Senator 114 (6/0?) vs Special Senator 114?

pitchinwedge · September 25, 2018, 03:31:44 AM

I'm mulling over the idea of adding a trolling setup for when I'm out on the sportboats. Obviously very limited use so I want to keep the cost minimal.

At first I thought an old Senator would do the trick but a brief search made me realize even high-mileage Senators can end up costing as much as a new "Special" Senator. So, besides the use of graphite (or is it plastic?) in the frame, what's the difference? Should I be looking at something else? The 114 or 6/0 size seems about right to me for mono line capacity. As always, your advice and opinions are appreciated.

PS - I already have a nice heavy rig but I really really don't want to see it dangling off the back of the boat.

day0ne · September 25, 2018, 05:40:01 AM

They are different reels. The black 114 (Senator) has a smaller 2:1 gear and drags vs the 114H (Special Senator), which uses the same main gear as the 9/0, at 2.8:1.

JoseCuervo · September 25, 2018, 06:08:15 AM

I'd take older over newer in that application myself. Used usually means it needs only modern drags and a good cleaning to be fishable in my experience. I like the chromed brass posts more than the newer midrange reel composite frames. I'd take a nice new metal framed US Senator though, if I wasn't paying for it..

thorhammer · September 25, 2018, 12:14:56 PM

I prefer the older maroon 113H and 114H because they usually have steel main gears, plus chrome spool holds a bit more line for trolling applications. You can find one in decent shape for $75 or less if you look a bit, and a drag kit is about $10 if you aren't lucky enough someone already changed them. If you choose, you can add SS sleeve, tib frame and power handle over time and you'll have a reel that will beat most things swimming without breaking the bank at once. And you'll still get your $75 out of it later if you get it cleaned up. Just my .02

pitchinwedge · September 25, 2018, 06:53:19 PM

Quote from: day0ne on September 25, 2018, 05:40:01 AM
They are different reels. The black 114 (Senator) has a smaller 2:1 gear and drags vs the 114H (Special Senator), which uses the same main gear as the 9/0, at 2.8:1.

Quote from: thorhammer on September 25, 2018, 12:14:56 PM
I prefer the older maroon 113H and 114H because they usually have steel main gears, plus chrome spool holds a bit more line for trolling applications.

The Tiburon frame is $90 + another $10 shipping and their website says it won't fit chinese made reels. For this much $$ I'd just buy a new US Senator and call it a day. So here's what I see so far:

114H new with combo rod is ~$150; 114 used maybe $75 - $100
114H has bronze main + SS pinion gear but the 114 has all SS with lower gear ratio.
114H aluminum spool vs 114 chrome spool.
114H already comes with HT-100 but the 114 can be upgraded. Are they the same size washers?
114H specs say 22lb max drag. Same for both?

Looks like the new made in China reel is winning....

conchydong · September 25, 2018, 07:24:00 PM

Get a used USA made 114H (Red plate) As stated by others they are different reels than the Black 114. Also, the Chinese 114H may look like a good deal initially but the USA made one will last another half century if taken care of. You don't need the Tiburon upgrade, that is just a luxury item.

RowdyW · September 25, 2018, 07:58:10 PM

The Chinese reel will last just as long as a USA made reel if also taken care of. Any reel that is neglected will meet it's demise sooner. Any Penn parts that you need for an older USA made reel are now being made in China. So it's 6 of one & a half dozen of the other. The only main difference between the two of them is the style of the gear sleeve which can be changed to the older style if wanting to replace the brass gear sleeve with a SS one. Rudy

pitchinwedge · September 26, 2018, 05:09:18 PM

Quote from: RowdyW on September 25, 2018, 07:58:10 PM
The Chinese reel will last just as long as a USA made reel if also taken care of. Any reel that is neglected will meet it's demise sooner. Any Penn parts that you need for an older USA made reel are now being made in China. So it's 6 of one & a half dozen of the other. The only main difference between the two of them is the style of the gear sleeve which can be changed to the older style if wanting to replace the brass gear sleeve with a SS one. Rudy

^^ Sounds like the cold hard truth to me.

I don't want to rebuild or refurbish a beater so a new, used good condition, chinese or american made. Dont' matter. Any of the above should suit my needs just fine. Good thing I'm not in a rush.