Post by Purple on Aug 24, 2010 23:01:40 GMT
I've always been a fan of fixed spool reels, but heavy duty (good ones) can be expensive, and the temptation is to go for some of the big Carp reels - but they never last in rough salt conditions, and having blown the last example, it was time to cough up for something "proper" ....
I looked at the Penn Slammer Live Liner range, as I prefer a bait runner option, as once set right, it will prevent the rod from hurtling off into the sunset on a heavy running bite, but one simple turn of the handle engages the main drag, putting you straight in contact without any fumbling about.
The Slammers have a good rep in salt, so weighing the three size options - I went for the 460L.
The reason I went for the 460 is the reel weight over the line capacity - she'll take 220 yards of 24lb mono, so plenty enough there - and as these reels are a solid metal construction, the next two up the range are a fair heft, so unless you're big game fishing, you have consider the downside on your wrist and rod balance over any strength advantage.
First impressions out of the box, are that you have a lump of metal in your hand - and we 'aint talking Aluminium here. The casing design is compact, and well sealed to keep out anything the reel will encounter, and whilst the spool is lightweight, it's certainly the exception (though curiously it feels as though the handle may prove to be a weak point, the screw attachment being on the slim side).
Next thing you notice is the spare spool - there isn't one - and I can't help thinking it wouldn't have taken Penn much to include on on a reel of this calibre.
Next up, this is a one way reel - you can reel in, and that's your lot - not a widely advertised fact. Whether this is an issue is debatable, but when setting your gear up, to pull line your choices are limited to either slacking off the main drag or flipping the bail arm ...... the bait runner invariably clicking out as the reel touches the ground. Not a huge issue - just one I'm not used to.
On the subject of drags, the main drag washer is the type that can be turned over so you get twice the life out of it, and it can be cranked up hard enough to make your rod cry for mercy ...... but the bait runner (rear) drag is a different beast. Tweak the bait runner off to its loosest point, and you could still cast an ounce with it - crank it up hard and tight, and a four ounce cast will shift it. I'm used to bait runner drags having more of a range, but having used it in the wild, at 70% it will hold 3oz in the surf - so Penn have got it about right, despite my first impressions.
The only other thing i'd mention is the bail arm auto-flip when turning the handle - as the gear ratio only gives you a quarter of a turn before it engages, you don't get much impetus up, and the rake angle on the flip cam is steep, making for a hard rather than smooth action. Once you know this and get used to it, you notice it less, so again, just a comment, rather than a complaint.
Over all, I'm very pleased with it, confident it will take any abuse I can give it in it's stride, and that it will be with me for many years to come. Too heavy for spinning, but for rocks, boat, or beach, she's up there with the best. A case of "buy one good reel once - and keep it".
I've got this reel matched up to a 12ft Firefly Silhouette Bass Rod, and the balance is fine - the pairing tough enough to take whatever I can get them into - (and I can get into some pretty rough situations) ...........
Got mine here - www.fishingmayhem.com/FMOSC/product_info.php?cPath=23_37_162&products_id=1433 ..... (but as always - support your local tackle shop where you can)
I looked at the Penn Slammer Live Liner range, as I prefer a bait runner option, as once set right, it will prevent the rod from hurtling off into the sunset on a heavy running bite, but one simple turn of the handle engages the main drag, putting you straight in contact without any fumbling about.
The Slammers have a good rep in salt, so weighing the three size options - I went for the 460L.
The reason I went for the 460 is the reel weight over the line capacity - she'll take 220 yards of 24lb mono, so plenty enough there - and as these reels are a solid metal construction, the next two up the range are a fair heft, so unless you're big game fishing, you have consider the downside on your wrist and rod balance over any strength advantage.
First impressions out of the box, are that you have a lump of metal in your hand - and we 'aint talking Aluminium here. The casing design is compact, and well sealed to keep out anything the reel will encounter, and whilst the spool is lightweight, it's certainly the exception (though curiously it feels as though the handle may prove to be a weak point, the screw attachment being on the slim side).
Next thing you notice is the spare spool - there isn't one - and I can't help thinking it wouldn't have taken Penn much to include on on a reel of this calibre.
Next up, this is a one way reel - you can reel in, and that's your lot - not a widely advertised fact. Whether this is an issue is debatable, but when setting your gear up, to pull line your choices are limited to either slacking off the main drag or flipping the bail arm ...... the bait runner invariably clicking out as the reel touches the ground. Not a huge issue - just one I'm not used to.
On the subject of drags, the main drag washer is the type that can be turned over so you get twice the life out of it, and it can be cranked up hard enough to make your rod cry for mercy ...... but the bait runner (rear) drag is a different beast. Tweak the bait runner off to its loosest point, and you could still cast an ounce with it - crank it up hard and tight, and a four ounce cast will shift it. I'm used to bait runner drags having more of a range, but having used it in the wild, at 70% it will hold 3oz in the surf - so Penn have got it about right, despite my first impressions.
The only other thing i'd mention is the bail arm auto-flip when turning the handle - as the gear ratio only gives you a quarter of a turn before it engages, you don't get much impetus up, and the rake angle on the flip cam is steep, making for a hard rather than smooth action. Once you know this and get used to it, you notice it less, so again, just a comment, rather than a complaint.
Over all, I'm very pleased with it, confident it will take any abuse I can give it in it's stride, and that it will be with me for many years to come. Too heavy for spinning, but for rocks, boat, or beach, she's up there with the best. A case of "buy one good reel once - and keep it".
I've got this reel matched up to a 12ft Firefly Silhouette Bass Rod, and the balance is fine - the pairing tough enough to take whatever I can get them into - (and I can get into some pretty rough situations) ...........
Got mine here - www.fishingmayhem.com/FMOSC/product_info.php?cPath=23_37_162&products_id=1433 ..... (but as always - support your local tackle shop where you can)
