Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Fishing => Setting Up Your Reel to Go Fishing => Topic started by: ez2cdave on July 02, 2014, 09:06:43 PM

Title: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: ez2cdave on July 02, 2014, 09:06:43 PM
Guys,

Since this involves a comparison of two different brands, I wasn't sure where to post it . . .

I'd like to hear "feedback" on Penn "SS" Spinfisher reels ( 420SS -850SS, not the Graphite 4200SS-5500SS + 6500SS-9500SS metal reels ) versus the Daiwa "BG" Black Gold reels ( BG10-BG90 ), in terms of durability, fish-ability, sevice-ability, etc.

It's OK to compare them to "current technology" reels . . . If it's only about being "braid friendly" or "complaining about their weight", I fish MONO and "soak bait", so those two abilities have little impact on my fishing.

Thanks !
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: ez2cdave on July 05, 2014, 08:36:34 PM
Hmm . . . Mighty "quiet" out there . . . LOL !
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: akfish on July 05, 2014, 09:05:29 PM
These are both good, reliable, albeit dated reels. One thing I will say is that getting gears and handles for the older Penn SS reels is almost impossible.
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: foakes on July 05, 2014, 09:23:56 PM
The older SS series Penns are tough to beat.

The materials both on the exterior and interior are of a higher quality.

After cleaning, replacing the drags, maybe a bail spring, and adjusting to proper drag lbs. -- there isn't much else to do.  They are built to last.

However, I also personally love the Daiwas.  But they are a little more finicky, have more parts for their design (more to go wrong, IMHO), and some of the materials are not of the Penn quality (some pot metal interior parts, etc).

On a slightly different note --

I use, collect, and sell a lot of the older silver and gold Daiwas from the mid to late 70s.  Most people don't appreciate these spinners.  They are simple and durable.  The main difference between a Daiwa gold and a Daiwa silver outside of the color -- is the fact that the gold series have bearings at the pinion and crank shaft -- the silvers have a bushing.  One can change out the silver bushings for ball bearings very easily -- it is a factory straight swap -- and bearings are readily available through Daiwa or Boca.

Next time you want to try some Microlite reels, get a Daiwa 500C, 700c, 1000C, or a Mini-Mite with the spring loaded folding crank.  If it's a silver series -- just switch out the two bushings for bearings, upgrade the drags to wet greased.  Great for back-packing, and they will handle the occasional large fish.  Load up one of these with 4 pound test, an old Fenwick 5' brown fiberglass rod -- and you will truly appreciate the experience.

Like many reels,between the Daiwas and Penns -- they will both perform well.  But on my opinion, the Penn will hold up better in the salt when fishing in waves or weather -- for larger fish.

Maybe a few others will have some different ideas -- looking forward to hearing other viewpoints.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: ez2cdave on July 05, 2014, 11:08:59 PM
Quote from: foakes on July 05, 2014, 09:23:56 PM
The older SS series Penns are tough to beat.

The materials both on the exterior and interior are of a higher quality.

After cleaning, replacing the drags, maybe a bail spring, and adjusting to proper drag lbs. -- there isn't much else to do.  They are built to last.

However, I also personally love the Daiwas.  But they are a little more finicky, have more parts for their design (more to go wrong, IMHO), and some of the materials are not of the Penn quality (some pot metal interior parts, etc).

On a slightly different note --

I use, collect, and sell a lot of the older silver and gold Daiwas from the mid to late 70s.  Most people don't appreciate these spinners.  They are simple and durable.  The main difference between a Daiwa gold and a Daiwa silver outside of the color -- is the fact that the gold series have bearings at the pinion and crank shaft -- the silvers have a bushing.  One can change out the silver bushings for ball bearings very easily -- it is a factory straight swap -- and bearings are readily available through Daiwa or Boca.

Next time you want to try some Microlite reels, get a Daiwa 500C, 700c, 1000C, or a Mini-Mite with the spring loaded folding crank.  If it's a silver series -- just switch out the two bushings for bearings, upgrade the drags to wet greased.  Great for back-packing, and they will handle the occasional large fish.  Load up one of these with 4 pound test, an old Fenwick 5' brown fiberglass rod -- and you will truly appreciate the experience.

Like many reels,between the Daiwas and Penns -- they will both perform well.  But on my opinion, the Penn will hold up better in the salt when fishing in waves or weather -- for larger fish.

Maybe a few others will have some different ideas -- looking forward to hearing other viewpoints.

Best,

Fred

Fred,

Excellent post and info . . . We share the same sentiments about the 1970's reels !

