Penn 109 - New(ish) v Old

[sundancer]

Gents

Just been lurking recently since all the help that you guys have provided as I built up my Gear..

Question on the 109 'value'..  I was re-spooling up a newish (metal spool) 109 and spooling up an old (but in almost NOS Condition) 109.  The Olde has a plastic Spool and a different Clicker Knob. 

What is your opinion on either using the Olde one or just putting it on a shelf?  I don't have to use the Olde one..

Thanks
Steve

[sdlehr]

109's aren't scarce, so there likely won't be strong opinions either way.... If you don't need to fish two, put the older one on a shelf if you want. If you're using mono you won't want to use the plastic spool anyway.

Sid

[sundancer]

Sid

I am inclined to 'put it on the shelf'..  that is why I ask.. 

As to the Mono v Plastic Spool - I have read the arguments and have used all combinations - all without incident..

I have a couple of 27's (one rebuilt by AKFISH) that are workhorses and arguably stronger than the 109. 

I think I will take your advise - it is just to shiny to use..  (have a few 500's that I will never use for the same reason)..

Thanks for the input
Steve

[akfish]

The last 109s came with aluminum spools. These are the reels you want to fish. Even the second spools -- the metal ones -- can have problems with mono.

[sundancer]

AK....

The Old one I have has a plastic Spool..  And the Clicker Knob is different.  So I am assuming it is really old..  This is why I am asking.  Might it be just old enough for shelf life and not fishing??

I love your 27, but I like the 9/109 Levelwind.

Steve

[akfish]

Someone will know this better than me: I believe the oldest 109s were black and had the spare pawl on the handle side. Those might be collectable, but they made so many of them that only a truly mint example would have much collectable value.

And I'm glad you like the 27. I hope it's caught a few fish...