I have 2 penn 750ssm and 1 850ssm I use for some light trolling and bottom fishing. I had a penn gt310 level wind that completed the the 4 rod set. A big aj broke the pens holding the reel to the reel seat and the drag is jacked up. I am going to replace the reel with another large spinning reel. Thinking of getting another penn 850ssm since I have nothing but positive to say about them. I have not tried any other penn or shimano reels in that size.
Looking for some recommendations on some reels in that size. They need to affordable, durable and handle a wide range of fish sizes. I use both braid and mono on these reels.
How much are you looking to spend? I like the new SSVs. I’ve got a 7500 that’s whooped some nice fish. If I were going to spend more, I’d go for the Saragosa. I was reel close to pulling the trigger on one of those but got a killer deal on the new SSV.
PENN Battle 7000/8000 or Spinfisher SSV7500 will fit the bill. The Battles will run you around $120 and the SSV’s will be $180. Both offer all metal bodies and HT-100 drags.
I would agree with sells (plus he knows how to get em upgraded if you want that later)
that being said i have gone through a battle already and would not recommend it, now has heavy cosmetic blistering/chipping a loose handle arm and sticky drag. I would just service or replace the drag but the screws that keeps a washer over the drag stack are shi**y and i stripped one past the point of no return (although it did get some nice fish)
If you can find a Penn SSM that is always a good option because the parts are readily available relatively cheap and the reels are pretty dern tough. drags kinda sucky but whatever you can’t have it all for under $150.
if you waited till christmas maybe someone would get you one of those nice Daiwa Saltists
Surfwrangler if you still have the Battle and need help with repair PM me. Sounds like you had some rare issues with your reel that can be covered under warranty.
The SSVs have less cosmetic BS on them than the Battles and whatnot do and I think that will prolong the finish of the reels. I’m also a fan of the Daiwa Saltists construction and durability but they’re more expensive and have a relatively high gear ratio
Some Battles prior to 2012 had a paint adhesion issue where the paint did not bond to the metal 100% during the curing stages. Most call it corrosion but it?s not. The aluminum underneath the paint is anodized and if you look close at the metal there is no oxidization or pitting. All Battles made after 2012 have been corrected…
I have three battle 7000’s, that I use for pitching baits to cobia and dolphin. I have used them all season, and they still look brand new. we have used them a few times dropping in 100’ for triggers and B-liners, but they are by no means a grouper or Amberjack reel like the Spheros or Saragossa.
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NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
I’ve been using a couple of 950ssm reels for grouper the last couple months, Its probably not the best option because I’ve been rocked up many times but I have burned a ton of gags and scamps with them. I like the reels but the handles on both of mine are very loose after half a dozen trips, I have a cheap solution to that problem I’m about to test though. Tighten the drag all the way with a pair of pliers and hold on:smiley: I’ll be trying out some newer reels soon but these have gotten me by for now.
Don’t forget the fin nor OFS reels. I just got two 6500s this season but they still look new and held up to a big Wahoo and many au and dolphin quite nicely.
Don’t forget the fin nor OFS reels. I just got two 6500s this season but they still look new and held up to a big Wahoo and many au and dolphin quite nicely.