Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I just picked up a US Made 113HLW (graphite frame) for $50. It appears to be in near new condition and everything on it looks like original stock.

However, The drag setup is a Carbontex 5-stack.
Did Penn start selling them that way, or would this have been an aftermarket upgrade?

I'm hoping to use it as a light/medium trolling rig and would like advice on what upgrades I should consider.
I know this reel is old and there are much more capable reels out there but Senators are nearly indestructible and they hold a special place in my heart.

I've only spent $50 so far so I'm willing to put in some more money. I just want to be certain the upgrade(s) are warranted.     

I believe there are conversions that will upgrade to stainless gears and some that give a 4:1 retrieve ratio. Is the cost justified?

I was thinking of getting a Tiburon frame but, the only ones I find for the 113HLW on Tiburon's website are topless. It's my understanding that the topless Tiburon frames don't have spots for the trolling lugs. Since I want to use this as a trolling rig, that would be an issue. Can anyone advise me on this?

Are there any other upgrades I should consider?

I would appreciate your insight and advice.

-Dan-



 

   
 

Most likely the reel is a bit newer, 1990s, and has Penn's HT 100 drag washers which are fine. Never had a wide, but with the graphite frame it should be pretty sturdy. I have the same reel, but not a wide. I just fish it as is. They are pretty great reels right out of the box, especially with the graphite frame and aluminum spool. Others may have differing opinions.

Clean it up, cals grease on the drag washers, clean and lube the rest of the internals and fish it. If you decide you want to venture into the rabbit hole there's plenty of help here. Money wise it doesn't make much sense to upgrade it but if you enjoy that kind of thing ( many do)have at it

With the graphite frame, I might leave it as is. But, I have NEVER owed or used one of these newer Senators. I just don't like graphite(prejudice) on a larger "Big Game" reel. If you find a suitable upgrade frame, I'd look at first, a SS gear sleeve/A-R dog.

You could put over $200 in it easily,,,,, 4:1 is great for small fish,,,headboat,,piers but the lower gears are great for bigger fish,,,you can get a alan tani power handle and just fish it,,,,

 Leave it stock, and fish it a few times, then make decisions about possible upgrades

The topless 4/0 and 6/0 Tiburon frames I owned in early 2000's came with slots for harness lugs, but things could have changed since then.

One thing to be aware of: Some of the graphite frame Senators had self tapping side plate screws. These screws would strip out at high drag. Later graphite Senators had brass inserts in the frame. These are a bit stronger, but nothing like an aluminum framed reel.

A SS Gearsleve and AR dog would be the only thing I would consider.

Topless just means that there isn't a bar running across the top of the frame. It has spots for the harness lugs.

Thank you very much!