Sal

[MarkT]

Very nice.  Welcome to the 21st century!

[Big Tim]

Nice...you're going to reely like it.

BT

[handi2]

You're welcome Sal.

Remember when I was looking for a 501 Jigmaster and you sent me one? It's just payback time.

Those dogs will slip out If the gear is turned while the side cover is off. I'm glad you caught it. The grease used was CorrosionX.

Keith

[reelrepair123]

great members friendship, were blessed.  harryk

[Bryan Young]

Beautiful.

[Alto Mare]

I decided to hook a scale to this little reel, I was able to pull to 30lbs with the star cranked almost all the way, while still using one hand to do so.
The line peeled off smoothly all the way, I'm impressed.
I have a feeling this baby is going to feel nice on the water.

Sal

[Billyhill]

I,ve been using one for about 2 years and absolutely love it. I run 80lb berkeley fireline braid with a 50lb fluro topshot and it will stop most things in their tracks up to a smallish  tuna.Its the only new Penn reel I own and I cant fault it.You will love it Sal.

[Bryan Young]

Hmm...how could I spring load those silent AR pawls?

[Keta]

Nice!   I love my 4.9:1 FA25N.

[Alto Mare]

Hmm...how could I spring load those silent AR pawls?

I don't believe those will be needed Bri-Bri, Penn did a great job there as well, the fins are well made and they engage beautifully...those are back up.
This reel is well put together.

Sal

[handi2]

Hmm...how could I spring load those silent AR pawls?

I don't believe those will be needed Bri-Bri, Penn did a great job there as well, the fins are well made and they engage beautifully...those are back up.
This reel is well put together.

Sal

The clutch bearing in these reels have the long skinny rollers. They are much stronger than others.

[Dominick]

Did Keith also include a cozy for your beer can?  Nice reel Sal.  Dominick

[steelfish]

wow nice gift.

I have the 40 size model and love it, on of my favorites, strong ligth and plenty of line capacity.
still considering on getting the 4.8 gears or keep the 6:1 ratio

[handi2]

Did Keith also include a cozy for your beer can?  Nice reel Sal.  Dominick

Man I forgot..! I have at least 36 left...