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
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.
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)
.
single speed, right?
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?
(http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/userpics/20632/Penn_II_80.jpg)
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.
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
Great thanks for feedback!
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!