Penn SSV 5500
 

Picked up one of these reels from the Edge the other day and after much debate. I was a little reluctant, with it being new to the market, and no real feedback to its true abilities in the surf. I have to say that i was very impressed with the reel, as it appears to be very well built, and extremely smooth. Its only drawback is that is just slightly heavy, although just mere ounces over my Spheros. Its claim as a "watertight" reel will remain to be seen, but i really like what i see, and cant wait to fish it. Anyone in the market for a new reel should give these a hard look.

I bought the 5500 in time for the fall run last year. There was a little water intrusion at first but that was in a way my own fault. It seems that I didn't tighten the handle and the cap on the opposite side down adequately. Other than that it handled stripers up to 25lbs easily.
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With 6 seals at various locations on the reel, i would think water intrusion would be held to minimum. I dont skish, but it will see some dunking, it will mostly serve as my backup to my VS's,
and be my boat rod.
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