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Penn Affinity users, opinions please. (100 posts / 16,793 views)
gregrot gregrot
Posts: 5,589
Post #1 26 Feb 2018 09:06
0
Now the affinity's have been in use for a couple of years, what are people's opinions of them?
I remember all the hype when they were first released but, was it all hype or are they as good as first thought.

Anyone out there who is still using them two or three years on?

Thanks
Greg.
Defiant.one Defiant.one
Posts: 4,344
Post #2 26 Feb 2018 09:17
0
In reply to Post #1
Yep, still using mine, and a mate is also - been faultless



gregrot gregrot
Posts: 5,589
Post #3 26 Feb 2018 09:35
0
In reply to Post #2
Thanks Keith, that's what I was looking for
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #4 26 Feb 2018 10:17
0
In reply to Post #1
Still using mine also on my 12foot rods cant fault them.
MiniWelsh MiniWelsh
Posts: 2,383
Post #5 26 Feb 2018 10:19
0
In reply to Post #1
Changed from Shimano's a few years back and love the reels. Cast well, nice to play fish on, and imo look good. Considering the price comparison to some other brands they are also a bargain. Can see me keeping these for a good few years to come
carpy0600 carpy0600
Posts: 3,264
Post #6 26 Feb 2018 10:23
0
In reply to Post #5
I think the older ones are better than the make 2 version
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #7 26 Feb 2018 10:41
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In reply to Post #6
This is exactly what I warned people about when these came out, stating only time would tell what would happen.. Well they didn't last long did they?
Wether pure fishing, or whoever distributes them, will be able to help with spare parts in the future is debatable; especially as the European carp market must be minuscule in comparison to the USA and Oceania market they also flood with new models all the time.
A nice smooth reel that looks ok, but can't be compared to long standing proven reels... of which I can only actually think of 4, that's really 2 but both available in 2 sizes.
You could always go for an ultegra only for that to be obsolete in 24 months too
MiniWelsh MiniWelsh
Posts: 2,383
Post #8 26 Feb 2018 10:56
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In reply to Post #6
Can't comment on that, haven't used the version 2. Bought the older ones and they are still going very well.
gregrot gregrot
Posts: 5,589
Post #9 26 Feb 2018 11:04
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In reply to Post #7
Which is why I'm asking the question now Noj. From what I can see and have heard, Shimano have lowered their prices, have outsourced their manufacturing and the quality of their reels has suffered, especially in the lower end of the market. Daiwa possibly the same in their lower end reels.

Personally, I'm not fishing nearly enough these day's to justify spending on top end reels so, I'm looking for a reasonable quality reel that people can give some decent feedback on.
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #10 26 Feb 2018 11:16
0
In reply to Post #1
Fantastic reels, had cats over 60lb on my old mk1s I had and they coped perfectly, sold them and "upgraded" to daiwa entoh, biggest mistake I've made for a long time, sent those piles of **** back and bought some more penns. These are the mk2 version, and they don't really appear to be any different to the original ones except you don't get 2 handles and a spare spool now
carpy0600 carpy0600
Posts: 3,264
Post #11 26 Feb 2018 11:39
0
In reply to Post #10
I though the new ones did not come with spare spool but the old ones did.

I have got the 8000 version and have used them fishing in cape verde for sharks and they coped fine where are another reel sounds like a coffee grinder now after 2 weeks use there.