Thanks !
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Alto Mare on July 05, 2014, 11:15:14 PM
you guys are not alone ;).
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Aiala on July 06, 2014, 12:50:24 AM
I absolutely revere the first-generation SS reels... putting together a complete collection of the entire line... taking my 750 tuna fishing next week.  :D

Popper time! (Targeting football YFTs, but with my luck, a bluefin will eat it... gahh)  :P

~A~
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Newell Nut on July 06, 2014, 01:40:38 AM
I just added an 850SS which gets me almost complete with a 550, 750 and 950.

Good luck on the tuna trip.
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Aiala on July 06, 2014, 01:52:12 AM
Quote from: Newell Nut on July 06, 2014, 01:40:38 AM
I just added an 850SS which gets me almost complete with a 550, 750 and 950.
Good luck on the tuna trip.

Thanks, Dwight!

I've got a 420, 430, 550, and 750 so far...  :)

~A~
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: ez2cdave on July 06, 2014, 03:00:41 AM
Of the Penn "SS" reels, I have a 430 SS, 450 SS, 550 SS, 650 SS, & two 750 SS .

Of the Daiwa "BG" Black Gold reels, I have a BG-13, BG-15, BG-20, BG-30, and a BG-90 .

I also have a "GS" Gold Series GS-60, that I got brand new ,in 1976, for my 15th birthday ( Looks and works like new ).

One last item is my Penn 704Z . . . Tough workhorse !

Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Alto Mare on July 06, 2014, 05:19:02 AM
Quote from: Aiala on July 06, 2014, 01:52:12 AM
Quote from: Newell Nut on July 06, 2014, 01:40:38 AM
I just added an 850SS which gets me almost complete with a 550, 750 and 950.
Good luck on the tuna trip.

Thanks, Dwight!


I've got a 420, 430, 550, and 750 so far...  :)

~A~
Aiala, I see you got your hair done and you're all set to go, good luck on your trip and take lots of pictures.
I'm not sure you did this already, but cutting washers into octagon will increase your drag by a good 5lbs on that 750.
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=6597.msg56103#msg56103
if you didn't, shoot me a PM and I'll try to make you some and hoping that they'll get to you on time.
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: foakes on July 06, 2014, 05:32:04 AM
Have a great trip, Aiala --

Looking forward to some good pics and reports.

Nice lineup of reels, Dave.

Best,

Fred

Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Aiala on July 06, 2014, 02:16:12 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on July 06, 2014, 05:19:02 AM
Aiala, I see you got your hair done and you're all set to go, good luck on your trip and take lots of pictures.
Absolutely, Sal! My stepson, whom I'm introducing to LR fishing with this trip, was a photography major at school and he is bringing everything including a GoPro to dunk underwater, so I am hoping we'll have some good photos. The ROYAL STAR says she has WiFi, so I might be able to post pics while I'm out there... we'll see.  :)

Quote from: Alto Mare on July 06, 2014, 05:19:02 AMI'm not sure you did this already, but cutting washers into octagon will increase your drag by a good 5lbs on that 750. if you didn't, shoot me a PM and I'll try to make you some and hoping that they'll get to you on time.
I don't have any, actually, but I'm delighted to accept your kind offer! I will not be leaving home until a week from tomorrow (Monday), so I'll PM you my address and we'll hope for the best.

Thank you so much!  :D

~A~
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Alto Mare on July 06, 2014, 02:57:20 PM
Great Aiala, I will send them out tomorrow.
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Aiala on July 12, 2014, 04:02:46 AM
Quote from: Alto Mare on July 06, 2014, 02:57:20 PM
Great Aiala, I will send them out tomorrow.

Sal, I received the hex washers --thank you thank you THANK you-- and I installed them in the spool just as you showed me, and the drag feels smooth and tight and strong... awesome! Now all that's left is to test my 750SS out on a nice fat tuna or YT... woohoo! 

Again, my gratitude knows no bounds... you and the other experts here are the best.   :D

Molte, molte grazie!! (Um, no, I can't really speak Italian; I used a translation app.  ::))

~A~

Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Alto Mare on July 12, 2014, 03:38:09 PM
Prego!  :)
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Florida Cracker on March 20, 2018, 06:55:56 PM
I have a 430 that I purchased new back in the day. It's been a dependable, smooth operating reel. I recently restored it to near new condition. Just wish Penn would have kept making parts for them. As for Diawa's. I only have two 7000c's on surfrods that have withstood the years and built like tanks.
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Jeri on April 09, 2018, 10:10:45 PM
So, when exactly did Penn stop making the Spinfishers in the USA, with all the heavy duty construction??

Just a research question.

