Penn II 80TW opinions

widgeon · February 14, 2013, 03:32:09 PM

Hey, looking at a Penn II 80TW, and was wondering if anyone can give me some insight on this version of the Internationals compared to the SW, VSW, etc. It's a single speed and was wondering more about quality comparisons etc.

Appreciate it!
Kevin

akfish · February 14, 2013, 03:35:42 PM

The "T" versions have the rub frame which was a significant improvement over the post versions. If your reel has HT-100 drag washers it's probably fine as it is, although I can't imagine fishing an 80 as a single speed reel. Consider sending it to Cal to be 2-speeded. He'll offer additional options -- bump up drag, increase free spool, etc. that you might want.

Robert Janssen · February 14, 2013, 05:40:07 PM

Quote from: akfish on February 14, 2013, 03:35:42 PM
If your reel has HT-100 drag washers it's probably fine as it is...

It does.

(or did when it left the factory anyway. No idea where it has been in the meantime)

.

alantani · February 14, 2013, 07:48:46 PM

single speed, right?

widgeon · February 14, 2013, 08:05:45 PM

Thanks for the feedback. Correct, single speed at 2.7:1 gear ratio, pic below. Not sure what the entrails look like. Should I fork out for a newer 2-speed or is it worth to have Cal's upgrade?

conchydong · February 14, 2013, 09:10:45 PM

That reel looks pretty clean..... probably hardly used. If you can get a good deal, I say go for it and have Cal 2 speed it. If you are using it for trolling, it's not neccesssary IMO to pay extra for the freespool work and blueprinting. A "new" 80 wide is pretty darn expensive.

alantani · February 15, 2013, 07:03:56 AM

i just checked, and the conversion is $235. it looks like there is an optional granny gear for this reel. it is probably a 1:1 gear ratio.

http://www.cals2speed.com/price_list.html

widgeon · February 15, 2013, 01:41:15 PM

Great thanks for feedback!

UKChris · February 15, 2013, 03:59:06 PM

I've got one of the 80T (not TW) single-speed ones and they are great reels

Love the sound they make on winding in

I have found it OK to use though I do prefer the two-speed options when available (I have the 80 STW too), but I have sometimes joked that you only need the low gear of the two-speed reels because their high gear is too high whereas in a single-speed it is about right most of the time

Whatever you decide, enjoy!