Penn Main Gear Talk

[Lingwendil]

Has anybody played with main/pinion combinations for the 309 to try and get a higher retrieve speed on it? I read on some of the older Newell kits that they fit the 309 but I can't see how that would work, seeing as the 85 seaboy pinion is different than the jigmaster pinion.

Maybe something can be made to fit by fitting a different pinion and gear combo, and maybe sleeving the inside or boring out a pinion to fit?

If only I had a sack of parts to dig through to see what would work. I only have 209 parts on hand and won't have the 309 (and a 109 ) until thursday. 

[mo65]

Has anybody played with main/pinion combinations for the 309 to try and get a higher retrieve speed on it?

   This has been discussed a few times, and determined a dead end street. You're correct...the pinion size limits options. If you want a faster 309...the Penn 210 is your boy. It will do everything the 309 will do...at a 4:1 ratio. Another faster Penn levelwind reel is the 320/330 series.

[Lingwendil]

I have a 210 already, and it sure is a heck of a reel. I do try and fish every reel I own, even if just occasionally, so I think I'll just enjoy the 309's leisurely paced return speed for what it is then.   

[Decker]

   . If you want a faster 309...the Penn 210 is your boy. It will do everything the 309 will do...at a 4:1 ratio. 

A 210 can go 5:1 with 505 gears.   Yet another unfinished project in my storage bins 

[Swami805]

So the 505 gears will just drop in to a 210? 

[mo65]

So the 505 gears will just drop in to a 210? 

   If I remember correctly Sheridan...you'll need to grind the lip off the 505 gear or grind away some plate. Joe, can you remember what thread we talked about that? Post a link if you can.

[Swami805]

Thanks Moe, I looked around but couldn't find anything

[mhc]

So the 505 gears will just drop in to a 210?  

  If I remember correctly Sheridan...you'll need to grind the lip off the 505 gear or grind away some plate. Joe, can you remember what thread we talked about that? Post a link if you can.

I had a go at fitting the the 505 gears in my cut down 210, and you're correct Mo the main is a bit tall and needs to be ground down to fit - and the slot in the pinion gear was a hair too narrow to fit the spool shaft shoulder. The Pro Challenger 4.8: 1 gear set was a drop in and seemed to work well - see the last page of this post https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=23852.30

Mike