has anyone used both of these reels? they look very similiar. what are the differnces, pro and cons of each one other than the color and the $300 price difference?
It sounds like you are comparing the single speed fathom to the two speed torque.
That is typically the $ premium for two speed over single speed across the brand manufacturers.
Additionally, the torque has a substantially better anodized finish on its frame and spool compared to what Penn puts on its black aluminum components.
The Fathom appears to be lighter due to slits cut in the frame’s base and some drilled out portions of the gears perhaps, but the main thing causing the difference in the weight is the absence of the low gear. The stainless gears and pinions in these reels weigh a good bit.
I have not used a fathom lever drag, and I am drawing my opinions from substantial experiences with Penn 113HN Baja specials, which had black aluminum frames and spools, and penn torque star drag and their first torque lever drag, which was a single speed reel. That single speed torque lever drag may have been discontinued at this point in time, but if you can find it, I’m sure it is well under that 300.00 price difference you noted for going up to the torque two speed.
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Luke 8:22-25
fathom has a 2 speed that i was comparing to the torque.
204 angler
150 yamaha 4 stroke
Wasn’t aware of that. I see they are coming available now.
http://www.tackledirect.com/penn-fathom-lever-drag-2-speed-reels.html
http://www.tackledirect.com/penn-torque-lever-drag-2-speed-reels.html
That being the case, the polishing and extra clear coating over the gold anodizing is the only thing the torques appear to have over the fathoms to warrant the $300.00
I wouldn’t do it for the gold, but I am not a fan of wearing a Mr. T figaro chain starter set when I go fishing either…
Some other people might be… Like SkinneeJ or Courtland.
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Luke 8:22-25
That’s not fair Phin. I only wear chains when kingfishing and talking about how many MPH my Contender goes.
The Torques have a one piece, anodized, machined frame as opposed to the Fathom with the multiple piece, painted, cast frame and milled gears for lighter weight.
I was seriously looking at the FTH60LD2 for trolling but the 3 things that turned me off were the frame construction, painted finish and the “Made In China” construction. I went with the Avet HXW4.2 instead for it’s anodized, one piece, machined frame and Made in USA for nearly the same price.
If the lever drag Fathoms perform as well as the levelwind star drag models I use for bottom fishing and trolling in AK, I’d have no problem recommending them. For the $300ish price point though, there are better options and I’d prefer to have an Avet hands down.
By one piece frame I’m referring to the frame and left sideplate being one piece, unlike the two peice Fathom or five+ piece construction of a Senator. The reel seat on those reels are all a separate piece.