the penn coped with being dropped in the sand and rinsed in the swimming pool still as smooth as ever
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #12 26 Feb 2018 11:39
0
In reply to Post #9
As Ian just pointed out mate, they're certainly capable. The issues arise if and when you do something stupid and break one, or one develops a fault (even the best product can have a few lemons slip through) with no spares available.
To be fair I'd have thought this is true for every company out there, with a few models supported well with spares and others being almost disposable; after all, very few people actually run anything into the ground these days. One look at the 2nd hand market tells you that..
Not sure there's is really enough difference between all the modern low-mid priced reels to recommend one over the other
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #13 26 Feb 2018 13:35
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In reply to Post #11
They don't mate, that's what I meant. Old ones had spare spool, new don't
bluebeat13
Posts: 2,168
Post #14 26 Feb 2018 20:20
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In reply to Post #12
What makes you think that you won't be able to get spares?
stot stot
Posts: 804
Post #15 26 Feb 2018 20:26
0
Still over the moon with mine nothing worn or broken
blank_bandit
Posts: 293
Post #16 5 Mar 2018 23:50
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In reply to Post #1
Love them as reels and built to last but I just couldn't, get on with QD so got shim long cast bait runners then Penn released them in bait runner typical . still use them for piking and built to last
enough lovers on this site as all the threads will tell you
dazwacky dazwacky
Posts: 1,206
Post #17 6 Mar 2018 07:15
0
In reply to Post #16
I have had the Penn affinity Ltd 8000 since I think 2015? and they seem bomb proof been using them on my pike rods in all conditions and not one issue, line lay superb, clutch is QD and for the money brilliant only thing I wish I had done was got the 7000 as the 8000 are big!
carpfather1 carpfather1
Posts: 282
Post #18 6 Mar 2018 08:36
0
Ive got the 7000 size ones had them a year now and they've been faultless that much so I prefer them to my shimannos better reel imho
deaffred deaffred
Posts: 4,820
Post #19 6 Mar 2018 08:44
0
Had my 7000 when first came out , used them ever since , sold all my others , tournaments , ect.

A no nonsense reel at a no nonsense price .

Even friends have bought them and no faults .
carpfather1 carpfather1
Posts: 282
Post #20 6 Mar 2018 09:52
0
Ive got the 7000 size ones had them a year now and they've been faultless that much so I prefer them to my shimannos better reel imho
Flipper_Al Flipper_Al
Posts: 1,634
Post #21 6 Mar 2018 10:05
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In reply to Post #20
I bought the 8000's when they came out, even though people said they were massive, sold them, they
never missed a beat, bought the 7000ltd liveliner's and these have been superb
James500 James500
Posts: 670
Post #22 6 Mar 2018 12:47
0
Another mk1 7000 user, couple of months off two years

Absolutely faultless, wish I had bought them when they first came out.

Dunno what I'd do if I was to loose / break them as from what ive heard the mk2 is not as good
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #23 6 Mar 2018 13:27
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In reply to Post #22
I've had both, and there isn't any difference between mk 1&2
James500 James500
Posts: 670
Post #24 6 Mar 2018 17:07
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In reply to Post #23
Cheers for that, wont have to worry then
RV
Posts: 70
Post #25 6 Mar 2018 19:39
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Sorry quick question how much of a turn or turns is the QD on the 7000 from freespool to locked up.
gregrot gregrot
Posts: 5,589
Post #26 6 Mar 2018 21:49
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In reply to Post #25
Thanks for the input lads, nice to see its pretty much all positive too.
Based on the replies, I've just bought four

Thanks again.
Rob_B Rob_B
Posts: 802
Post #27 8 Mar 2018 11:33
0
In reply to Post #26
Why do people bang on about Shimano and Daiwa as if they are the only manufacturers out there and all others are crap.

Penn are a long established make (1920's) with a huge following worldwide, especially in the "big fish, light line world, with 1,400 IGFA world records to their name. The quality is not in doubt at all.

After sales service is second to none and Penn actually hold the record for the most reels sold for a particular model and the longest running model that remains unchanged. (The spinfisher, released in 1961 and still sold).


Penn tried to break into the carp market in the UK in the 90's. The chap who owned Penn UK at the time produced a big pit reel in matt black, but the UK carpers turned there nose up at it. This reel was then adapted and became a surf reel, The Surfbuster. He still uses the original black prototypes himself. They are superbly smooth after all these years. It was well ahead of the Shimano Biomasters and Daiwa Baboons that were popular back then.

