This is not a repair question but a general question..

[Steve V.]

How do the Penn International 955 and 965 stack up against the ABU baitcasters of similar size? I might have a hankering for a Penn.

Thanks,

Steve

[JasonGotaProblem]

Edit: I was thinking of the wrong reel. Didn't delete the post for context to the replies.

Very similar. Great if you have a strong preference for Penn. But I'll be honest the Abu is the original, and the Penn is very much a copy.

I'll make an analogy using rod components. Fuji puts time and effort into designing the precise geometry that makes for optimal performance, example the KR concept guides. Then other companies (amtac, pacbay, etc.) Release a new line of guides that look very similar to capture a chunk of that market share.

Now if you ask me which guides I want on my rod, I always go for the Fuji.

I have a 955. But I'm far more likely to fish with my Abu. The ambassadeur feels like a purposefully designed instrument. The 955 feels like a fairly good copy of a purposefully designed instrument. But it's by no means an improvement over the original.

[Steve V.]

Thanks, that's the kind of input I am looking for. I have several ABUs.

[jurelometer]

Some random thoughts:

If you just want a classic round Penn baitcaster, it is not a bad choice. It is either the Internationals or the Levelmatics. 

If you are planning on actually fishing, the ABU is still a decent choice for lighter duty work, casts better and is lighter than the International.  For heavier duty work, maybe the International gets the edge, but I would look to a modern levelwind instead.

NOS parts are currently available from Mystic for everything but the spool and levelwind post, which have a higher probability of needing replacement. 

Solid aluminum frame (but with a riveted stainless (or chrome plated?) foot.  Like similar reels at the time, it has a roller clutch (AKA one way bearing), no "backup" dog. Double blech. 

The competing product at the time was more the Shimano Calcutta.  Sort of a premium/stronger  baitcaster category. Unlike  the ABUs, we don't hear as much about these reels being fished nowadays, but they still have their fans. 

YMMV

-J

[foakes]

Might have a few new Penn parts for the levelmatics —- if needed.

Best, Fred

[JasonGotaProblem]

The competing product at the time was more the Shimano Calcutta.  Sort of a premium/stronger  baitcaster category. Unlike  the ABUs, we don't hear as much about these reels being fished nowadays, but they still have their fans. 

YMMV

-J

I may be confused. I have a 940 and that's not a solid frame. It's a lot closer conceptually to an Abu. My apologies to OP for giving a detailed answer about the wrong reel.

Coincidentally I also have a first Gen Calcutta 250 and I fish the heck out of it. But I'm always the outlier.

(Edited, thanks John)

[thorhammer]

Do perhaps mean 940?

[JasonGotaProblem]

Do perhaps mean 940?

yes I did. That was a typo.

[thorhammer]

The levelmatics operate like 5000C size abus insofar as retrieve speed, BUT have a clicker and are gold. I'm a fan, but they arent any better or worse than Ambassadeurs.

That said, I always wanted a 975S to throw for drum. I haven't seen inside the Int. baitcasters, but for one they have a much better frame than Levelmatic or Abu. Even if you put a billet frame on a 5000/6000 Abu, it still has wimpy gears, and I question how the pinion / brake carrier interface will hold up even if something else doesn't break first. Full disclosure, I have at least 40 Ambassadeurs and six Levelmatics.

[jgp12000]

I have a 6500C3 bought new for striper fishing.The striper guide we used to go with annually only had 6500s on his boat for some reason .I think they can handle >20# fish


 

[Gfish]

Might be kinda hard to find(the 955, 965's). If you get one, I'd be interested to hear what you think about it.

[sciaenops]

I have a 6500C3 bought new for striper fishing.The striper guide we used to go with annually only had 6500s on his boat for some reason .I think they can handle >20# fish


 

Yes, I can attest to that. They are tough, durable w/a strong, smooth drag (C-fiber washers). I love my 6501C3 for lite saltwater (15#), similar to the 940 I just got this year. But I'd want something a step more robust if 20#+ fish were being targeted.

[Keta]

I have caught ocean chinook salmon over 25# with ABU 5601 C3 and C4 reels.  Unfortunately they do not play well with saltwater. 

[jurelometer]

It isn't the size of the fish that matters most, it is the drag and winding load that is applied.  I have landed small tuna, roosterfish, and even a sailfish on a 6500.  These fish you can let run around and wear themselves down.  But cranking down the drag and winding hard  to keep from getting rocked by a 20lb yellowtail would destroy one.

BTW, I would not recommend an ABU for the above use.  As Lee noted, maintaining one used in saltwater is a bit of work (but doable), and you will wear out an ABU much faster under heavier load, even if you don't bust it. I fished the 6500 because that is what I had.

Getting back to the Calcutta and International levelwinds.  I think that the original market for these reels was folk that wanted a stronger, more robust levelwind than the standard  ABUs.  But they kinda got forgotten with the advent of modern saltwater low profiles. Only some of  the original fans remain.

Meanwhile, the larger  ABU fandom continues to this day.  I found the classic Ambassadeurs to be surprising durable for what they are, but it is also useful to remember that they are what they are:  A well designed, lightweight round levelwind reel that is a joy to cast, but limited in strength compared to modern reels of the same size.  Fish it within its limits, and you will have a great reel.
 
Modern levelwinds don't really have more advanced design.  They are basically building the same designs a bit stronger to account for the greater strength to capacity ratio of modern braid.

-J

[Keta]

But cranking down the drag and winding hard  to keep from getting rocked by a 20lb yellowtail would destroy one.

Yup, the fine tooth brass gears would not last long.