Penn Slammer/liveliner - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

RockyRhode · 02-13-2003, 10:08 AM

Anyone have any reports on using the Penn Slammer/liveliner reels? I’m looking at the 9’ StCroix avid (6-20lb, ½-2 ½) and matching it up with the Slammer or maybe my current 710z. Pluggin & jigs.

Is it friendly only to mono? Any issues with the weight.

Disclaimer: Yes, another reel wouldn’t be a bad thing……

Thanks,

mikecc · 02-13-2003, 12:01 PM

IMO your better off going with the Shimano 4500B than the Penn liveliner.
The Shimano has an automatic baitrunner device where the Penn you have to flip the lever manually. Also the New Shimano is smoother, proven to hold up & lots cheaper.

RockyRhode · 02-13-2003, 01:20 PM

I'll give it a look.

I got a few penns and for the most part have been happy, but I'm open to options....

Thanks for the suggestion.

Mike P · 02-13-2003, 02:27 PM

The Slammers have been getting pretty good ink. I'd like a peek inside one before I stick my neck out on them as a plugging/jigging reel, tho. But otherwise, I'd agree with Mike on the Baitrunner models---the Shimanos have better features and have been around longer, and hold up very well.

Saltheart · 02-13-2003, 03:35 PM

I'll third that opinion. Them Shimru Baitrunners are pretty nice.

RickBomba · 02-13-2003, 06:03 PM

I've got a penn liveliner that I bought the first year they came out.
It's usually in pieces on my work bench if that makes any difference. All my other reels are penns and I never have problems with them.
Later,
Rick

TheSpecialist · 02-13-2003, 06:42 PM

Shimano nuff said.

mooncusser · 02-13-2003, 07:09 PM

No experience with the Liveliner, but the Penn Slammer is a great reel. All my Shimanos gave up the ghost and have been replaced by Penns. The Shimano "Fluid Drive" gearing is a complete joke. The only other reels I've enjoyed as much as the new Penns are the Nautils.

ragfly · 02-14-2003, 07:08 AM

The shimano has water proof drag system. I'm not sure if the Penn does. I like the shimano 4500 so much for live lining I just bought another one last week. I match it up with the 7' Penn slammer rod. Check out ebay for good prices. I got the slammer rod for $20 (retails for $70) and a very nice shimano reel for $75 (retails for ($110).

RockyRhode · 02-14-2003, 10:25 AM

Thanks all, for the comments.

Does anyone know how the Shamano’s compare to the Penn’s when breaking them down for cleaning? The Penn’s will get a wave or two and have been dunked and get looked at a couple of times a season. A bead of grease around the cover and screws seems to minimize water with them.

Mike P · 02-14-2003, 12:38 PM

I've never owned a Baitrunner-type reel. However, I had a friend who was also a good friend to a number of members here. Known to many as "Huff". Let's just say, Huff wasn't known as a guy who took meticulous care of his equipment. His idea of maintenece was a spray of WD-40 once a year. He fished a BTR-6500 for quite a few years, and it was still cranking at the time of Huff's untimely death.

My two cents---if Huff could get 10 years out of a Shimano Baitrunner and never cut the tape holding the darn thing to his rod in all that time, it's a pretty bulletproof reel.