Penn 525 MAGs

[SiDtheFish]

What is happening with Penn Reels
I have 2 original MAGs (slidey), now 25 yrs old and very well used. They were tuned as per the leaflet enclosed (Niel McKellow) and have worked brilliantly ever since despite use on the rocks/piers etc, which would (and have) destroyed 6500s. I recently purchased a 525 MAG 3 (DOH) which is slow (despite new bearings), the spool rubs and the free/engage spool lever is bent. The lever is too short and has to be bent to engage gear! The spool shaft is also a loose fit in the 'bullet' receiver at the MAG end. What I've done is put new ceramic run dry bearings in all three reels. The new one is stil crap, unpredictable and noisy, so it's been demoted to the bottom of the seat box for emergency use only. The old reels still just 'sing', so long a mainline is 0.3mm+

[kstaff]

And now there is a 4th release,they are Blue and have many improvements on the Mag 3 allegedly. Lots of the MAG 3 have sold without issue though so you may just be unlucky. A worthy contender for a replacement to your originals would be the Penn Fathom or Akios Nitron, both are way ahead of the Mag 3 range and fantastic reels.

[gearoid mc s.]

Echo the above from Kstaff, Fathom's are a sublime reel magged or not.

Have original 525's, any of the sequels are an embarrassment to the name

[kstaff]

How ya Gearoid! Mr Original 525 must be spinning in his grave

[SiDtheFish]

Thanks lads. I use fathoms on the boat, They get left there for the whole season without maintenance and just need a quick check over/wash/bearing clean and oil. Think I'll get a mag conversion for my spare and use it for shore and boat. Further thought makes me ponder whether this mag fathom would replace my 1990s 535MAG for rough ground/conger/tope.

[gearoid mc s.]

Thanks lads. I use fathoms on the boat, They get left there for the whole season without maintenance and just need a quick check over/wash/bearing clean and oil. Think I'll get a mag conversion for my spare and use it for shore and boat. Further thought makes me ponder whether this mag fathom would replace my 1990s 535MAG for rough ground/conger/tope.

The 535 original had stainless gears (most reels have softer brass), it's is as close to unbreakable as a reel can come. Fathom is a little less crude and more refined.

[ste c]

Fathoms all the way compare to them mags or better still daiwa saltists different league

[SiDtheFish]

Anybody tried the Avet reels, used to be expensive but now mid-range

[Dave F]

Huge fan of the Fathoms. I have a pair, currently getting serviced and the second one magged. Really easy casting and strong. Can't wait to get them back. I have an original 525 mag and prefer the Fathoms. Better feel overall.

[shortcircuit]

I got a 525 mag 2 a few years ago and am in love with it. It is so robust, casts great and has great power on the retrieve

[SiDtheFish]

Thanks for the advice guys. Getting spare fathom magged up by Carey (supposed to be better than factory). Avet reels look interesting. I know a couple of lads in the UK who swear by them. Hadn't realised how reasonable in price they are now, or is it just that everybody (except Penn) is charging stratospheric prices?

[SiDtheFish]

Hi Lads
Get the fathom thing. My CM modified Fathom 15 arrived and it's a rocketship, and does (though I hate to admit it) feel smoother and more solid than the old 525s. The integration of the mods into the sideplate is a work of art. Let's see how the fathom bears up though the next 25yrs, though it'll be someone else casting it by then

[ste c]

I fish with a pair of avet sx mc great reels once stripped of all the heavy grease would highly rate them

[SiDtheFish]

ste c
How do you get on with the mag knob on the Avet? It looks small and slippery compared to others? I'm having a clear out of rods and reels and have accumulated enough for a new rod (watch this space), CM magged fathom and Avet SX MC. I'm over the moon with the fathom, but think the Avet would be better for tope, conger etc, due to better line capacity. The fathom has a 525 spool and tope have very nearly spooled me with a 525. It really is amazing how far 15lb ultima will stretch when you're nearly on the spool knot and have to stop the reel hard, it's like trying to play the fish with a pole and 300m of elastic!