(didn’t want to totally hijack the other bottom rig discussion here, but this is a related topic)
seems like it would be a pretty versatile and stout reel, 6.0:1, 40" retrieve, 25 lb drag, would hold a few hundred yards of heavy braid. Matched with jigging style rod, would this be a decent light/medium duty bottom fishing rig that would still be castable and light enough to fish all day? Or would I be better off just getting a 113HN?(similar price, similar drag, almost twice the weight/bulk but also twice the line capacity, probably not as easy to cast, but I know they’re bulletproof?)
I would expect so. I think the Torque, which has similar design but nicer components is made in the US, as is the 113HN, but as much as I would love to my budget doesn’t allow me to exclude everything made in China.
Are there issues with the China Penns? Haven’t really heard any uproar about quality since Penn moved its lower price point manufacturing overseas.
I have not fished the fathom, but have handed them twice now at two different tackle shops. I like the specs when I read them and wanted to check them out. I personally think they crap. The fathom handle is to small and does not provide the power need to crank a bigger fish. I think the handle would actually snap after a good fight. The side plates feel like thin machined metal the would dent easily if dropped on the deck. I don’t know about the drag, but if it is like the out side of the reel I would not trust it. I think penn has a long way to go with this reel. I feel they just threw it together with good looking specs and a good price so people that can not afford the gold ones will buy them just because it is a penn. Save your money and purchase a set of good used torques for a once and done buy. Just my two cents.
Those are some strong words to have never fished the reel. Anyways,Wolfle to be honest the Fathom is very similar to the USA made Torques. The fathom is lighter then the Torque and the Fathom is cast aluminum versus the machined aluminum torque.The drag is made of the HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers (same as Torque) and no need to worry about the handle comment we use that same handle on several reels and have sold millions of reels with no issues with the handle. I have caught everything possible on my personal fathom and wouldn’t trade it for anything. They are some of the best casting reels available. I would even be willing to trade you out for a 113HN if you weren’t completely satisfied with the Fathom if you were to purchase one. If you have any question please feel free to ask.
Put a battle 6000 to the AJ test the other day.50lb power pro,cranked down drag.Several fish over 60lbs in the boat.Fisherman worse for the wear.Reel fine.
well, quite the sheetstorm i’ve started… guess I’ll throw in my 0.02 after doing some more research!
I think I’ll have to try one. Not “just because it’s a Penn”, but that’s definitely part of it! My thoughts are that a big reason Penn is still around is their reputation, and companies in that situation have to be smart about ALL their products, even the cheaper ones or their reputation pays the price and then it’s game over and they become just another used-to-be great brand eking out an existence at Wal-Mart. Maybe Penn is on that road, but I don’t think so. Too many people at the company seem to care too much.
I don’t expect International-level performance and durability unless I’m paying International-level prices, just a reel that does what it should for the money, and so far I can’t find anybody that owns one and has a problem with it. I also appreciate the fact that Penn is starting to release some more innovative products instead of just living on the same reels they’ve been making the same way forever. Technology has come a long way since Penn started making reels - it is entirely possible to build a cheaper reel that will outlast and outperform a “high end” reel from even a decade ago. Why does it have to be made in China? That’s a discussion for another day!
that said, if had $80 more to spend on it I might buy one of the older Torque 200’s floating around the net for $300, but honestly I like features of the Fathom better. Maybe not as durable, but I’m not a professional fisherman and will probably never see a difference. And if it breaks I guess I’ll be giving Nasty a call!
Nasty good on you to stand by your product. Wolfie was asking a question and I gave my 2 cents like I said. I am a fan of penn product and own many of them. I just was not impressed with I handled the reel at the tackle shop. Wolfie if you do get one give us and update on the reel. I would like to know what it can handle.