They are still way ahead of many top end reels. I would not worry about "quality" with the Affinity.
carpe_diem carpe_diem
Posts: 1,982
Post #28 8 Mar 2018 12:08
0
In reply to Post #27
What you may not know is that Penn reels are now mainly mass produced in China not built in the USA any more , I have 2 x 525 mags built in USA( multipliers ) and absolutely love them , they are bombproof, yet the newer ones made in China are not in the same league .
I'm not having a go at anything made in China before anyone starts ! I'm just stating they aren't USA build quality any more , same with some Daiwa and Shimano being built in Malaysia etc ....
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #29 8 Mar 2018 12:15
0
In reply to Post #25
Depending on how loose you want freespool, around 1/2-3/4 of a turn
Rob_B Rob_B
Posts: 802
Post #30 8 Mar 2018 12:41
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In reply to Post #28
Sign of the times...Abu did the same but soon regretted it. The top end Penn reels are still US made.
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #31 8 Mar 2018 13:03
0
I don't think it matters where anything is made, if its made right. I believe the daiwa entoh is a Japan made reel, and the set I bought last year were nowhere near as well made as the affinity they replaced, or the new ones I've got now
Richey_B Richey_B
Posts: 15
Post #32 10 Aug 2019 17:54
0
Don't suppose any one knows if the spools are the same on the affinity 2s as the later model ltds in the 7000 size cheers
Cambscarper1974 Cambscarper1974
Posts: 1,404
Post #33 10 Aug 2019 18:36
0
In reply to Post #31
Absolutely. It depends on the QC and practices that are in place at the factory. Same applies to bikes. There's top-end, high quality carbon frames made with quality carbon in a clean, modern factory and then there's cheap crap made in a sweat shop somewhere. Any brand relying on OEM manufacturing would have done stringent checks to make sure the quality is to spec.
warchild warchild
Posts: 803
Post #34 23 Aug 2019 09:51
0
i like these reels, much better than my 170 quid shimanos when i had them,but ive also been a longterm okuma big pit fan , there light and strong with stunning line lay but the line would go behind the spool easy, and thats a nightmare at times, so i got the penn 7000, with the wiper blade system,and bugga me it stops it 100 % so im very happy, only problem is 1 reel has been a bit less smooth from new, but still good strong reels, and the wiper is great feature
Cambscarper1974 Cambscarper1974
Posts: 1,404
Post #35 23 Aug 2019 16:36
0
In reply to Post #34
Did you buy the wiper blades with the reels or separately from somewhere else?
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #36 23 Aug 2019 16:38
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In reply to Post #35
They are on them already
Bablemikey Bablemikey
Posts: 343
Post #37 23 Aug 2019 17:20
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In reply to Post #36
Bit of a bargain at £80 I'd say. Plenty of bang for buck there.
Cambscarper1974 Cambscarper1974
Posts: 1,404
Post #38 23 Aug 2019 18:54
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In reply to Post #36
Good news indeed
Cambscarper1974 Cambscarper1974
Posts: 1,404
Post #39 23 Aug 2019 18:54
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In reply to Post #37
Yes, might have to flog my 5500's ASAP.
Rich1234
Posts: 238
Post #40 24 Aug 2019 09:22
0
In reply to Post #39
Had mine a week or so now, 4 trips fishing. They are the best reels for the money I've had, not too big, but big enough. Spool good for 100 yard casting, lighter than I thought, terrific drag, and simple QD operation. I've had some of the expensive Shimanos too heavy, Daiwa too expensive, look at the crazy prices for the old kit Daiwa reels just to look a proper carper. No these are great reels and I'd guess long lasting.
NemesisWitch NemesisWitch
Posts: 1,423
Post #41 24 Aug 2019 10:14
0
In reply to Post #40
Great reels, echo what everyone else has said.
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #42 24 Aug 2019 10:21
0
In reply to Post #40
Top end shimanos are not heavy.
And the old daiwa reels that are still in production and costly for the ‘technology' are expensive because they're not built to fall apart, are incredibly well supported with spares from the manufacturer and won't be obsolete in a few years like Penn seem to be doing.
Thought you had just got okuma reels and written a glowing review of those?
Chuffy Chuffy
Posts: 6,794
Post #43 24 Aug 2019 10:48
0
Cambscarper1974 Cambscarper1974
Posts: 1,404
Post #44 24 Aug 2019 14:34
0
In reply to Post #43
food for thought. I want something with a long spool for casting if I have to. The pit I am on sometimes requires a 120yd chuck when the fish are at range.
weaver83 weaver83
Posts: 1,059
Post #45 5 Sep 2019 18:44
0
Just seen a video teaser of the new penn affinities, have to say they look the nuts.
Leachy Leachy
Posts: 486
Post #46 5 Sep 2019 20:31
0
In reply to Post #45
Where did you see the vid mate? Link?
weaver83 weaver83
Posts: 1,059
Post #47 5 Sep 2019 21:01
0
In reply to Post #46
Can't do links sorry but jrc shared it on fb earlier its called the affinity 2 custom carbon edition I think.
Edit easier to find on penn fishing fb page I think.
Leachy Leachy
Posts: 486
Post #48 5 Sep 2019 21:08
0
In reply to Post #47
OK cheers mate
Cambscarper1974 Cambscarper1974
Posts: 1,404
Post #49 5 Sep 2019 22:50
0
Does this have the folding handle like the Affinity 2?
weaver83 weaver83
Posts: 1,059
Post #50 6 Sep 2019 00:07
0
In reply to Post #49
Sorry it doesn't show it folding on the vids or mention it on the brief list of features, but it's got lots of carbon fibre lol, if your on fb take a look.
Cambscarper1974 Cambscarper1974
Posts: 1,404
Post #51 6 Sep 2019 08:15
0
In reply to Post #50
Had a look yesterday. Looks good but a deal breaker if it doesn't have a folding handle. Don't want to look tarty but with big pits my bars are too narrow for three reels so need a folding handle. The Affinity 2 has one and its cheap right now so may just go for that as the shiny new carbon ones will be more money.
bluebeat13
Posts: 2,168
Post #52 6 Sep 2019 08:31
0
Only thing I don't like about the affinity II's is the way the handle folds. Fine in the warmer months but it seizes up a bit in the winter.

