Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Penn Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: pullrachet on September 28, 2011, 09:15:56 AM

Title: penn fathom star 40
Post by: pullrachet on September 28, 2011, 09:15:56 AM
New sizes are out...they look good on paper, has anyone tried out the 40?  My first impression is how the reel weighs so little (18.7 oz) for an all aluminum reel.  Anyone have anything to add?
Title: Re: penn fathom star 40
Post by: akfish on September 28, 2011, 03:25:51 PM
I got one for my girlfriend to use for Alaskan halibut this summer. I was quite impressed. She fished with with straight 80# spectra. Her biggest fish was a 70 pounder. It handled it no problem. Personally, I like it more than the comparable Shimano Tekota.
Title: Re: penn fathom star 40
Post by: pullrachet on September 28, 2011, 09:26:39 PM
do yo see any possible weaknesses or design flaws? 
Title: Re: penn fathom star 40
Post by: akfish on September 29, 2011, 01:50:12 AM
I don't see any problems after one season of use. It's got a great drag. It's all metal -- side plates as well  as frame -- and a nice handle. I always worry about level winds on reels meant to be fished hard, but we ad no problems this summer.