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I own the 2 penns bait runners (5600, 4500?), the big okuma bait runner and 2 mid size shimano bait runner.
BUY THE SHIMANO.
The Penns have a trouble with salt water and the bait runner drag and the primary drag can not get enough pressure. The reels are a tad small dor 20 or 25" test line. I think these reels are better suited to a boat with light line. These reels will need service on a regular basis.
The Okuma is the smoothest spinning reel I ever used. But the bails suck. If you cast hard from the surf it will flip and engage. I placed two drag washers (from some other reel) in the bail connection and convered it to a manula bail more or less.
Great handle on that reel, lots of ball bearings and a very smooth an power drag.
I have used the shimano with any problems so far. Everything works right. It has only been half a season but that was long enough for the Penn to fail...so far so good.
Each of the baitrunners operate a little differently...I actually like the Penn concept the best (when it works). The Shimano seems to be the most reliable.
IMO, they are all "B" class reels (about 100 bucks)...someone needs to make a a real quality baitrunner....$300+
For eeling from the surf...these are great!!
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