Anyone know if you can swap the arms?
phil090781
Posts: 2,335
Post #53 6 Sep 2019 09:00
0
In reply to Post #52
They did quick release and a standard where you Have to unscrew the other side to fold the ha down
Bablemikey Bablemikey
Posts: 343
Post #54 6 Sep 2019 11:25
0
New ones look very cool with the carbon fibre. If I didn't already use a set of 7000s I'd definitely be looking at these new ones.
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #55 8 Sep 2019 15:52
0
Any prices on the new Penns yet
ass_ass_in ass_ass_in
Posts: 65
Post #56 9 Sep 2019 18:20
0
Does anyone know how the Penn 7000s compare in size to the Onyx Compact reels? Had a play with the Onyx but no stock of the Penns local to me for a comparison
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #57 9 Sep 2019 18:20
0
In reply to Post #56
Penns are a little bigger than the compact onyx
ass_ass_in ass_ass_in
Posts: 65
Post #58 9 Sep 2019 18:26
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In reply to Post #57
Thankyou
Gary76
Posts: 342
Post #59 9 Sep 2019 23:32
0
Which one (7000 or 8000) would compare to the size of tournament 6000's?
Cheers
woody71
Posts: 3,098
Post #60 10 Sep 2019 09:29
0
In reply to Post #59
I would say the 8000 penn would compare better to the 6000 tourny, imo the 7000 penn is a nice size general carp reel probably more comparable to a 5000 tourny size wise
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #61 10 Sep 2019 09:39
0
In reply to Post #59
Not seen tourney 6000s in the flesh, but id be surprised if they were as big as the 8000 penn. They are massive. The 7000 is more a standard sized big pit
alfremundo alfremundo
Posts: 726
Post #62 16 Sep 2019 20:45
0
In reply to Post #1
Sold Shimano baby pits for these reels last summer because I was trying to be tarty - terrible decision
weaver83 weaver83
Posts: 1,059
Post #63 16 Sep 2019 20:53
0
In reply to Post #62
Why?
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #64 17 Sep 2019 00:21
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In reply to Post #62
The Penn is not a baby pit though
billy-bass billy-bass
Posts: 951
Post #65 17 Sep 2019 19:42
0
In reply to Post #1
Had my Penns for a while now and think they're great for the price.
The only small gripe I have is that the handles have faded in the sun and gone from black, to a copper colour.
warchild warchild
Posts: 803
Post #66 17 Sep 2019 21:05
0
In reply to Post #65
do you find the handle fold is easy to push back, mine are very stiff to push in and can be tuff to do, apart from that for 75 a reel i think there good value
billy-bass billy-bass
Posts: 951
Post #67 18 Sep 2019 06:02
0
In reply to Post #66
Mine are fine to fold back
nicky_napkins nicky_napkins
Posts: 597
Post #68 6 Aug 2020 22:39
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In reply to Post #67
Has anyone used the new carbon version yet?
nicky_napkins nicky_napkins
Posts: 597
Post #69 16 Aug 2020 03:19
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In reply to Post #68
..
DarthMullet
Posts: 321
Post #70 16 Aug 2020 18:14
0
In reply to Post #42
Recently, I had an accident with the barrow where it fell over and rolled through 180 degrees, knackering the bail arm on one of my 22 year old Tournies in the process (which, incidentally, have never had a service but are still going strong.) I sent the knackered one back to Daiwa and it was returned within a week, fixed up spot on, and zero charge, not even for postage. Now that is top drawer service, well impressed.
Baitman Baitman
Posts: 5,237
Post #71 16 Aug 2020 20:00
0
Whats the difference between the 7000 mk1 and the mk2.
GreenCalx GreenCalx
Posts: 310
Post #72 16 Aug 2020 22:14
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In reply to Post #68
Yes I have.

