Has anyone tried the bail conversion kit for the Penn 8500ss.
I thinking of getting it but is it really worth the $36 for it.
Thanks John Scap. )-<)))”>

Bail conversion kit Link: (http://www.scottsbt.com/acb_sbt/showdetl.cfm?&DID=8&Product_ID=29759&CATID=52)

- I picked one up last season, used it a few times. I really wasn't that thrilled with it. It is slightly different from the 704 conversion kits. I am thinking about converting back over to the original bail ..... My opinion!

you won't spend that much money in replacement bushings before the reel craps out on ya....

even if ya did a bushing a year thats 50+ bushings... and if you ever need a line roller it's just a few bucks....


If your targeting high speed or strong fish with light line then you would want all to be smooth.. but if your loading up with 30#... thats an extra $36 in gear you could throw elsewhere..

just my .02cents!!

that conversion kit should not cost you 36$ , hell , i got two kits for my 650 and 750 last winter and i spent 8+$ each.. try buckos or red top sports.. they will send them thru the mail for you .. i have had no trouble with the bushings.. nor have i had a single snap off due to a bail closing.. definitely worth the price and effort..

I don't think he's looking for the manual pickup conversion... his link is to the modified ball bearing line roller conversion.. which is the whole bail unit..