IS IT ME OR WHAT?

[OSIRIS631]

Hi  Everyone,

I keep trying to wrap my head around the fact that the new Penn 704z actually cost more than the new generation 7500 or kingfisher Penn reel.  Dont get me wrong the 704z in its time was a great reel but to bring it back and be asking for more money than the new Kingfisher reels... am I missing something... it cant be the great retrival speed on it.  If someone can enlighten me I would appriciatte it.

Regards,

John

[Dynamo]

I think its because Penn knew fans would be willing to pay that much. "The grabbing hands grab all they can..." its always about money.

[Alto Mare]

Personally, I don't have an issue with it. I don't believe there are many manufacturers that are willing to do the same.
We need to thank them for bringing back a reel that was discontinued over 40 years ago. BTW, I've seen some older ones in new condition go for $350, that wasn't long ago.
When these new ones hit the market, Those older ones in new condition got flushed out. You could probably find a new old stock at a better price.
I believe the price for the new reel is more than fair.....just my two cents.
Sal

[redsetta]

I agree with Sal.
The original 704 is common here and lasts lifetimes - certainly longer than most newer spinners, and with less maintenance.
It's a timeless design and of sufficient quality that it can be handed down through the generations.
Cheers, Justin

[Dynamo]

I like that they brought it back, but Is the reel really worth 250? 350 will get you a VM150 steal on Ebay. If you love those old style Penn reels, the Spinfisher series is enough for me, plus a lot cheaper.

[Cone]

I guess it is up to the individual if it's worth it. The new Penn spinners have gears made out of some unknown metal. The 704 and 706 has a bronze main gear and stainless steel pinion. It's worth a little more to me that its also made in the USA. The Van Stalls and the other Penn spinners with the exception of the Torque are made in China. They are reels that will last a life time if taken care of. I do prefer a skirted spool reel though.  Bob
BTW I think the suggested retail is $199.00.

[Dynamo]

Yes, Ive no doubt the 704 and 706 reels are superior to the spin fishers, but for example a 9/0 costs under 150 shipped in most places with ht 100 drag, bronze main, and SS pinion. Larger reel, too. Perhaps it's easier to manufacture, but the spinfisher is 25 percent more expensive than 9/0. Its probably silly comparing a 9/0 to a 704 or 706 but I find that interesting. And I just think that 200 is a tough price to swallow for a penn spinner.            (although 200 is a lot better than 250, for sure.) If a spinfisher won't handle the stress of the target fish then My opinion is  move on to a conventional reel, unless a spinning reel is required or you have a nice budget. I guess it's about what you like or want, but I'd rather have a saltist or staal for the same price if I wanted a spinner that pricy. . . . . Just me humble opinion. 

[Bunnlevel Sharker]

I think it is a good price, full aluminum, good gears and easy tear down

[Dynamo]

Yes, its all personal preference, no ones right or wrong. But half the price the battle fits, aluminum frame, good gears, (don't break), and they're simple. Not glamorous though. Those 704z's sure look nice . . . . .

[Bunnlevel Sharker]

Only thing about battles is I wouldn't swim with em. I'd take that 704 all day

[Dynamo]

Yes, but I don't swim with reels in general. Even a stella would get waterlogged. . . . . . If you mean more reliable without steady servicing then obviously the 704z wins out, but two battles for one 704z is an easy decision to me. Battle, I take good care of my reels. as I said, there's no right decision here. I need to go to bed.

[Ron Jones]

I swim with my reels almost every time I go fishing. The reel with the fewer bearings wins. I like the idea of a nicer spinner that I can dunk.
Ron

[Dynamo]

You use a Staal, I presume? (When I was talking bout the stella, I was referring to their water sealing system, not reliability with saltwater and silt in its systems.) just me, I would personally never spend a lot of money on a reel and not be careful w. it even if it could, just me style. those high end spinners are too pretty. . . . .

[Ron Jones]

You use a Staal, I presume? (When I was talking bout the stella, I was referring to their water sealing system, not reliability with saltwater and silt in its systems.) just me, I would personally never spend a lot of money on a reel and not be careful w. it even if it could, just me style. those high end spinners are too pretty. . . . .

If this question is for me, then the awnser is no. I use a Diawa DF-100. Not a single Ball, works every time.

Ron

[Dynamo]

That's interesting. How long has it lasted so far?