🤣
nicky_napkins nicky_napkins
Posts: 597
Post #73 16 Aug 2020 22:21
0
In reply to Post #72
Good.. Are you happy?
Do the handles fold down easily or do you have to unscrew them from the other side?
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #74 16 Aug 2020 22:55
0
In reply to Post #71
Mk1 came with spare spool and two handles, wood or plastic.
Spen89 Spen89
Posts: 507
Post #75 16 Aug 2020 23:11
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In reply to Post #74
Never got wooden handles with my mark 1s. Did buy second hand, makes me wonder what the bloke did with them
phil090781
Posts: 2,335
Post #76 16 Aug 2020 23:21
0
In reply to Post #75
I bought mk1's brand new and only got spools. No wooden handles. Think it was the slightly later ones that came with 2 handles but no spare spools.
secret-agent secret-agent
Posts: 2,956
Post #77 17 Aug 2020 06:39
0
My mk1s came with spare spools and 2 handles, wood and plastic.
Amebix
Posts: 21
Post #78 17 Aug 2020 09:14
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In reply to Post #77
My affinitys came with only spare spools i have The Grey ones think The Black ones came with extra handle.
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #79 17 Aug 2020 09:18
0
In reply to Post #76
Nope, all the mk1 came with spools and handles. Most likely someone with sticky fingers had the wooden ones for their own reels
Baitman Baitman
Posts: 5,237
Post #80 17 Aug 2020 12:44
0
In reply to Post #74
So apart from spare spool and extra handles are the mk1 and mk2 reels the same.
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #81 17 Aug 2020 12:48
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In reply to Post #80
Pretty much, slightly different drag knob on the front
Baitman Baitman
Posts: 5,237
Post #82 17 Aug 2020 13:15
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In reply to Post #81
But same drag, bearings, reel quality etc. Cheers.
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #83 17 Aug 2020 13:22
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In reply to Post #82
Stronger main shaft on mk2,had issues with flexing on mk1.I was told this by their sales rep
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #84 17 Aug 2020 14:32
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In reply to Post #83
Really? God knows what people were doing to bend the shafts on the mk1, I found them strong as anything and had cats to over 60"lb on them with no damage
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #85 17 Aug 2020 14:33
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In reply to Post #82
Yeah drag, line lay etc all still superb
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #86 17 Aug 2020 14:40
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In reply to Post #84
I asked the same question when I got the mk2s for a mate from the shop I go.The rep would not go into too much detail about it
mistercarp
Posts: 1,305
Post #87 19 May 2021 11:24
0
In reply to Post #86
And after these years of using them, guys: are they still 'silent" reels?