Cheers from suny Africa

Jeri
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: oc1 on April 10, 2018, 08:36:59 AM
Quote from: Jeri on April 09, 2018, 10:10:45 PM
when exactly did Penn stop making the Spinfishers in the USA
Mystic Reel Parts says mid-1970's for the greenie, 2001 for the Z series and 2005 for the SS series.
-steve

"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Alto Mare on April 10, 2018, 10:32:52 AM
Quote from: Jeri on April 09, 2018, 10:10:45 PM
So, when exactly did Penn stop making the Spinfishers in the USA, with all the heavy duty construction??

Just a research question.

Cheers from suny Africa

Jeri
Hello Jeri...just a research question or were you thinking of giving one a try? I would love to see you use one in one of your competitions ;D

Some Spinnfishers are still manufactured today at the same location the earlier ones were once made. These were brought back by popular demand.

Best,

Sal
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Jeri on April 10, 2018, 12:50:20 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on April 10, 2018, 10:32:52 AM
Quote from: Jeri on April 09, 2018, 10:10:45 PM
So, when exactly did Penn stop making the Spinfishers in the USA, with all the heavy duty construction??

Just a research question.

Cheers from suny Africa

Jeri
Hello Jeri...just a research question or were you thinking of giving one a try? I would love to see you use one in one of your competitions ;D

Some Spinnfishers are still manufactured today at the same location the earlier ones were once made. These were brought back by popular demand.

Best,

Sal

No, I have one that I bought about 20 years ago, and it is built like a tank, though casts like a donkey.

I'm researching a magazine article on the demise in build of fixed spools, from solid construction, has only been servcied once in 20 years Penn Spinfisher - to modern reels that the slightest sign of water, they fill up with water and all the soft metal gears 'melt'. So, are we accepting that these days we should consider them a 'consumable' product, or just very fragile.

Our fishery has gone over to fixed spools and braid, and getting a reel to last more than 12 months is an achievement - about the only ones to last are Quantum Cabo, with their deliberate drain system and the odd Penn Battle III. Other than that - buy, use for 12 months and hope that it lasts that long!!! Admittedly, we are using them fully submerged at times, but still - sea reels that melt with a little salt water!!!
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Alto Mare on April 10, 2018, 09:07:00 PM
Quote from: Jeri on April 10, 2018, 12:50:20 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on April 10, 2018, 10:32:52 AM
Quote from: Jeri on April 09, 2018, 10:10:45 PM
So, when exactly did Penn stop making the Spinfishers in the USA, with all the heavy duty construction??

Just a research question.

Cheers from suny Africa

Jeri
Hello Jeri...just a research question or were you thinking of giving one a try? I would love to see you use one in one of your competitions ;D

Some Spinnfishers are still manufactured today at the same location the earlier ones were once made. These were brought back by popular demand.

Best,

Sal

No, I have one that I bought about 20 years ago, and it is built like a tank, though casts like a donkey.

I'm researching a magazine article on the demise in build of fixed spools, from solid construction, has only been servcied once in 20 years Penn Spinfisher - to modern reels that the slightest sign of water, they fill up with water and all the soft metal gears 'melt'. So, are we accepting that these days we should consider them a 'consumable' product, or just very fragile.

Our fishery has gone over to fixed spools and braid, and getting a reel to last more than 12 months is an achievement - about the only ones to last are Quantum Cabo, with their deliberate drain system and the odd Penn Battle III. Other than that - buy, use for 12 months and hope that it lasts that long!!! Admittedly, we are using them fully submerged at times, but still - sea reels that melt with a little salt water!!!
That was a joke Jeri :), I already now how you feel about those olderpenn tanks.
You guys enjoy using those extremely smooth reels with the disposable gears ;D
Title: Re: Penn "SS" Spinfisher (Pre-"00" Series ) vs. Daiwa "BG" Spinning Reels
Post by: Jeri on April 11, 2018, 06:38:28 AM
Quote from: Alto Mare on April 10, 2018, 09:07:00 PM

That was a joke Jeri :), I already now how you feel about those olderpenn tanks.
You guys enjoy using those extremely smooth reels with the disposable gears ;D

The reel in question has been pressed into service a few times for a couple of ladies that have taken up competitive surf fishing, and needed a reel to cope with the big Bronzies. It worked well enough, but even fully loaded with braid, it lacked casting ability of more modern reels, and the drag is a little low when looking to slow down a big Bronzie heading for Brazil.

The dated design just lacks the modern finesse, but the build is unquestionably strong - an admirable reel. Just needs to be the standard modern reel makers - including Penn need to re-aquaint themselves with!!!!  ::)

Cheers from sunny Africa.

Jeri