One of the nice little reels that gets unjustly overlooked IMO, the 180 is a quite capable entry level reel. I've owned several and gave all but two away as gifts. I've been thinking about the pair lately as they haven't gotten much attention in a decade. To me the main drawback to the reel is it's tiny toy handle, which I had already replaced. My man Sal has since hooked me up with a 24-155 in my favorite vintage color: the orange amber. The little guy cleaned up nicely; no need for any hotrodding, just a good cleaning and proper lube. Very pleased with free spool and turn in gear; you wouldn't know this was probably 50 years old or more (lighthouse plates but I switched to brass spool on this one). Went old school Stren 17 lb on this one....you will see why in a week or so. Enjoy.
Beautiful job, John.
These are nice, somewhat overlooked reels -- like many of the old Penns.
Best,
Fred
Thanks Fred! Btw those are the color handles I'm after; in any configuration that fits that size sleeve. Would live to score some power handles or 24-66, 24-49.
John
Nice job on that reel, John. Looking forward to your fishing report in a week or two.
Sid
Quote from: thorhammer on March 02, 2016, 04:03:05 PM
Went old school Stren 17 lb on this one....you will see why in a week or so. Enjoy.
I was wondering how the 17lb. fished...I have a 180 with chromed brass spool and the gap is so big it even catches 20lb. mono! It's odd...widest spool gap of all my Penns.
No report yet; I'm way behind on the matching rod due to work but will let you know.
John
The 180 was my first Penn about 60 yrs. old now
Mike
Quote from: mo65 on June 13, 2016, 11:09:14 PM
Quote from: thorhammer on March 02, 2016, 04:03:05 PM
Went old school Stren 17 lb on this one....you will see why in a week or so. Enjoy.
I was wondering how the 17lb. fished...I have a 180 with chromed brass spool and the gap is so big it even catches 20lb. mono! It's odd...widest spool gap of all my Penns.
nice job John, I have a few of those and enjoy fishing them. I also gave a couple to members here as gifts... nice little reels.
Mo65, get yourself a 30-49 stand and a 29-100L spool and watch that gap get smaller.
Totally agree guys.
This was also my first reel my buddy gave me back in 1970 something.
He also showed me how to rebuild it, and that was it, I was hooked.
I used to use the stock plastic spool, but cracked it while fighting a 14 lb. flattie, so I went with the chrome spool.
Cut down on the casting ability a little, so I opted for the rare aluminum spool.
I also upgraded from the teeny double-knob handle to this lemon 24-155.
My son drools every time I break it out, so I told him it's his when I croak. ;D
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm6/akadashoe/b68c1e42-b6e5-4d11-a00b-f3e4b5d18222_zpsk1flj3m3.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/akadashoe/media/b68c1e42-b6e5-4d11-a00b-f3e4b5d18222_zpsk1flj3m3.jpg.html)
Quote from: mo65 on June 13, 2016, 11:09:14 PM
I was wondering how the 17lb. fished...I have a 180 with chromed brass spool and the gap is so big it even catches 20lb. mono! It's odd...widest spool gap of all my Penns.
Quote from: Alto Mare on June 14, 2016, 02:32:19 AM
Mo65, get yourself a 30-49 stand and a 29-100L spool and watch that gap get smaller.
I tried a 29L-100 from my Surfmaster, and sure enough that gap vanished! Thanks Sal. 8)
Quote from: Alto Mare on June 14, 2016, 02:32:19 AM
Quote from: mo65 on June 13, 2016, 11:09:14 PM
Quote from: thorhammer on March 02, 2016, 04:03:05 PM
Went old school Stren 17 lb on this one....you will see why in a week or so. Enjoy.
I was wondering how the 17lb. fished...I have a 180 with chromed brass spool and the gap is so big it even catches 20lb. mono! It's odd...widest spool gap of all my Penns.
nice job John, I have a few of those and enjoy fishing them. I also gave a couple to members here as gifts... nice little reels.
Mo65, get yourself a 30-49 stand and a 29-100L spool and watch that gap get smaller.
I'm one of the recipient members. Dominick