I always have used Shimano (higher end reels) and once had a Daiwa Infinity baitrunner reel. What I noticed the Daiwa reels all sound like squeeky, knocking coffee grinders after some use (watch some Korda videos of the high profile anglers). This while my Shimano's are still in great shape and are still silent when winding in. So Daiwa isn't in the picture for me.

Just tried a Penn Affinity 3 in my local shop and I was impressed. Felt very good and quality.

How do there sound after some use?
MiniWelsh MiniWelsh
Posts: 2,383
Post #88 19 May 2021 11:56
0
In reply to Post #87
Mine still work as new and I haven't had them serviced since owning them
Flipper_Al Flipper_Al
Posts: 1,634
Post #89 19 May 2021 18:56
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In reply to Post #88
I posted on here 3 years ago, mine are still superb
secret-agent secret-agent
Posts: 2,956
Post #90 19 May 2021 20:28
0
In reply to Post #87
Mine have been used and abused week in week out for years and are still perfect, done zero maintenance on them.
mistercarp
Posts: 1,305
Post #91 19 May 2021 21:15
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In reply to Post #90
Great, thanks for your input guys. I appreciate it.
Nelbow Nelbow
Posts: 385
Post #92 19 May 2021 21:25
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In reply to Post #90
Know of any outlets that do the spare spools?
bluebeat13
Posts: 2,168
Post #93 19 May 2021 21:29
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In reply to Post #92
They come up on eBay occasionally. Apart from that I've struggled to find anyone. Jim's Reel Shop website says they have them, but they don't.
Nelbow Nelbow
Posts: 385
Post #94 20 May 2021 12:31
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In reply to Post #93
Yup! I found that out too with Jim. Nowhere else I can see them. From my understanding it's a reel that was produced for the European market and has now been discontinued.
mistercarp
Posts: 1,305
Post #95 20 May 2021 16:14
0
In reply to Post #94
One more thing guys; read reports of the reels handle turning a copper color. Did your reels suffer from that too?
MiniWelsh MiniWelsh
Posts: 2,383
Post #96 20 May 2021 18:32
0
In reply to Post #95
Nope. Not yet anyway
secret-agent secret-agent
Posts: 2,956
Post #97 20 May 2021 19:53
0
In reply to Post #95
Mine haven't
mistercarp
Posts: 1,305
Post #98 20 May 2021 20:28
0
In reply to Post #97
Okay, thanks for that knowledge.

I saw it mentioned a few times and then I noticed this picture: picture
nicky_napkins nicky_napkins
Posts: 597
Post #99 20 May 2021 21:42
0
In reply to Post #98
I have had my Penn affinity carbon black reels for about 2 years now, they have been brilliant... One thing though on one reel, when the clutch is loose it doesn't go as loose as the other two, I'm not sure why atm?
Baza1075
Posts: 552
Post #100 20 May 2021 22:07
0
In reply to Post #95
I have seen that in pictures but not on my ones.
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