Penn ssm series infinte roller bearing, all metal redesign of the SS line of reels.http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0036839120626a&navCount=3&podId=0036839&parentId=cat601317&navAction=jump&cmCat=home011106&catalogCode=IG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601317&hasJS=true

very interesting.

SO...
They figured out that the graphite caused the gears to twist and misalign ,could not handle braid at all, and now they made the move back to a metal frame. How nice of them.
The only question now is what kind of metal are they casting?
btw, i own many,many penns, so dont think im trying to trash their name here.

I ordered a 650SSm last week.I had a $50 Cabelas gift card burning a hole in my wallet so I let my curiosity get the best of me.

I will more than likely be adding one of these to it:
000P24-6500SP Conversion Kit: Bail Wire w/Ball Bearings Description
Set of 4 Pieces
Set includes:
1 EA New Bail Wire Design
2 EA Ball Bearing
1 EA New Titanium Line Roller
Kit converts standard SS bail wire system to one using 2 ball bearings instead of a bushing. Reduces line friction under heavy load.

I'm gonna fish this reel hard and report back on a regular basis.

SO...
They figured out that the graphite caused the gears to twist and misalign ,could not handle braid at all, and now they made the move back to a metal frame. How nice of them.
The only question now is what kind of metal are they casting?
btw, i own many,many penns, so dont think im trying to trash their name here.

I have a 6500ss and it is not made of graphite. The 5500ss and smaller were.

I have a 6500ss and it is not made of graphite. The 5500ss and smaller were.
I was thinking the same thing.So whats different? the metal?It has always been the 5500ss and down (the graphite ones with all the problems).

made in China??

no thanks

I picked up a 450SSG a couple months ago for my schoolie rod, it says made in the USA on it :huh: Nice little reel, definitely an improvement. The SSM s look like they'll be a decent reel

Sounds like they are getting better and better....maybe they are listening to fisherman about the areas of improvement.

Does anyone know about the bail, can it be changed to bailess and if not how easy will the bail close on a cast?

Sounds like they are getting better and better....maybe they are listening to fisherman about the areas of improvement.

Does anyone know about the bail, can it be changed to bailess and if not how easy will the bail close on a cast?

My understanding is that the premature bail closure is solved as it was in the SSg.Its also my understanding that the bail arm and roller are the same as the previous reels(?).The reel's backordered but as soon as I know y'all know.

I have a 6500ss that I got last year and beat on all season long, never had a problem with the premature bail closer. The only problem I had was the anti-reverse switch falling off ($1 part and repair by surfland). The anti-reverse still worked, the switch just fell off so you could not disengage it. I just got a Slammer 560 for XMas, it looks so much more solid than the SS, can't wait to try it!