Penn cleans house

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Eben

I have to agree, if Penn made a better version of the 704 or 6 that was priced around 200 or 250 bucks, VS would be in big trouble. annodized, sealed drag... i'd buy one.

The only flaw with this is that VS already tried it. US built, US assembled, built like we want it to be (not counting an easy way to get inside) and look where it got them. Starting from day 1 it's apparently never exactly worked, at least in terms of the company making money. I guess Penn could learn from the mistakes and give it a try, but there is already a business model out there for built to last, built in the US reels and it's not encouraging.

In the past I've had several engineers stop by the shop, look at the VS, and be surprised they sold for what they did a few years ago. Which makes sense considering the company ended up being bought by Bradley Company. It's just an expensive reel to make, there's no way around it.

Lastly, not listening to customers is a reminder that the surf casting community; especially hard core surf casters, is a very small group. Many of the products we use weren't built with surf fishing in mind, they just happen to work there. I doubt the Saltiga was built with the surf in mind but it apprently works there. Support those who DO listen. Besides VS there aren't many reel makers, but Aquaskinz and your local plug builders certainly do.

[beachwalker]

yep, well said

[capecodder]

So what is my alternative to a Penn Senator for wire line??? I have switched on the spinning side to shimano due to many of the poor quality/feature issues with Penn, but what about for wire??

[ProfessorM]

For wire or for trolling I feel Penn is still the way to go. Simple and effective reels. I am not sure if any other manufacture's offer a stainless, or chromed cast bronze spool. Aluminum spools just don't hold up to wire or leadcore for that matter, corrosion. I still like the old Penns before they went to the plastic bodies. There are millions out there. I have asked many times why they do not make anymore bronze spools for any of their reels, jigmaster, 112H, etc. except for the 113HSP. I guess they just want to sell you a new spool every year. I buy all my Penns on E-Bay and then have the old corroded spools stripped and chromed. All replacment parts are still readily available. Good as new. Paul

[basswipe]

I said this once before if Shimano offered the Stradic with a waterproof drag and a sealed housing for under $250 they'd be the balls.Will they do it...probably
not knowing that the hardcore surf guy will pay huge dollars for a VS.

Until then I'll to stick with my Spheros and 704z.Or possibly an Okuma VS reel depending on how well IT works out.