|
The Penn 525 Mag is an excellent reel and is still made here in the US. It doesn't have a level wind, and if you think you need a mag to be able to use a conventional, it probably isn't the reel for you.
The Abu 6500 series are great casting reels, but they were designed to fish 15# mono. Their frames can twist and torque with a good fish on. It used to be the case that you could never get enough drag pressure on the line to cause this, but with better drags now available, and braid, it can happen. I've had it happen. All of a sudden the spool kind of locks in place for a second or two until you drop the rod and release some of the torque. The one piece machined frame of the Calcutta is stronger. It's a better reel. Whether it's worth the price is your call.
|