Penn 320 gti1--320gti2

[Westcoasterjim]

This is my first post AND experience with Penn 320 reels.  My question is they make a gti-1 & gti-2. There seems to be only about a $10.00 diff.  What is the difference and is it worth it.  I plan on using the 320 for freshwater or brackish water fishing--SFbay area.

Your input is appreciated, Jim

[Roger]

I've never heard of or seen a 320 GTi-1. The 320 GTi-2 is a Chinese made reel while the older 320 GTi was American made, now there is a 321 GTi that is a left handed reel.

[akfish]

There are no substantive differences between the 320 GTi and the 320 GT2 -- all gears, bearings, drags, etc. are identical. They did have slightly different frames, with the GT2 being a bit flashier, but nothing more. As stated above the GT2 is made in China while the original GTi's were made in the US. However, some of the last GTi's were also made in China.

[Westcoasterjim]

Thanks guys!  I ordered a 321 for my wife and 2 websites listed a gti-1 and the gti-2  where other  sites just listed a gti.  I hope I get a new old stock USA made reel!  regardless the reel should work great for us.   fishing guys near me, Sacramento area, say they're good and have a nice drag. I did try a older 320 and liked it.

Thanks again, Jim

[akfish]

You know the 321 is the left handed version of the 320, right?

[Westcoasterjim]

You know the 321 is the left handed version of the 320, right?

Yes, my wife uses LH reels though she is RH.  I am LH and use RH reels.  Lets us hang on to the pole better.

Would like to take her new 321 and have it gone through with all the neat upgrades "blue printed".  Sadly, I do not know anyone in the Sacramento area that can do the work.

Jim

[alantani]

steve carson of penn fishing reels told me this.....

penn made so many 320 gti's that the mold for the graphite frame finally wore out.  so while they were designing a new mold, they decided to also incorporate a few upgrades and they called it a 320 gt-2.  all of the other 300 series graphite reels have also been slowly undergoing transformation.   for what you are doing, the 320 series seems a bit heavy. 

now, if i had to pick a reel for you, my choice would actually be an ambassaduer 7000 series reel.  it would require a few "ugrades," but it would be well worth the effort. 

jim, the next time you're in san jose area, you should swing by the house! 

[Alto Mare]

jim, the next time you're in san jose area, you should swing by the house! 

The  house or the garage?

[alantani]

reel parts are in the garage, beer's in the house. take your pick! 

[Alto Mare]

I will definitely stop by next time I'm in the area Alan, you're offering two of my favorite things