PENN Fathom II star drags

[Tunanorth]

Larger sizes with choice of 4.8-1 or 6-1 gear ratio.
Two smaller sizes with dial mag cast control.
One "Casting Special" model [size 15 only] with external Euro-style Knobby Mag and upgraded bearings.
http://www.pennfishing.com/penn-reels-conventional-reels-penn-fathom/penn-fathom-ii-star-drag-reel/1509857.html#start=6

[kmstorm64]

Great news, and ball park idea when I can see them at my local shops?

[Benni3]

Just seen this very nice,,,,, they always have something new for "Icast" I  ?   Penn didn't like my idea,,,,, a international yoyo for hand lines,,,,,,,

[MarkT]

What are the improvements over the original Fathoms?

[Tunanorth]

Great news, and ball park idea when I can see them at my local shops?

Currently looking at late September arrival.

[Tunanorth]

What are the improvements over the original Fathoms?

Improved freespool lever/eccentric function.
Improved/easier access for basic cleaning, lubing, etc.
Choice of gear ratios in 3 largest sizes.
Mag dial cast control on two smaller sizes.
"Casting Special" version in size 15 only.

[MarkT]

lower the gear ration and improve the spool.  I actually want a torque with a 2.5:1 ratio stock out of the box.

Get a 15 2-speed and fish it in low!

[MarkT]

What are the improvements over the original Fathoms?

Improved freespool lever/eccentric function.
Improved/easier access for basic cleaning, lubing, etc.
Choice of gear ratios in 3 largest sizes.
Mag dial cast control on two smaller sizes.
"Casting Special" version in size 15 only.

So you won't need to rock the spool back to get into free spool? 

[Rivverrat]

Mark is right the Fathom 2 speed would do what your wanting. The Fathom lever drags are being used as loaners on a lot of the boats leaving out of San Diego. This alone should speak volumes of the durability & quality of these bargain priced reels... Jeff

[MarkT]

Well, if you wait long enough you'll get your wish!

[Rivverrat]

Well, if you wait long enough you'll get your wish!

                                                                     

[Rivverrat]

Mark is right the Fathom 2 speed would do what your wanting. The Fathom lever drags are being used as loaners on a lot of the boats leaving out of San Diego. This alone should speak volumes of the durability & quality of these bargain priced reels... Jeff

Sometimes you just get sick of arguing a point on an issue and you just resort to the nuclear option...

"I would rathert be DEAD than to fish a level drag"

                                  I used to feel the same. I like strong opinions. Please, I would like to know why you feel this way about lever drags... Jeff

[Tunanorth]

lower the gear ration and improve the spool.  I actually want a torque with a 2.5:1 ratio stock out of the box.

Just about any custom gear ratio is available from Cal Sheets, as long as there are no budgetary constraints.

[Tunanorth]

What are the improvements over the original Fathoms?

Improved freespool lever/eccentric function.
Improved/easier access for basic cleaning, lubing, etc.
Choice of gear ratios in 3 largest sizes.
Mag dial cast control on two smaller sizes.
"Casting Special" version in size 15 only.

So you won't need to rock the spool back to get into free spool? 

Correct.

[Ron Jones]

I have better control of the star drag, especially with a torque, when the fish is on the line.   I find this particularly true for Blue Fishing.  I have single hand control.
[/quote]

I honestly feel the same way. I do like two speeds, especially when I've worn myself out with a star drag, but I haven't figured out how to control a lever anywhere near as well as a star, guess I need another 40 years of fishing conventionals.
The Man