Looking for new conventional. Allready have 3 abu 7000's. Looking at either the penn international 975 or really the shimano calcutta. Any experience with either one? I like the feel of the calcutta but need to know about reliability. I know there is alot of penn repair shops but not sure of any that repair shimano.
Any opinions would be great. thanks guys.

Calcutta is a great reel - I fish the 400 a lot and like it. Smaller than a 975 - more like a 965 in capacity. The 975 is less than a Calcutta 700 (which I don't have)

I have had problem with my 975 going out of free spool halfway through a cast with a heavy jig and I have only used it 10 times. Supposedly, this is a common problem. When I asked the Penn rep at MSBA show last year, he had no idea what I was talking about.

Every 975 owner I know has the same problem. Including yours truly :af:

Go with the Calcutta. Mine's in its 6th season. No problems as yet.

Have the 975 also...my first conventional reel... Had the same problem, actually the problem was so bad , I just had to replace the spool and pinion from wearing down... Only had it out 3 times... I am worried about taking it out again, having the same problem, especially if I am hearing other people are too ??

Have the 975 also...my first conventional reel... Had the same problem, actually the problem was so bad , I just had to replace the spool and pinion from wearing down... Only had it out 3 times... I am worried about taking it again, that I am going to have the same problem, especially if I am hearing other people are have too ??

Sounds like an unbalanced handle. don't have a 975,but my 7000c3 did the same thing once in a while.Before casting, try turning the handle so that the knob is aimed at the rod tip. I eventually replaced the Abu handle with one from a squidder and have not had the problem since.

Well,

Sounds like when the day comes for me to buy a top of the line bait casting conventional instead of the middle quality stuff I use now.....it won't be a Penn 975.

Well,

Sounds like when the day comes for me to buy a top of the line bait casting conventional instead of the middle quality stuff I use now.....it won't be a Penn 975.

The Abu 7000/7500 series you can move the handle almost half way around before it trips the spool into gear.

The 975 on the other hand if you move it the handle at all it trips the spool into gear. I like the 975 for large jigs and 5" Storm Wildeyes. Its my go to reel out of a boat. I am extra careful not to bump the handle when I am casting. Is this the problem you guys are having, or no? I haven't taken the handle off to see how well balanced it is balance (may be that is the problem?).

I have a Shimano Calcutta 400S I picked up used. I'm surprized how much drag pressure I can exert with the thing. May be I am too use to how much I have to crank down on the stock washers on the 6500 sized Abu's. ;) 400S is a super casting reel with a non-magnetic anti-backlash system that works very well. I find the 700 size abit big and the 400 a bit small. Too bad Shimano didn't make a 500, or 600 size in the Calcutta line. :(

If I had to turn some one on to conventional reel for plugging it would be the recently discontinued Abu 6600 C-5 mag-x line: pissa out of the box, or if you can find an 6500CS. Newbies should stick with a levelwind IMHO. ;) Once you get use to it and you feel like u really NEED a bit extra distance then get a CT conversion kit, or buy a speedster.....lol. If you change the drag washers & put on a power handle you can really winch in some nice fish w/out much problem. :)

I have made sure that the handle is pointing down when casting and it still trips. I bought a Big Game 7000 and I have never looked back.

Have a 965, other than the levelwind gunking up, been pretty decent... doesnt like gettting wet though.....

so bascially the penn 975 aint a great reel ? i was just about to buy a used one from a buddy.

Great reel if you keep it clean!.. good boat reel for slinging eels etc...

i was planning to use for boat reel and canal reel.. herring, eels, occasional plugging..

Should be ok, just dont drop it in the sand or swim with it...

...consider a Newell. Something like a 229 sounds like it'll work great for yer needs. Solid, well built American reel. Reminds me of a Squidder Jr. :rolleyes:

I have Abu 6500s, one is a custom from NC. I love it.

I have used the Penn 975 since it came out. It's my go to rod, trolling, eels, bottom, casting. I have never had a problem. Maybe I got the good one but I love it.

I have 4 975's. I wouldn't used them for casting. IMO they just don't feel right for that job. I never liked the way the "button" worked. I use mine for fluke fishing, for that they are great.

If I was going conv casting, I would go calcutta.