Got my choices down to the two in the 3000 size. I love my Shimano’s but the reels look like crap after a few years, chrome plated platic turns green and pits. My previous experience with Penn was good 20 years ago but they went downhill and the ones I had corroded and fell apart but now I hear they are making a comeback. The Saros and Symetres I currently have had to have a cosmetic tune-up which runs about $35 a reel. Is the same true with the Penn’s? I will say my Shimano’s look like crap but have never failed me on perfromance. Appreciate the ■■■■■■■■
Just bought another 4000 Stradic. I did look at the Penns but think they are heavier (?). My old Stradics are corroded too but they just work well for so many years.
In fact I’m still using one with the wooden handle and one of the next generation. The anti-reverse on it has begun to act up, so I left it for repair this week. But I can’t recall a previous repair, and they may be 10-15 years old?
I’ve had good experience with many different Shimano reels, from Symetre to Tiagra 30 and 50 wides. It may be a Ford-Chevy thing, but that is my opinion.
If you’re used to Shimano reels and how they feel, stick with them.
Penn reels seem to be a little more rugged, heavy and take more of a beating.
I have both reels and lean more towards the Stradic more often, but I like finesse fishing more than other types and I think the Shimano fits the build for that kind of fishing.