Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Welcome! => Beginner's Board => Topic started by: RiverAngler on February 22, 2016, 09:05:18 PM

Title: Penn 320 GT2 Upgrades available?
Post by: RiverAngler on February 22, 2016, 09:05:18 PM
Here's one. I have looked around and I guess I don't know what I'm looking for (I'm a shimano guy mostly). I have a 320 GT2 that I use for Sturgeon fishing that I would like to upgrade a little. I would like a power handle, and I would like to replace the Delrin washer in the drag stack with a carbon fiber washer.

What, where, who has these? What other upgrades would you recommend? I use this reel in brackish and fresh water, so SS upgrades are not needed. It works great after a decade of use, and I service it every season.

All comments are welcome.
Title: Re: Penn 320 GT2 Upgrades available?
Post by: cbar45 on February 22, 2016, 10:26:35 PM
Those GT series already come with 5-stack CF drags which are more than enough for the graphite frame. I have the older model 320GT and the only upgrades I did (after 15 years) are new gears and drags plus removal of the level-wind to aid in casting. It's a very capable reel in stock form fished with a moderate drag. i.e. under 20 lbs.

Gear sleeve is a 98-320, so any power handle arm made for a 113H 4/0 will fit. You can find handle blanks made by one of our members here:
http://motivefab.com/products-page/reels

Handle knobs and stainless 98-320 gear sleeves are available here:
https://squareup.com/market/pro-challenger-llc

Just make sure the bore of the handle arm matches the screw of your chosen handle knob and good to go. The above items are only a few of the offerings; you might want to check out the forum's "For Sale" section for more custom parts/options.

Finally, here is some great reading on your reel courtesy of our own A. Tani:
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=9.0
Title: Re: Penn 320 GT2 Upgrades available?
Post by: RiverAngler on February 22, 2016, 10:32:19 PM
Thanks! Alan's teardown was what I used to service my reel the first time. And yes, it's a great reel. I just want a better arm and the carbon fiber washer to replace the delrin washer at the bottom of the stack. Everything else is good.