For my set of (used) France reels looks like I'm choosing between -

Penn 7000
Okuma 8k
Shimano 1400 xtd

Any significantly worse or better than the others?
Weight wise shimano are 500 odd grams, Penn 650, Okuma 700+ but not massively worried about that as only using once a year.

If I can find any okuma Obsidian on offer over Christmas I may stretch to those but currently there's a big price difference between the 8k and obsidian.

Currently using 3x of the Okuma 8K's for the last few months and been very happy so far.

Smooth cast, good retrieval and I quite like the weight being more on the heavy side, feels good on a 12ft rod.

In reply to Post #1
Had my penn affinity mark 1s for 10+ years still work like new other than the handles being a bit faded. My rods and reels are thrown into a quiver too with no protection and still they look and perform great.

I've heard great things about okuma obsidians and have inc 6000 myself so no doubt they make a decent reel too

In reply to Post #1
Out of those id take the Penn everytime

In reply to Post #1
Got a set of Penn Tidal XTs every bit as good as Shimano IMO

In reply to Post #1
None of them - stick with Daiwa . . . .always

I've owned reels from all of those manufacturers over the years and by far the best are the Penn's and they are what I now currently use.

In reply to Post #1
I own reels from all this brands and specifically have the Penn Affinity 7000s. I don't think you would go wrong with any of them but if I was choosing I would probably go for the Penn

Got the okuma great reels slightly on the heavy side

In reply to Post #1
Absolutely the Penn

In reply to Post #10
I have the Penn custom carbon 7000 I wouldn't want anything else.. Very happy with them

In reply to Post #1
Ive had all the Dawias and Shimanos, the Penns and now use the 8k. There superb. As good as my beloved TS6000 |Dawias. But a third of the price when I bought them. Shallow spools as well. Cant recommend them enough

I always look at what spares are available. I don't know about Penn but Okuma spare are difficult to get, Shimano are usually widely available.

In reply to Post #1
I've got 2 sets of penn's - 7000 and 8000. Have never had any issues with either, and have not read a SINGLE bad review on them, ever. Fantastic reels.

Okuma Inc8000's orTrio Rex are worth a look. Have several Inc 7000's and can honestly say they're great. The 8k are just a bit bigger... Also have a pair of the Trios.. bucket spool but not a ridiculous size. Smooth clutch.. folding handle. We'll made.. no monkey metal , under a £100 each.. Nothing to dislike about them imo!